God's Businessmen

By Sarah Ruth Hammond

Book Description

During the tumultuous decades of the Great Depression and World War II, a remarkable group of evangelical businessmen emerged as powerful voices in American society, weaving together their faith and entrepreneurial spirit in ways that would reshape the nation's spiritual and political landscape. In God's Businessmen, Sarah Ruth Hammond unveils the compelling story of these devout leaders who saw themselves as divine instruments for transforming the world through Christian principles and business acumen.

These visionary men brought the same strategic thinking they employed in corporate boardrooms to their religious endeavors, financing and organizing evangelical movements with unprecedented effectiveness. Far from separating their Sunday faith from their weekday work, they deliberately merged their spiritual convictions with their professional lives, creating a powerful synthesis that challenged the era's prevailing political and economic philosophies.

Hammond reveals how these business leaders positioned themselves as theological and economic opponents of New Deal policies, claiming their rightful place in public discourse alongside other conservative voices. Through their service clubs and institutions, they promoted a distinctive vision: that businessmen held a sacred calling to Christianize society through their influence and resources.

This illuminating exploration offers readers valuable insights into how faith and commerce intersected during a pivotal period in American history, demonstrating the profound impact that occurs when individuals align their spiritual beliefs with their professional purpose and public engagement.