RELIGION IS GOOD FOR BUSINESS

Christianity and Capitalism: A Pernicious Marriage

Christianity and capitalism have long been intertwined as practiced in the United States. They operate hand in glove, creating a mutual dependency that has shaped American society. From my own experience, I’ve observed that a primary motivation for attending church or joining religious groups often transcends personal faith or spiritual growth—it’s business.

For many, being part of a church community is essential for building business networks. It allows one to mingle with prospective clients and customers, projecting a religious persona as part of one’s professional identity. This practice subtly reinforces the idea that religious affiliation is a prerequisite for success in America’s capitalistic framework. It is no coincidence that atheism is often perceived as incompatible with the values upheld by capitalism in the United States.

The Business of Religion

The fusion of capitalism and Christianity has created a system where religion is not just a private belief but a public performance. For businesspeople, displaying religious adherence signals trustworthiness, morality, and alignment with societal norms. These attributes can directly impact professional success, particularly in communities where churchgoing is a cultural expectation.

However, this relationship goes deeper. Capitalism, particularly in the American context, has historically required religious conformity to maintain its social structure. This dependency is why many businesses and professionals subtly align themselves with religious values, even when their personal beliefs might not match. While companies seldom advertise their religious connections explicitly, the unwritten rule persists: religion and capitalism must coexist to thrive.

The Political Implications

This fusion of capitalism and Christianity has given rise to significant societal challenges, most notably the political activism of evangelical movements. These groups have leveraged their influence to reshape the American political landscape, eroding the foundational principle of the separation of church and state. Religion is no longer just a private matter—it is poised to take over the machinery of government.

This development is deeply troubling. The unchecked power of capitalism, now increasingly aligned with religious authoritarianism, threatens the pluralistic democracy that the United States was built upon. The entanglement of these forces creates a feedback loop: religion justifies capitalism’s excesses, and capitalism provides the resources for religion’s growing dominance in the public sphere.

The Unchecked Marriage

Capitalism, left unchecked, feeds on competition and consolidation of power. When combined with religion, it gains a moral veneer that can make its excesses appear justifiable or even virtuous. This marriage has reached a dangerous point, with religion leveraging its capitalistic ties to gain unprecedented political power. The rise of a religious state—driven by the demands of capitalism for moral legitimacy—is a stark warning sign for modern society.

A Call to Reevaluate

As capitalism and Christianity continue to entwine, it is critical to question the impact of this relationship on our society, governance, and personal freedoms. Is success in America truly contingent on religious adherence? Should businesses depend on church attendance and public displays of faith? And, most importantly, can we afford to allow religion to dominate our political system, fueled by its partnership with capitalism?

The answers to these questions will determine the future of the United States. If left unaddressed, this partnership may erode the foundations of democracy, replacing it with a system where unchecked capitalism and religious authoritarianism reign supreme. It is time to separate both church and state and church and business, ensuring that personal faith and public success are no longer co-dependent.

William James Spriggs