money cult, The
Book Description
In The Money Cult, journalist Chris Lehmann challenges everything we think we know about the relationship between faith and finance in America. Rather than viewing modern prosperity gospel preachers as a recent corruption of pure Christianity, Lehmann reveals how capitalism and religion have been intertwined since the nation's founding.
This sweeping historical exploration traces the evolution of American Christianity from the Puritan settlements through the emergence of Mormonism to today's celebrity megachurch pastors. Lehmann demonstrates that figures like Joel Osteen aren't departures from authentic Christian tradition, but rather the natural culmination of centuries-old patterns linking spiritual devotion with material success.
Through accessible storytelling and meticulous research, the author uncovers how economic forces have consistently shaped religious expression in America. From Benjamin Franklin's practical spirituality to the rise of modern televangelism, this work illuminates the complex ways faith communities have navigated questions of wealth, prosperity, and divine blessing.
For readers seeking to understand how spiritual beliefs intersect with economic realities, The Money Cult offers valuable insights into the forces that continue to influence American religious life. This comprehensive examination provides fresh perspective on familiar religious figures while revealing the deeper currents that have shaped the nation's spiritual landscape across four centuries.
Lehmann's debut book presents a thought-provoking reassessment of American Christianity that will resonate with anyone curious about the intersection of faith and commerce.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~11 hours)
📄 Length: 403 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Economic aspects
- ✓ Explore Christianity and economics
- ✓ Explore RELIGION
- ✓ Explore United states, church history
- ✓ Explore Christianity
- ✓ Explore Wealth
- ✓ Explore History
- ✓ Explore Capitalism
