Faith and Economic Practice: Protestant Businessmen in Chicago, 1900-1920

Faith and Economic Practice: Protestant Businessmen in Chicago,1900-1920 explores the role of religion in North American society in the 20th Century, examining the interactions between religious expression and economic order and the role of religion in capitalism.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 09 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

First published in 1989, "Faith and Economic Practice: Protestant Businessmen in Chicago, 1900-1920" delves into the profound influence of religion on North American society during the 20th century. Set against the backdrop of a religious resurgence in American culture, characterized by various phenomena such as the Moral Majority, television preachers, prayer breakfasts, parochial schools, brainwashing cults, anti-pornography campaigns, and organizations dedicated to restoring Judeo-Christian values, the volume explores the intricate interplay between religious expression and economic order within the broader context of society. By examining the lives of businessmen in Chicago who were simultaneously prominent figures in the capitalist economy and active members of Protestant churches with personal religious agendas, the book sheds light on the complex relationships between religious belief and economic systems. Through this comprehensive examination, the book aims to assess the extent to which these businessmen's religious views were shaped by their business experiences and social outlook as members of the wealthy elite of society.

The religious resurgence in American society during the 20th century was marked by a multitude of phenomena, including the Moral Majority, television preachers, prayer breakfasts, parochial schools, brainwashing cults, anti-pornography campaigns, and organizations dedicated to restoring Judeo-Christian values. These events reflected a growing sense of religious fervor and a desire to reclaim traditional religious values in a society that had been increasingly secularized.

In the context of this religious resurgence, "Faith and Economic Practice: Protestant Businessmen in Chicago, 1900-1920" takes a unique approach by examining the role of religion in the lives of businessmen in Chicago. The book focuses on the interactions between religious expression and economic order, and the role of religion in capitalism. By studying businessmen who were both leading actors in a capitalist society and active members of Protestant churches with personal religious agendas, the book seeks to understand how their religious beliefs were shaped by their business experiences and social outlook.

One of the key themes of the book is the relationship between religious expression and economic order. The authors argue that religion played a significant role in shaping the economic behavior of businessmen in Chicago. They note that many businessmen were deeply religious and that their religious beliefs influenced their decision-making processes, particularly in terms of their business practices and investments. For example, some businessmen were motivated by their religious beliefs to prioritize social responsibility and to invest in companies that were seen as ethical and socially responsible.

However, the authors also recognize that religion could be used as a tool to justify economic practices that were not necessarily ethical or socially responsible. They note that some businessmen used their religious beliefs to justify discrimination against certain groups, such as racial or ethnic minorities, or to engage in practices that were harmful to the environment or to workers.

Another theme of the book is the role of religion in capitalism. The authors argue that religion could be either a source of strength or a source of weakness for capitalism. On the one hand, religion could provide a moral framework for businessmen and help them to make ethical decisions and to prioritize social responsibility. On the other hand, religion could also be used to justify economic practices that were harmful to society, such as exploitation or inequality.

The authors also explore the impact of religion on the social outlook of businessmen in Chicago. They note that many businessmen were deeply committed to their religious beliefs and that their religious values influenced their attitudes towards social issues such as poverty, inequality, and social justice. For example, some businessmen were motivated by their religious beliefs to support social programs and to advocate for the rights of marginalized groups.

However, the authors also recognize that religion could be used to justify social inequalities and to perpetuate systems of oppression. They note that some businessmen used their religious beliefs to justify discrimination against certain groups, such as women or racial or ethnic minorities, or to support policies that were harmful to these groups.

Overall, "Faith and Economic Practice: Protestant Businessmen in Chicago, 1900-1920" provides a valuable insight into the role of religion in North American society during the 20th century. The book explores the complex relationships between religious expression and economic order, and the role of religion in capitalism. By studying the lives of businessmen in Chicago who were both leading actors in a capitalist society and active members of Protestant churches with personal religious agendas, the book sheds light on the ways in which their religious beliefs were shaped by their business experiences and social outlook. The book is a valuable contribution to the field of religious studies and to the study of economic history more broadly.

Weight: 548g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367530099