Handsome, tall, and somewhat gangly, the 41-year-old Congregationalist minister bore more than a passing resemblance to Jimmy Stewart. Addressing the crowd of business leaders, Fifield delivered a passionate defense of the American system of free enterprise and a withering assault on its perceived enemies in Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration. Decrying the New Deal’s “encroachment upon our American freedoms,” the minister listed a litany of sins committed by the Democratic government, ranging from its devaluation of currency to its disrespect for the Supreme Court. Singling out the regulatory state for condemnation, he denounced “the multitude of federal agencies attached to the executive branch” and warned ominously of “the menace of autocracy approaching through bureaucracy.”
It all sounds familiar enough today, but Fifield’s audience of executives was stunned. Over the preceding decade, as America first descended into and then crawled its way out of the Great Depression, the these titans of industry had been told, time and time again, that they were to blame for the nation’s downfall. Fifield, in contrast, insisted that they were the source of its salvation.
They just needed to do one thing: Get religion.
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It is interesting to read about the relationship between politics, Christianity, and capitalism from a historical perspective. Before reading this article, I had never really considered this development. I also did not realize that Roosevelt so often used spiritual language while conducting political business.
ReplyDeleteReligion in it purist form give us a road map for living. So I would not say that Christianity was born at this time but, this was a way for a society to find there way back to God. This was a voice crying in the wildness.
ReplyDeleteThe relationship between business and religion is an interesting comparison in this article. The history described in the article with regards to Christianity is also a unique comparison. I believe God needs to be first in everything, and it is also interesting that America seemed stronger when God was first. Anyway I agree with Delicia about religion being a “road map for living”.
ReplyDeleteIt is really interesting to think about the relationship between politics and religion that has existed for so long in America, and the way that religion was used to fight policies such as the New Deal. It is not surprising to me that religion has played such a huge role in American role.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting topic that I had never heard or considered. I have always thought that politics and religion were closely tied in America, but had not thought about the relationship from the perspective of this article. I do not necessarily agree with it raises interesting thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI love it! This book is on my summer reading list. Religion is a commodity that has been packaged and sold. If Americans actually read their bibles instead of regurgitating rhetoric from the pulpit they would understand the difference between authentic christianity and the american version christianity. Jesus was born in Palestine. Abraham was an Iraqi. Ostentation is prohibited. Jesus was poor. How can this country be so permeate with race and class differences, hate immigrants so much and claim christianity?
ReplyDeleteI think the connection between industry, politics, and religion is undeniable. If religion was what they know would gain the industry support, I'm not surprised they turned to the clergymen because in the end, businessmen are going to do what it takes to get on top.
ReplyDeleteThis article is very interesting on how religion plays a major role in politics, especially during the 1940s. We all should be familiar with the fact that the bible has been re-written and reconstruct to fit the person's perception and ideas. Not saying that the bible's stories and philosophies are not real, I am just saying that people are good at making things seem a certain way to get you to believe what they want you to believe. And for the minister that spoke at this conference had everyone there believing what he was saying,
ReplyDeleteThis article is a lesson on manipulation and how, if we are careful we can be led to read the label without checking out the company. Fifield was determined to have his way and went to great lengths. His tactics are very similar to what you see in the media during elections. He who holds the dough holds the mind of the masses. His actions were not about the greater good, but about having his way, not just with his colleagues, but with the whole of America.
ReplyDeleteAnd after the bailout one must wonder if Fifield was the prophet in the room. I think so. It's Biblical - "I can do all things through Christ..." and that includes running and maintaining a corporation. Without Him, we are nothing and that's what happened...nothing which caused an enormous break in the economical chain of America. Those of us who have relationship should disciple corporate america back to health. The only word I would change in FiField's language is not to get "religion" - I would add "get a relationship with our Creator" (hopefully for all, that would be God).
ReplyDeleteThe relationship between Christianity and capitalism is nothing new because when Andrew Johnson was president he felt that the Republican party was getting away from God. The union felt that defending slavery was God's will even though the south needed slavery for profit. The Republicans are using the same tactics today. They speak a lot about maintaining this country as a Christian country their other actions show greed like the bailout and institutionalized racism
ReplyDeleteThis article is interesting in that religion is related to business. I only thought about race, politics relating to religion. I remember reading that some corporations are using religion as a reason to discriminate against certain race groups. Hopefully, it changes for better.
ReplyDeleteReligion does have its power when it is used in rhetoric. I don't know what exactly is included in religious freedom act BUT if it allows churches to abuse this rhetoric power to serve the corporate america against a welfare sate, it is completely blasphemous. This explains why many spiritual people do not feel the appeal of American Christianity.
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