The Business of God: Theological and Ethical Reflections on the Church Industrial Complex

The theoretical framework of the "Industrial Complex" explores how institutions established with a purpose external to themselves can become focused on their own self-perpetuation--pursuing power, growth, and profits--in ways that may well contradict and undermine that original purpose. Much theorizing has engaged issues such as the military, healthcare, and prison industrial complexes. This book explores the framework of the Industrial Complex in relation to churches. How do churches, intended to (in part) worship God, preach the gospel, nurture discipleship, and serve those in need become focused on factors such as profit accumulation, limitless growth, and expansion/consolidation of power? How do systems like colonialism, capitalism, white supremacy, and patriarchy play a contributing role to these phenomena? What are the impacts of the Church Industrial Complex on various facets of church life and parties involved and impacted? Finally, what can be done to resist these "temptations," and where are the corners of the church that have and continue to witness to an alternate approach? This accessible book is designed for anyone who is concerned about these questions--church leaders and members, theological students, and anyone who is curious about the dynamics at play in contemporary church life.

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Cascade Books
Published: 08/14/2025
ISBN: 9781666767858
Pages: 216
Weight: 1.01lbs
Size: 9.00h x 6.00w x 0.63d