Capitalists and Christians: Business Leaders and the Churches in Britain 1900-1960

Abstract

This is a study of the relationship between capitalism and Christianity in twentieth-century Britain. David Jeremy examines the collective biographies of three business elites in order to explore issues important to business and religion. How did the churches shape the thinking of future business leaders? What impact did Christianity have on big business? How has the participation of business people in religious life affected the major Protestant denominations? David Jeremy traces the development of business values in a formally Christian society; he shows how churchmen among business leaders related their faith to their business and the dilemmas this could entail; and he uncovers the varying parts played by businessmen from personal involvement in their local congregation to funding and organizing major denominations, or an interdenominational venture like the 1954 Billy Graham Crusade to London. Using a wide range of sources, including newspapers and journals, unpublished records, and interviews, Dr Jeremy has produced a thought-provoking analysis of a relationship that can be both tense and fruitful. His insights into the private faith and business ethics of leading entrepreneurs and businessmen are underpinned by intensive quantitative analysis. Capitalists and Christians is an invaluable study of the intertwining of two vital strands in twentieth-century British history.