Faith and Fortune: Navigating the Crossroads of Evangelicalism and Capitalism
An optimist’s view of evangelicalism and capitalism might resemble
a dance that ebbs and flows together in rhythms that rise and fall in an exchange of faith and fortune. Conversely, a pessimist’s view of these two critical forces could look more like tossing yesterday’s forgotten leftovers into a jumbled cauldron of hash, destined to become tomorrow’s unexciting brown paper sack lunch.
This post will consider writings by D.W. Bebbington and Dr. Jason Swan Clark and their efforts to define evangelicalism and capitalism. It will also explore who wins and who loses when those two powerful forces become interdependent.
Key Points from the Readings
In his text Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1980s, Bebbington posits that beyond John Wesley and Wilber Wilberforce, evangelicals of Britain have been overlooked.[1] As such, he aims to fill that gap by offering historical contexts, social and cultural influences, challenges, critiques, and more.
In his journal article, Evangelicalism and Capitalism: A Reparative Account and Diagnosis of Pathogeneses in the Relationship, Dr. Clark utilizes a combination of map-making, along with the medical framework and terminology of pathology typically used to define a disease. He dissects how the theological tenets of evangelicalism, such as personal responsibility, individualism, and hard work, align with capitalist values. Because of their similarities, Christians have interpreted evangelicalism as a theological endorsement of capitalism, especially as it relates to free markets and economic growth.
Defining Evangelicalism
According to Bebbington, there are four main characteristics, including “Conversionism (the emphasis on personal conversion), activism (the importance of spreading the faith), biblicism (the centrality of the Bible), and crucicentrism (the focus on the atoning work of Christ).”[2] Clark laments that “Award-winning books on Evangelicalism written by academics fail to define Evangelicalism,”[3] but he recognizes it as a movement within protestant Christianity that emphasizes personal conversion, the authority of scripture, the importance of sharing the faith (evangelism), and the significance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
The Winners and Losers in the Marriage of Evangelicalism and Capitalism
The interconnectedness of evangelicalism and capitalism certainly comes with a mixed bag of consequences that both authors tackle. After launching around the 16th century,[4] capitalism gained steam globally and has positively increased the world’s wealth, reduced poverty, and encouraged innovation along with global trade. Individuals experienced greater economic mobility, which allowed them to spread their faith by engaging in social reforms and developing schools, libraries, hospitals, churches, and other civic engagements. While it created opportunities for upward mobility through innovation, entrepreneurship, and competition, capitalism has undergone significant changes over time that have brought about negative consequences, creating division across families, churches, and communities. The rise in materialism and consumerism, fueled by tax policies that favor the wealthy, has widened the income gap for middle and low-income earners. What was once touted as the solution to poverty, capitalism is increasing poverty in many parts of the globe. The fallout has resulted in disparities in access to quality education, technology, and health care.
With a contemporary Western worldview, I agree with Bebbington that capitalistic wealth and success have diluted the spiritual focus and priorities among evangelicals, resulting in a consumer culture that compromises the core tenets of faith.[5] Dr. Clark’s opinion also concurs that evangelical values intertwined with capitalist practices lead to a commodification of faith.[6] Our identity has become synonymous with market indices, and our measures of success that were once connected to God are now connected to Wall Street.
There is so much more to be said on this subject. However, the Book of Daniel reminds us of several times that The Most High God rules all kingdoms on earth and chooses for their rulers persons of humble birth (Daniel 4:17). God is in control whether we realize it or not. He made each of us in His image to satisfy His plan and purpose. Our task as responsible Christians is to self-assess often like Dr. Dunahoo recently mentioned during the advance. If we find ourselves inadvertently worshipping the false idols found in materialism and consumerism, heed the warnings found in Daniel’s dream of the fruit tree that flourished to cover the earth with food and shelter, only to be cut down to a stump surrounded by iron chains and grass. God has the power to rebuild anything He has reduced to rubble, including people he has punished due to pride and stubbornness.
I believe we are at a time of reckoning with our God, our faith within, and our kingdom brothers and sisters. Going forward, a sense of humility and curiosity will help shift the tides of greed to dance a new beginning so we can once again fully join the table of the Lord before us.
[1] Bebbington, David. Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1980s. Transferred to digital printing, Routledge, 2005. Px.
[2] Ibid. p3
[3] Clark, Jason. “Evangelicalism and Capitalism: A Reparative Account and Diagnosis of Pathogeneses in the Relationship.” Faculty Publications – Portland Seminary, June 2018, https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/gfes/132. P.34
[4] Britannica Money. 12 Sept. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/money/capitalism.
[5] Bebbington, David. Evangelicalism in Modern Britain: A History from the 1730s to the 1980s. Transferred to digital printing, Routledge, 2005. P138.
[6] Clark, Jason. “Evangelicalism and Capitalism: A Reparative Account and Diagnosis of Pathogeneses in the Relationship.” Faculty Publications – Portland Seminary, June 2018, https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/gfes/132. P.
About the Author
Jennifer Eckert
Fundraising director, people connector, believer in second chances, fights poverty, supports justice reform, lives a life integrated with Matthew 25.9 responses to “Faith and Fortune: Navigating the Crossroads of Evangelicalism and Capitalism”
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Thanks Jen. Well done on pushing through the book!! How do you view the intersection of evangelicalism and capitalism today—does it offer opportunities for positive social impact, or does it simply risk distorting core spiritual values by prioritizing material success over faith?
Hi friend. My 3 AM (can’t sleep, please forgive typos) response says that today’s marriage between capitalism and evangelicalism is tilted to benefit the wealthy. Yes, it once was a healthy force for good, but it has since been infiltrated by greed and pride. Politics has been inserted, which contributed to the “exvangelical” movement, fueling those now identifying as “nones” or no religion. My hope remains that most exvangelicals still see themselves as followers of Jesus despite moving away from the label of Christian.
Evangelicalism and capitalism can still produce good fruit, but I am seeing less and less of that today. God willing, that will change for the better in the future.
Jennifer, yes, a time of reckoning indeed! And yet… have you seen – or could you posit – some actionable, boots-on-the-ground tactics for making an impact on the world, even if it’s just our small network of friends and family?
That’s where I get stuck, especially as I watch what’s going on in our political sphere right now. And the political sphere is intimately connected to the consumer and market spheres. Every moment of every day is connected to every other moment, by the series of small choices we make.
I’m rambling a bit. But I do wonder: What can we DO? (Yes, PRAY!)
Great question, my friend. The main thing I keep going back to is simply “listen, listen, love, love.” This happens to be the Kairos mantra, which is fitting. God’s timing, not ours (Kronos time). I find that trying to fit myself into a label is counter-effective. I don’t ever use the label evangelical; however, I try to lead by example so that people around me notice the work being done at the margins of society. Shhh….don’t tell them it’s evangelism.
Your graphic reminds me of the signs I’ve seen posted along the highways – Jesus Saves. I’ve always wanted to tack onto them “at Kroger” or at “Wayne County National Bank.” I also remember a Walmart ads that stated, “Easter costs less at Walmart” and “Christmas costs less at Walmart.” In my frustration to our consumer capitalist economy, I wrote a response to the ads that I shared with a few people; in it I wondered if we treat our faith like a discount store, seeking to get a great deal but not be burdened with a great cost. I need an assurance of my faith but don’t let it cost me too much.
You wrote “capitalism has undergone significant changes over time that have brought about negative consequences, creating division across families, churches, and communities.” I am wondering within your ministry context, have you seen these divisions? If so, what kind of impact has this had?
Jeff, I laughed aloud at your comment. Great visuals and great question.
In my ministry context, yes – the marriage between capitalism and evangelicalism has definitely contributed to a two-tier justice system. People are penalized for being poor by their inability to pay parking tickets, minor drug possession, etc. In some states, people can even get fined for lost library books. If they can’t pay the fine, the punishment worsens.
Evangelicals have lacked understanding and compassion for the collateral damage of going to jail. Our society still has a mostly punitive mindset—unless you are wealthy, of course. Then, there are plenty of legal measures and attorneys who can and will help alleviate the charges.
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you for your post.
In your own experience and understanding in what ways has capitalism positively impacted the spread of faith and social reforms within the evangelical community compared to the Methodist denomination?
Thanks, Shela. I do think there are some positive things worth noting regarding how capitalism has helped spread the faith, especially for Methodists. While capitalism usually looks at individual responsibility, Methodists typically consider themselves part of a collective—so, collective responsibility. Social justice efforts are sought at a community systems level for change and a desire for personal change and transformation. There are many more but this is just a sample.
Jennifer,
You close your blog with, “Going forward, a sense of humility and curiosity will help shift the tides of greed to dance a new beginning so we can once again fully join the table of the Lord before us.” How would you describe what it may look like for us to “fully join the table of the Lord before us?”