Religion, Business and Wealth in Modern Britain

The connections between religion and capitalism have intrigued and challenged policy-makers, pressure groups, theologians, sociologists, economists and historians for centuries. Should economics be subordinate to morality and the ethics of religion? Has Protestantism been conducive to capitalism? How should the rich use their wealth? What roles should rich people play in the life of religious organisations?

Religion, Business and Wealth in Modern Britain addresses such questions in the context of modern Britain, with three identifiable approaches. First, many of the essays examine significant individuals and groups within religious and ethnic minorities such as Quakers, Methodists, and Congregationalists. Second, a number of essays discuss issues raised by these empirical studies from a broader analytical perspective. Finally, the editor's introduction and several essays provide a more theoretical angle on aspects of religion and economics such as the relationship between classical economists and Christian political economy.

The preliminary survey of historical controversies within religion and business, and the accompanying chronology of significant events since the 1770s are an extremely useful introduction for those unfamiliar with the field.