About the book
Every day of the week in contemporary America (and especially on Sundays) people raise money for their religious enterprises — for clergy, educators, buildings, charity, youth-oriented work, and more. In a fascinating look into the economics of American Protestantism, James Hudnut-Beumler examines how churches have raised and spent money from colonial times to the present and considers what these practices say about both religion and American culture.
After the constitutional separation of church and state was put in force, Hudnut-Beumler explains, clergy salaries had to be collected exclusively from the congregation without recourse to public funds. In adapting to this change, Protestants forged a new model that came to be followed in one way or another by virtually all religious organizations in the country. Clergy repeatedly invoked God, ecclesiastical tradition, and scriptural evidence to promote giving to the churches they served.
Hudnut-Beumler contends that paying for earthly good works done in the name of God has proved highly compatible with American ideas of enterprise, materialism, and individualism. The financial choices Protestants have made throughout history — how money was given, expended, or even withheld — have reflected changing conceptions of what the religious enterprise is all about. Hudnut-Beumler tells that story for the first time.
Editions of In Pursuit of the Almighty's Dollar
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807830796
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469614755
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807883044
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890878984
Read an Excerpt
Every day of the week in contemporary America (and especially on Sundays) people raise money for their religious enterprises — for clergy, educators, buildings, charity, youth-oriented work, and more. In a fascinating look into the economics of American Protestantism, James Hudnut-Beumler examines how churches have raised and spent money from colonial times to the present and considers what these practices say about both religion and American culture.
After the constitutional separation of church and state was put in force, Hudnut-Beumler explains, clergy salaries had to be collected exclusively from the congregation without recourse to public funds. In adapting to this change, Protestants forged a new model that came to be followed in one way or another by virtually all religious organizations in the country. Clergy repeatedly invoked God, ecclesiastical tradition, and scriptural evidence to promote giving to the churches they served.
Hudnut-Beumler contends that paying for earthly good works done in the name of God has proved highly compatible with American ideas of enterprise, materialism, and individualism. The financial choices Protestants have made throughout history — how money was given, expended, or even withheld — have reflected changing conceptions of what the religious enterprise is all about. Hudnut-Beumler tells that story for the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is In Pursuit of the Almighty's Dollar about?
Every day of the week in contemporary America (and especially on Sundays) people raise money for their religious enterprises — for clergy, educators, buildings, charity, youth-oriented work, and more. In a fascinating look into the economics of American Protestantism, James Hudnut-Beumler examines how churches have raised and spent money from colonial times to the present and considers what these practices say about both religion and American culture.
After the constitutional separation of church and state was put in force, Hudnut-Beumler explains, clergy salaries had to be collected exclusively from the congregation without recourse to public funds. In adapting to this change, Protestants forged a new model that came to be followed in one way or another by virtually all religious organizations in the country. Clergy repeatedly invoked God, ecclesiastical tradition, and scriptural evidence to promote giving to the churches they served.
Hudnut-Beumler contends that paying for earthly good works done in the name of God has proved highly compatible with American ideas of enterprise, materialism, and individualism. The financial choices Protestants have made throughout history — how money was given, expended, or even withheld — have reflected changing conceptions of what the religious enterprise is all about. Hudnut-Beumler tells that story for the first time.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in In Pursuit of the Almighty's Dollar?
Philosophy and Religion > Religion and beliefs > Christianity
Where can I read a sample of In Pursuit of the Almighty's Dollar?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807830796
How long is In Pursuit of the Almighty's Dollar and how many pages does it have?
In Pursuit of the Almighty's Dollar has 288 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book In Pursuit of the Almighty's Dollar?
James Hudnut-Beumler
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
In Pursuit of the Almighty's Dollar is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807830796) and paperback(ISBN 9781469614755) and ebook(ISBN 9780807883044) and pdf(ISBN 9798890878984)
Where can I buy In Pursuit of the Almighty's Dollar online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy In Pursuit of the Almighty's Dollar from below
Where can I buy In Pursuit of the Almighty's Dollar?