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A Christian Theology of Business Ownership: An Introduction for Christian Entrepreneurs on What the Bible Says About Owning a Business
A Christian Theology of Business Ownership offers a fresh perspective for business owners who are serious about aligning their role as an owner with Biblical theology. Written by a business owner for business owners, this book focuses on connecting our core Christian theologies with business ownership and includes practical applications which you can implement the moment you get to the office.If you're a Christian who owns a business (or you're an entrepreneur considering starting your own business) and you're serious about honoring God in your role as a business owner, then this book is for you.This book will also be helpful to those who work or interact with Christian business owners, such as pastors, ministry leaders, college and MBA professors, trusted advisors (accountants, attorneys, financial planners, bankers and so forth), media personnel, civic leaders, elected officials and spouses of those who own a business.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 14, 2021
About the author
Bill English
60 booksPenelope Coventry is an independent IT consultant based in the UK, with more than 25 years of industry experience. She currently focuses on the design, implementation, and development of solutions based on SharePoint Products and Technologies. Penny is frequently seen at TechEd and IT forum, either as a Technical Learning guide or on the SharePoint Ask-the-Expert stands. Penny lives in Hinckley, Leicestershire, England with her husband, Peter, and dog, Poppy. "
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 20, 2021
I really didn’t know what to expect when I started reading this book. The cultures reflected in the Bible did not include anything like modern businesses, corporations, or capitalism. Does the Bible really have a whole book’s worth of information on modern American businesses? (yes) Would this book be a collection of a bunch of verses pulled out of context and made to say things about businesses? (no)
This book starts out with an introduction that includes an excellent discussion on covenant relationships versus contractual ones. (I loved this section.) Then the book moved into “Theological Context for Business Ownership”. Having read Michael Heiser, I appreciated the references to his ideas. The next section is on personal character and gaining freedom from the bondage of sin. After that, the book goes into Christian stewardship. There are sections on partnerships and advisors and wisdom which focus on character traits and legal planning. These were packed with practical advice and good procedures. The next chapter, “Engaging the Unseen World”, cycles back to Heiser’s ideas. “Hearing the Voice of God”, “Fulfilling God’s Four Purposes for Business”, and an epilogue finish the book.
These quotes are some of my favorite parts of the book: “Covenant societies emphasize our responsibilities to each other. Contract societies emphasize the private rights we each hold. In covenant societies, the exercise of power is expressed through faithfulness to others. In contract societies, the exercise of power is expressed through asserting individual rights, even at the expense of another person’s wellbeing.” (Kindle location 567)
“Freedom in the Gospels does not refer to the kinds of political and social freedom which so readily occur to modern minds: the freedom of personal self-actualization, the human right to liberty or freedom from social oppression of whatever type. The interest of the Gospel writers lies elsewhere: in the religious and moral freedom Jesus offers to those who follow him.” (Kindle location 1,368)
“And it isn’t that a biblically illiterate person believes in nothing; the danger is that such a person will believe in almost anything that sounds Christian but is not. They will be easily deceived.” (Kindle location 1,695)
I love when a book is filled with footnotes, indicating that it is well researched and fits with current scholarship. This book has a bazillion footnotes, including all of the scripture references. I wish the footnotes had been divided into 2 kinds: the Biblical references and the other references. This would make it easier to check the sources of the non-biblical quotes and references.
I did like this book and recommend it for business owners and others looking for a good read on discipleship and stewardship. Many of the principles are applicable to other fields as well such as creation care, environmental stewardship, and maybe politics. I own a very small business, too small at this time for some of the advice in the book, but I still found it beneficial. Also, I lean toward N.T. Wright and Scot McKnight in some theological positions (atonement and eschatology) and it seemed that the author was more like Wayne Grudem when the text intersected these topics (which was not that often). The book would have benefited from a good editor to help the flow and fix typos. And a cover artist would have been wise as the book’s cover reminded me of a henna design, a mandala, or the thin blue line indicating police support but it didn’t evoke anything about the book’s content, the Bible, business, discipleship, or stewardship. Definitely don’t judge this book by its cover; it was better than that for sure.
This book starts out with an introduction that includes an excellent discussion on covenant relationships versus contractual ones. (I loved this section.) Then the book moved into “Theological Context for Business Ownership”. Having read Michael Heiser, I appreciated the references to his ideas. The next section is on personal character and gaining freedom from the bondage of sin. After that, the book goes into Christian stewardship. There are sections on partnerships and advisors and wisdom which focus on character traits and legal planning. These were packed with practical advice and good procedures. The next chapter, “Engaging the Unseen World”, cycles back to Heiser’s ideas. “Hearing the Voice of God”, “Fulfilling God’s Four Purposes for Business”, and an epilogue finish the book.
These quotes are some of my favorite parts of the book: “Covenant societies emphasize our responsibilities to each other. Contract societies emphasize the private rights we each hold. In covenant societies, the exercise of power is expressed through faithfulness to others. In contract societies, the exercise of power is expressed through asserting individual rights, even at the expense of another person’s wellbeing.” (Kindle location 567)
“Freedom in the Gospels does not refer to the kinds of political and social freedom which so readily occur to modern minds: the freedom of personal self-actualization, the human right to liberty or freedom from social oppression of whatever type. The interest of the Gospel writers lies elsewhere: in the religious and moral freedom Jesus offers to those who follow him.” (Kindle location 1,368)
“And it isn’t that a biblically illiterate person believes in nothing; the danger is that such a person will believe in almost anything that sounds Christian but is not. They will be easily deceived.” (Kindle location 1,695)
I love when a book is filled with footnotes, indicating that it is well researched and fits with current scholarship. This book has a bazillion footnotes, including all of the scripture references. I wish the footnotes had been divided into 2 kinds: the Biblical references and the other references. This would make it easier to check the sources of the non-biblical quotes and references.
I did like this book and recommend it for business owners and others looking for a good read on discipleship and stewardship. Many of the principles are applicable to other fields as well such as creation care, environmental stewardship, and maybe politics. I own a very small business, too small at this time for some of the advice in the book, but I still found it beneficial. Also, I lean toward N.T. Wright and Scot McKnight in some theological positions (atonement and eschatology) and it seemed that the author was more like Wayne Grudem when the text intersected these topics (which was not that often). The book would have benefited from a good editor to help the flow and fix typos. And a cover artist would have been wise as the book’s cover reminded me of a henna design, a mandala, or the thin blue line indicating police support but it didn’t evoke anything about the book’s content, the Bible, business, discipleship, or stewardship. Definitely don’t judge this book by its cover; it was better than that for sure.
August 26, 2021
A great book for business owners and anyone working in the business world
I spent my career working for a large global company, yet I found Bill English’s book applying to many situations I faced as I worked with people from around the world. I found the book to lay out a strong foundation for the Christian faith based on scripture complemented by personal experiences English has accumulated through his wide range of experiences.
Prepare to be challenged as English brings scripture to real life circumstances involving how we work and interact with others in the context of business from a Christian perspective.
As you read this book, be prepared to take a deep look at your own heart and your relationship with God. With that foundation, the book dives into how you bring your faith into the complexities of owning and running a business.
This is one of those books I will read again as there is much to absorb and reflect on in my own life, the depth of my faith, and my interactions with others.
I spent my career working for a large global company, yet I found Bill English’s book applying to many situations I faced as I worked with people from around the world. I found the book to lay out a strong foundation for the Christian faith based on scripture complemented by personal experiences English has accumulated through his wide range of experiences.
Prepare to be challenged as English brings scripture to real life circumstances involving how we work and interact with others in the context of business from a Christian perspective.
As you read this book, be prepared to take a deep look at your own heart and your relationship with God. With that foundation, the book dives into how you bring your faith into the complexities of owning and running a business.
This is one of those books I will read again as there is much to absorb and reflect on in my own life, the depth of my faith, and my interactions with others.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews