Why did merchants and manufacturers use moral or christian arguments?

Question: Why did merchants and manufacturers use moral or christian arguments?

Merchants and manufacturers in various historical contexts have used moral or Christian arguments to justify their business practices and expansion strategies. This was particularly evident during periods of colonial expansion and the Industrial Revolution, where such arguments were employed to rationalize the takeover of foreign lands and the distribution of commodities. By aligning their commercial interests with moral and religious principles, these entities aimed to present their activities as not only economically beneficial but also ethically sound and divinely sanctioned. This approach often helped to mitigate public and international criticism, providing a veneer of legitimacy to the exploitation of resources and labor in the colonies. Additionally, invoking Christian morality played a role in the justification of employing local populations, framing it as a form of benevolence or civilizing mission.