BOLIVAR, MO – Teaching free enterprise and business from a values-based perspective and with a distinctively Christian ethic—that was the motivation behind the recently released book, “Opportunity: Introducing Free Enterprise and Business,” by Southwest Baptist University educator and pastor, David Whitlock (Wipf and Stock Publishers: Resource Publications, Eugene, OR). “Opportunity” is a textbook introducing free enterprise and business principles in story form, complete with the suspense and intrigue of a novel. This "novel text" integrates a survey of business disciplines with a biblical worldview. In enlightening ways the book explores the integration of faith and ethics.
This unique approach follows the story of Christian Durant, a student at Leland University, who worked his way through college at a local retailer. Though he studied history, he completed a minor in business and upon graduation moved into the management training program at the retail giant. Years later, serving as a store manager, Christian marries Leigh Whitfield and is approached by an old friend, Scott Pierce, with an opportunity to join him in a start-up manufacturing business. Christian and Leigh join their friends -- Scott and his wife, Carol -- as they learn more than they thought imaginable about starting and managing a business. Then tragedy strikes. Scott is killed in a mysterious accident, the business suffers setbacks, and friendships are stressed to the point of breaking. Christian faces a crisis, professionally and personally, and seeks answers that lead him ultimately to a newfound faith and peace. Christian and Leigh weigh the possibilities of selling their interest in the business and starting over. Meanwhile, the investigation into the death of Scott Pierce uncovers surprises that no one expected . . . The book may be purchased at www.wipfandstock.com or other booksellers (ISBN #: 1-55635-148-8).
Dr. Whitlock completed his B.S. and M.B.A. at Southeastern Oklahoma State University and his Ph.D. at the University of Oklahoma. He currently serves as Associate Provost, Dean of the College of Business and Computer Science, and Professor of Business at Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. He has taught business and leadership for over twenty years including fourteen years as a faculty member at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Whitlock is also an ordained bivocational minister and currently serves Wellspring Baptist Fellowship in Bolivar, Missouri, previously having served as a bivocational pastor at Silo Baptist Church and earlier at Hendrix Baptist Church. His grandfather, Harold Whitlock is a retired SBC minister in Hinton, Oklahoma and his great-grandfather, A.F. Whitlock was a SBC pastor and director of missions in Oklahoma. Whitlock and his wife, Dana, have four sons: Joshua, Ryan, David, and Landon. “Opportunity” has been receiving favorable reviews including the following:
“Nothing short of brilliant. David Whitlock has creatively put together a fascinating introductory textbook for college and university business students. In this well written work students will be introduced to all aspects of the business world . . . This exciting pedagogical tool enables students to grasp the big picture, while wrestling with matters of faith, ethical issues, and accountability challenges. . . . I heartily commend it and trust it will find the wide audience it deserves."
-- David Dockery, President, Union University;
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Council for Christian Colleges and Universities
"I recommend 'Opportunity' to anyone involved in the study of business. I am also interested in making this book available to all of our entry and mid-level managers."
-- Mr. Kelly Baker, Executive Vice President of Sales, Teters Floral Products, Inc.
"David Whitlock has applied a unique approach to writing an introductory business text with a faith-based message. Students receive the advantage of two books for the price of one -- a textbook and a novel. This is truly a novel approach to learning business and free enterprise in America."
-- Robert Masters
Vice President for Academic Affairs, Kansas Board of Regents
"Dr. David Whitlock is passionate about the life that God has given him through the Lord Jesus Christ. That passion is very evident in his book, 'Opportunity: Introducing Free Enterprise and Business'. This introduction to business textbook communicates basic business principles. . . . The most striking dimension of the book is the author's unapologetic presentation from a biblical Christian worldview. . . . It is my privilege and honor to recommend this book to those who desire to present business from a faith-based perspective."
-- Gordon Dutile
Provost, Southwest Baptist University
"I like the approach. 'Opportunity' departs from the same old dull-as-dishwater encyclopedic presentation style. The writing is generally lively and moves the reader along to the next subject."
-- Shawn Ritenour
Associate Professor of Economics, Grove City College
"Easy read. . . . Dr. Whitlock captures the interest of the reader with a story that bridges the gap between theory and application. 'Opportunity' is a story that is easy to understand, remember and apply. It is about time someone applied what we all know about how to help other people learn and remember—tell them a story!"
-- Steve Parscale
Director of Accreditation, The Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs
"I am a get-to-the-point kind of reader and usually don't read novels even on vacation . . . but the story really got me hooked and made it much more enjoyable and intriguing to read."
-- Alvin Rhors
CEO, Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE)
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