What if the primary purpose of business isn't to maximize profit?

In Why Business Matters to God, Jeff Van Duzer and Kenman Wong present a distinctly Christian approach to business that integrates biblical studies and theology with business and economics.

This book offers students and business professionals a compelling, biblically rooted framework for understanding business and calling not as competing concerns, but as deeply integrated ones, outlining a vision of business that contributes to God's own purposes.

Van Duzer and Wong present a theology of business with two foundational purposes: to provide goods and services that help communities flourish, and to create opportunities for employees to express their God-given identities through meaningful, creative work.

What you'll find in Why Business Matters to God:



- Insights from biblical studies, theology, economics, and business research to build a rigorous interdisciplinary perspective

- Critique of the dominant business paradigms focused on maximizing profits

- A call for Christians in the business world to be at the forefront of confronting the issues predominant in the business world today

What's new in the second edition:



- Updated references, taking into account recent developments in both the global business world and the church

- Updated statistics and real-world case studies

- A new study guide that includes discussion questions and recommended videos

With this book, readers will see how business is an important calling for Christians. Why Business Matters to God goes beyond business ethics or personal character, offering readers a vision and a theological vocabulary for business as an act of faithfulness to God and service to others.



Jeff Van Duzer (JD, Yale Law School) is professor emeritus of business law and ethics at Seattle Pacific University. Before retiring Jeff served as dean of the School of Business and Economics and then as provost of the university. During his tenure as dean, Jeff led an initiative to launch and fund what became the Center for Faithful Business. Before serving at SPU, Jeff served as a partner in a national law firm.



Kenman L. Wong (PhD, University of Southern California) is a professor of business ethics at Seattle Pacific University. He is author or coauthor of several books, including Business for the Common Good. He is also the creator and coproducer of the documentary film series Faith & Co. Prior to becoming a professor, he worked in management consulting.



Preface 



Introduction



1. In the Beginning 



2. Broken



3. In the End



4. Putting It Back Together



5. Postures of Engagement: First Excursus



6. A Thought About Institutions: Second Excursus



7. How Then Should We Do Business?



8. Making It Real: A Few Final Questions



Acknowledgments 



Discussion Guide



Author Index



Subject Index



Scripture Index



"Van Duzer has given us a new paradigm for business and a framework to review it. This book is well suited for undergraduate business classes as students explore and learn about being a Christian in business as well as a Christian business owner. Pastors would gain to read this volume, as it would help them prepare and counsel those in their churches who are in business. Van Duzer has shown that a different way of looking at Christians in business is not only beneficial, but necessary."



"In a crisp and clear fashion, Jeff Van Duzer gives us a theologically grounded and practically embodied understanding of a Christian view of business. He provides a compelling interdisciplinary synthesis that engages a comprehensive Christian theology with the complexities of running a business. It is a book which theologians and pastors will find useful as they seek to show the implications of faith. It is also a book which business leaders will find helpful as they seek to deepen and mature their work as a vocation. Through Scripture reflections, analogies, cases and stories, Van Duzer weaves a theological narrative that concretely includes business both in terms of the good that it does and the evil that it inflicts. The book helps us to see things whole and deeply in a world of business that can too easily see things partly and superficially."



"This book should be standard reading for business students of faith, giving them the theological undergirding of the vocation of business as a sacred calling from God. It affirms that it is possible to do business well and profitably by viewing it this way--as a service to the community and to employees."



"In Why Business Matters to God, Van Duzer, a lawyer turned business-school dean, treads where most clergy and theologians fear to go, yet where most parishioners must go every day: into the marketplace. Van Duzer resists easy stereotyping and business bashing, opting instead for a careful theological treatment of the role of business in God's created order. Noting the practical good and harm that flow from business in a fallen world, Van Duzer offers theological framing and practical ideas for how business can be redeemed, discover a new purpose and even become a new creation. Van Duzer is to be applauded and his model should be carefully considered by those who choose to be in the world but not of it."



"Jeff Van Duzer has written an incredibly important book on a subject that, in recent years, has generated much more heat than light. Finally, we have a substantive, relevant book that articulates a theology of business that is both rich and practical. With clear insights derived from Scripture and the world of business, Van Duzer advances a vision for companies and their leaders that is purposeful, profitable and sustainable. He calls all of us to action by showing that we need a different way of doing business. Why Business Matters to God shows us how we can move forward, and it should be required reading for anyone in business who cares about the common good."



"This book is a necessary read for any businessperson who takes both their business and faith seriously. Almost more important, however, is that this book should be read by Christians outside of the business world."



"It would be hard to imagine a better book on business from a Christian perspective. Why Business Matters to God is solidly biblical, deeply theological and realistically practical. It is a must-read not only for all Christians in business, but also for pastors and other church leaders who are committed to helping the people of God live each day for God's purposes in the world."



"I have been looking for a book like this for over twenty years. Now it finally exists. The majority of Christians in the world are engaged in some kind of business activity. Though churches and dozens of books provide helpful guidance on how to do business in ethical ways, tragically, very few offer insight into why God would have someone do business at all. This book lays a solid and practical foundation for a theological understanding of God's purposes for business and in so doing issues aprophetic challenge: maximizing profit isn't even on the list of God's purposes for business. Rather, God has far deeper and more life-giving reasons to call people to business. Drawing on the author's rich experience both in the 'business' of law and as the dean of a remarkable Christian business school, on his theological studies, and on his exceptional skill as an educator and communicator, this book is a feast of spiritual insights, business case studies and very practical implications. Itdeserves to be a must-read for Christians in business, for business courses in colleges and business schools, and for church fellowship groups."



"Jeff Van Duzer understands business. He knows how to read the Bible. He can stand toe-to-toe with the theologians. Why Business Matters to God is a rare breed--a book of real-life business practice grounded in competent biblical scholarship. Business people can read it and see how to apply the Christian faith to their daily work. Scholars and pastors can read it and see exactly why business has an irreplaceable role in Christian life. The book is filled with cases and examples thatbring every concept down to reality. Van Duzer is so clear and practical that I found myself mentally arguing with him page-by-page about the concrete practice of business in Christian perspective. Must be his classroom experience in encouraging debate. A huge contribution to the emerging discussion about what it means to follow Christ in the business world of the twenty-first century."



"No business school faculty has done a better job of exploring the integration of Christian faith and values with the education of business managers than Seattle Pacific University under the leadership of dean Jeff Van Duzer. Why Business Matters to God walks its readers through key biblical texts and themes on the one hand, and today's business challenges and opportunities on the other. Van Duzer interacts creatively with some of the best classic and contemporary thinkers on the subject of faith and work. A good and important read for business veterans as well as students and recent grads."