The Birth of Modern Enterprise Theology: Protestant England: 1600–1900

Abstract

Anderson et al. (Int J Entrep Behav Res 6:12, 2000) set out an ideal type of Thatcherite Enterprise Culture Theology, which includes facets such as promotion of freedom of choice and “opportunity”, adherence to free market economics, self-responsibility, the diminution of the social for individual and familial setting and duties, and the idealisation of the entrepreneur and enterprise. The aim of this chapter is to follow the development of these ideas from their nascent forms in Protestant England, until they reach an advanced cultural expression by 1900. As the precursors, the progenitors, of modern enterprise ideology—and especially that with a religious overtone—it is instructive to follow the unfolding and evolution of these concepts through time. Protestant England, between 1600 and 1900, witnessed many events and agents that have been linked with the development of enterprise principles and values: the Puritans, the Dissenters, the Glorious Revolution; the England of Cromwell and Victoria; of Hobbes, Adam Smith and Samuel Smiles. This paper explores key historical, theological, economic, industrial, ideological and philosophical developments of these three centuries in England, identifying and analysing the process by which a holistic and powerful enterprise ethic came into being.