Jeff Van Duzer grew up thinking business was the source of much damage and evil in the world, the work of greedy capitalists polluting the environment. Thirty years later he was dean of a business school. In the course of that remarkable transformation, Van Duzer found cause for both hope and concern. He discovered many business people achieving a great deal of good for society as well as a lot of illegal and unethical behavior. Along the way he found some who thought that merely being honest and kind was what made business Christian. Others said they'd never ask pastors for business advice because they had no interest or experience in their work. After all, wasn't "full-time Christian service" what the church was all about? This book explores the nature and meaning of doing business and finds it calls for much more than most think. Van Duzer presents a profoundly Christian approach that integrates biblical studies with the disciplines of business and economics. Looking beyond the place of ethical principles and the character of the individual, Van Duzer displays a vision of business that contributes to the very purposes of God.
Why Business Matters to God
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"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 that bring 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." (William Messenger, executive editor, Theology of Work Project, board of directors, ArQule, Inc., and adjunct professor of business ethics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)
"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." (Michael Naughton, Moss Chair in Catholic Social Thought, University of St. Thomas)
"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." (D. Michael Lindsay, author of Faith in the Halls of Power)
"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." (David W. Gill, Mockler-Phillips Professor of Workplace Theology & Business Ethics, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary)
"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 a prophetic 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. It deserves to be a must-read for Christians in business, for business courses in colleges and business schools, and for church fellowship groups." (Tim Dearborn, director of Christian commitments, World Vision International)
"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." (David W. Miller, Ph.D., director, Princeton University Faith & Work Initiative, associate research scholar, and president, The Avodah Institute)
"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." (Mark D. Roberts, senior director and scholar-in-residence, Laity Lodge, Texas)
"Why Business Matters to God is thought-provoking. It is a theological review of 'the beginning,' 'the Fall' and 'the restoration' of God's image bearers and the resulting struggle for those engaged in business who desire to honor God. Van Duzer logically and persuasively makes the case that such business necessities as being efficient and profitable should be subordinate to the foremost responsibility of serving the public--an achievable calling, with prayer and the Holy Spirit's help." (Richard C. Chewning, Emeritus Professor of Christian Ethics, Baylor University)
"Van Duzer skillfully situates the purposes of business in the context of the grand narrative of God's creation, humankind's Fall, and our and the world's ultimate redemption. With a writing style that is both accessible and inviting, he integrates sound theology and 'real world' common sense in addressing the Christian business person's endemic search for meaning and motivation in business. Well done!" (Dr. Mitchell J. Neubert, Chavanne Chair of Christian Ethics in Business, Baylor University)
"Dean Van Duzer has written an important book and written it well. Born in his own skepticism and refined through years of insightful reflection, his scriptural framework has contributed meaningfully to my understanding and inspires my daily work in the noble calling of business. He achieves his intention of being both affirming and provocative, and the questions he asks will help transform the minds of many as we strive to live into the answers, here, 'between the finish lines.'" (Barry Rowan, EVP, CFO and Chief Administrative Officer, Vonage)
"A significant book. Van Duzer lays a solid theological framework for understanding business in the context of God's creativity, human depravity and Christ's redemption. Well written and chock-full of vivid vignettes from the marketplace." (Alec Hill, president, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA, and author of Just Business: Christian Ethics for the Marketplace)
"This book explores the creative dimensions of God's purpose and meaning for business. It is a must-read for those who are seeking to glorify God as they do business." (C. William Pollard, Chairman Emeritus, The ServiceMaster Company)
"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." (Michael Naughton, Moss Chair in Catholic Social Thought, University of St. Thomas)
"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." (D. Michael Lindsay, author of Faith in the Halls of Power)
"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." (David W. Gill, Mockler-Phillips Professor of Workplace Theology & Business Ethics, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary)
"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 a prophetic 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. It deserves to be a must-read for Christians in business, for business courses in colleges and business schools, and for church fellowship groups." (Tim Dearborn, director of Christian commitments, World Vision International)
"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." (David W. Miller, Ph.D., director, Princeton University Faith & Work Initiative, associate research scholar, and president, The Avodah Institute)
"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." (Mark D. Roberts, senior director and scholar-in-residence, Laity Lodge, Texas)
"Why Business Matters to God is thought-provoking. It is a theological review of 'the beginning,' 'the Fall' and 'the restoration' of God's image bearers and the resulting struggle for those engaged in business who desire to honor God. Van Duzer logically and persuasively makes the case that such business necessities as being efficient and profitable should be subordinate to the foremost responsibility of serving the public--an achievable calling, with prayer and the Holy Spirit's help." (Richard C. Chewning, Emeritus Professor of Christian Ethics, Baylor University)
"Van Duzer skillfully situates the purposes of business in the context of the grand narrative of God's creation, humankind's Fall, and our and the world's ultimate redemption. With a writing style that is both accessible and inviting, he integrates sound theology and 'real world' common sense in addressing the Christian business person's endemic search for meaning and motivation in business. Well done!" (Dr. Mitchell J. Neubert, Chavanne Chair of Christian Ethics in Business, Baylor University)
"Dean Van Duzer has written an important book and written it well. Born in his own skepticism and refined through years of insightful reflection, his scriptural framework has contributed meaningfully to my understanding and inspires my daily work in the noble calling of business. He achieves his intention of being both affirming and provocative, and the questions he asks will help transform the minds of many as we strive to live into the answers, here, 'between the finish lines.'" (Barry Rowan, EVP, CFO and Chief Administrative Officer, Vonage)
"A significant book. Van Duzer lays a solid theological framework for understanding business in the context of God's creativity, human depravity and Christ's redemption. Well written and chock-full of vivid vignettes from the marketplace." (Alec Hill, president, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship USA, and author of Just Business: Christian Ethics for the Marketplace)
"This book explores the creative dimensions of God's purpose and meaning for business. It is a must-read for those who are seeking to glorify God as they do business." (C. William Pollard, Chairman Emeritus, The ServiceMaster Company)
About the Author
Since August 2001, Jeff Van Duzer has served as dean of the School of Business and Economics at Seattle Pacific University. He also has an appointment as professor of business law and ethics in the School. For the twenty years prior to his full-time association with SPU, Van Duzer practiced law in Seattle with an emphasis on finance and natural resources. During that time he supplemented his practice with service as adjunct faculty at SPU and studies at Fuller Theological Seminary. He writes and speaks frequently in both church and professional settings.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Why Business Matters to God is an solid introduction to business from God's perspective for anyone interested in the topic. Granted mostly followers of Christ who work in the business world will find the book most directly applicable to their life, but it has value for everyone, especially pastors or those seeking to better understand how to integrate their faith and work in a more biblical manner.
Van Duzer has done well addressing such a major topic in such a short book. Almost any portion of this book could have been a book in itself. Because of the length, it leaves some critical areas under addressed. The topic of profit is addressed briefly at the end, but I found myself wanting to read more about the issue.
From a theological perspective, Van Duzer is thoroughly biblical in his approach. He has strongly grounded his work in a biblical theology that will resonate well with many of today's Christian readers. Due to the resurgence of Reformed thought among younger believers, the narrative approach to understanding business will prove to be a fertile ground to plant the fact that business does matter to God.
Van Duzer has done well addressing such a major topic in such a short book. Almost any portion of this book could have been a book in itself. Because of the length, it leaves some critical areas under addressed. The topic of profit is addressed briefly at the end, but I found myself wanting to read more about the issue.
From a theological perspective, Van Duzer is thoroughly biblical in his approach. He has strongly grounded his work in a biblical theology that will resonate well with many of today's Christian readers. Due to the resurgence of Reformed thought among younger believers, the narrative approach to understanding business will prove to be a fertile ground to plant the fact that business does matter to God.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Van Duzer tackles a real tough question. Is business as an institution matter to God in an intrinsic way? The author tackles it from a solidly biblical perspective. His answers are profoundly positive: business as an institution and the people who are in business are God's instruments to accomplish his will. However, as followers of God in business we also are significantly challenged to make a difference when others may not be so inclined. It is a fast read the first time, but one must read it thoroughly and deeply a second time to absorb its significance.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Brian Sun
Format:Paperback
Why Business Matters to God is timely, clear, and biblical.
Instead of focusing on individual ethics of a business person, Van Duzer takes a more big picture approach by framing business in the context of the story of God. This alone makes the book outstanding.
Furthermore, Van Duzer shows the intrinsic value of business when it's done God's way which validates a calling to the marketplace not as a second rate Christianity, but as a calling at the core of God's mission in the world.
This read is worth every second.
Instead of focusing on individual ethics of a business person, Van Duzer takes a more big picture approach by framing business in the context of the story of God. This alone makes the book outstanding.
Furthermore, Van Duzer shows the intrinsic value of business when it's done God's way which validates a calling to the marketplace not as a second rate Christianity, but as a calling at the core of God's mission in the world.
This read is worth every second.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
required reading
great book. Required reading for those concerned about the impact of the businesses in which they are engaged. It makes you realize that business is more than profit.
Published 2 months ago by William Van Tol
5.0 out of 5 stars
Hits the Mark ...
Jeff beautifully hits the mark in framing a Christian theology, then running business principles through that framework to assess the merits of the concepts and provide a deeper... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Jon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great Book - Good philosopy
Contrary to most business writers, Van Duzer writes with a rhetoric background. This book is interesting to read and offers great insight into the business world. Read more
Published on May 4, 2011 by raincityguy
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful perspective on the integration between biblical studies and...
This book is about God's purpose in our lives and how we can instill this purpose not only in our daily lives but also in our business. Read more
Published on April 11, 2011 by Danita Bye
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book!
Very satisfied with the book. Good insight on doing business another way. Well worth reading whether you're in business or not.
Published on March 12, 2011 by Pleased customer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent biblical foundation as well as making economic sense.
Van Duzer writes the best argument for the maximization of profits not being the goal of business. Implementation of this type of thinking might actually help in the alleviation of... Read more
Published on December 18, 2010 by Brian Albright
