"Kingdom-Minded" People

During the early twentieth century in China, a number of key economic leaders converted to Christianity. Whilst strongly influenced by cultural heritage, powerful modernizing forces and tumultuous political changes, the new Christian identity inculcated by Protestant missionaries motivated these entrepreneurs to modify their business practices, improve their social environment and extend the influence of Christianity. Protestant and Catholic sojourners likewise made significant contributions into their adopted communities. With unprecedented economic growth in China today, a fascinating contemporary parallel can be seen, particularly through the influence of Pentecostal, charismatic and evangelical training. Previous research has explored the emergence of the urban Christian élite in modern China. However, this systematic study provides new understanding of how Christian identity motivates Chinese business Christians toward economic, social and religious contribution.

"Austin is in firm command of the primary and secondary sources, showing clearly how Christian conversion is an undeniable factor, among others, contributing to the development of business Christians in modern China. [...] Those interested in the interface of Christianity with business and entrepreneurship studies especially in the Asian and Australasian contexts will find a wealth of historical and comparative data in this well-written book." Amos Yong in Religious Studies Review

Denise A. Austin, Ph.D. (2004) in History, University of Queensland, is Academic Director, Queensland for Alphacrucis College (Australian Christian Churches). She has contributed to several works on Chinese and Australian Christian history, including "Religion and Spirituality" (IAP, 2010).