E-Book Overview
The relationship of economics, capitalism and wealth to the ethics and morality of religion has intrigued and challenged policymakers, pressure groups, theologians, sociologists, economists and historians for centuries. Here David Jeremy addresses these questions in the context of modern Britain. His 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.
E-Book Content
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. Editor: David J. Jeremy, Professor of Business History, The Manchester Metropolitan University. Routledge International Studies in Business History Series Editor: Geoffrey Jones 1 Management, Education and Competitiveness Europe, Japan and the United States Edited by Rolv Petter Amdam 2 The Development of Accounting in an International Context A Festschrift in honour of R. H. Parker Edited by T. E. Cooke and C. W. Nobes 3 The Dynamics of the International Brewing Industry Since 1800 Edited by R. G. Wilson and T. R. Gourvish 4 Religion, Business and Wealth in Modern Britain Edited by David J. Jeremy Religion, Business and Wealth in Modern Britain Edited by David J. Jeremy London and New York First published 1998 by Routledge 11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada by Routledge 29 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10001 This edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2001. © 1998 Edited by David J. Jeremy All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilized in any form or by any electronic, mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including photocopying and recording, or in any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publishers. British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Library of Congress Cataloguing in Publication Data Religion, business and wealth in modern Britain / edited by David J. Jeremy. p. cm. 1. Capitalism–Religious aspects–Protestant churches. 2. Great Britain–Economic conditions–19th century. 3. Great Britain–Economic conditions–20th century 4. Great Britain–Church history–19th century. 5. Great Britain–Church history–20th century. I. Jeremy, David J. BR115.C3R45 1998 306.6'0941–dc21 97–29571 CIP ISBN 0–415–16898–8 (Print Edition) ISBN 0-203-02535-0 Master e-book ISBN ISBN 0-203-13202-5 (Glassbook Format) Contents