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- An introduction to the capitalism project at LICC

The Capitalism project has now ended, read a review of it's achievements.

Capitalism is the dominant global ideology. Postmodernism spelt the death of ideology. Why then has capitalism survived?

Is it simply because the alternatives have failed?

Is it because it has at its core a mechanism that works?

Is it because, in its heartlands, the Christianity that helped keep it in check is in decline?

What fresh theological and practical critique can the church offer, now that globalization is spreading capitalism’s obvious benefits and (apparently) less obvious terrors around the world, sometimes at the speed of an electron?

It is with such questions before it that the project has set sail, into relatively uncharted waters. As the project’s director, I am only too aware of the complexity of the task. But I am even more aware of the importance of it, not least because the attack on the World Trade Centre in New York, which was an attack on the heart of the global economy. If Christians are to have a concern both for truth and for human flourishing, they cannot afford to ignore a system of belief and practice that so radically influences the prospects of both. Not only are the welfare and survival of our communities and families at stake, but also the welfare and survival of life on earth.

The aim of the project is to develop a theological and practical response to the kind of capitalism that has been emerging over the last few years. It will be concerned, in other words, more with issues related to the ‘new economy’, based on information technology and the globalization of finance than with historic or theoretical forms of capitalism. It will do so in close conjunction with other LICC research and resource agendas, such as contemporary culture, youth culture, women’s issues, media, and, principally, work. This is not merely to help ensure the coherence of the resources we produce as a think tank and the kind of cultural transformations we wish to see. It is also because the various spheres of contemporary life are increasingly coming under the sway of capitalism’s forces and effects. So often it is because we are not sufficiently aware of this that we are bewildered by the changes we see going on around us and fail to engage with them in meaningful and effective ways.

From the start, LICC’s vision has been to help Christians engage biblically, vigorously and in a timely fashion with the contemporary world, and to explore the meaning and relevance of Christ’s sovereignty over every area of life. Part of the backdrop to this vision is the unhelpful notion of a sacred/secular divide, which pervades much of the spirituality and culture of our churches. This notion has allowed a large number of Christians (not least those involved in the business sector) to become disaffected with the church. Out of these, an increasing number are giving up on regular church attendance because they feel it is out of touch with their lives. LICC aims to help believers, and would-be believers, to make the kind of connections that can have life-transforming and work-transforming effect.

The result of such transformations can go beyond the stretch of the imagination. I wrote a doctorate and a book on a Dutch theologian called Abraham Kuyper who came to discover the relevance of the gospel to the whole of life. In response he set up a newspaper, founded a University, taught aesthetics and began a political party. In 1901 became prime minister of his country. Once he remarked in a speech: ‘There is not a square inch of the whole terrain of our human existence over which the sovereign Christ does not proclaim, “Mine!”.’ Kuyper’s influence pervades much present-day Christian engagement with contemporary culture.

To achieve such engagement in the sphere of wealth creation, the capitalism project consults closely with people in business, finance and industry. Consequently, we trust, its work will be rooted in the real and fast-moving world of today. The issues and dilemmas faced by people working in this sphere are of genuine importance to the way the project is structured and the type of resources we produce. We are keen to enable individuals and businesses to fulfil their vocation to provide goods and services that maintain integrity and promote human flourishing.

If you feel you could help us in any way to achieve our objectives - for example with your time, prayers, contacts, expertise, or giving - please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. If you are able to work as a research assistant on a voluntary part-time basis or as a gap year graduate we would love to hear from you.

Together we can make a difference in the workplace, to the glory of God.

Dr Peter Heslam