Synopsis

Douglass North was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1993 for demonstrating that a nation's economic performance depends on its prevailing belief system or culture. That's because a society's collective beliefs form the basis on which several "institutions" critical for economic success are built: formal rules, informal norms, and their enforcement characteristics. The implication for developing nations, says North, is that "both institutions and belief systems must change for successful reform."

Based on North's work, it is not by chance that democratic capitalism flourished first and foremost in countries with a strong Judeo-Christian worldview. Scriptural principles include the equality of each person before the law, the sanctity of property rights, the ethical demand to be fair and compassionate employers, the injunction to work diligently and honestly, the grace to undertake new endeavors, and a hope for the future. A business environment characterized by heartfelt biblical morality will be far more successful than one that is characterized by dishonesty, disloyalty, distrust, and disorder. On the flip side, where these biblical values are not present, capitalism will fail to live up to its potential. Thus, economic transformation requires a spiritual transformation in which minds are renewed and new values are adopted.

There is an important role for Christian business people in effecting real change in developing countries, and many are already taking up the mantle. They are pursuing Kingdom business, for-profit business ventures designed to facilitate the transformation of people and nations.

God Is at Work deals with this emerging missions movement, one in which Christians are meeting significant spiritual and economic needs in the developing world. Learn why Christian business people are uniquely equipped to address poverty, a disease that afflicts many millions around the world. Discover the colorful two thousand-year history of business as a missions vehicle. Meet those engaged in exciting Kingdom business ventures today—even in areas mostly closed to the gospel. Get a vision for "transforming people and nations through business."

This book is a must-read for Kingdom-minded business people, development workers, pastors, missionaries, students—in short, for anyone who wants to see God at work transforming the world.