âExcellent...recommendedââ<i>Choice</i>
âThis bookâs unique synthesis of the fields of business management, cybernetics, systems theory, information theory, and complexity theory is startling, and represents--at least in the mind of this reader--a significant provocation that challenges scholars to reassess our understanding of the mutations of American Christianity during the twentieth century.ââMichael McVicar, Associate Professor of Religion, Florida State University
This book explores the technological innovations and management practices of evangelical Christian religions. Beginning from the late 19th century, the author examines the evangelical church's increasing appropriation of business practices from the secular world as solutions to organizational problems. He notes especially the importance of the church growth movement and the formation of church networks.
Particular attention is paid to the history of evangelical uses of computer technology, including connections the Christian Right has made within Silicon Valley. Most significantly, this book offers one of the first academic explorations of the use of cybernetics, systems theory and complexity theory by evangelical leaders and management theorists.
Acknowledgments viii
Preface
Acronyms
Introduction
1.âThe Origins of Evangelical Management Culture
2.âThe Church Growth Movement and the Birth of Modern Metricspirituality
3.âCybernetics, Computers and Christ: How Systems Theory Helped Found the Modern Religious Right
4.âNetworked Churches and the Rise of Church Toyota
5.âThe Christian Rightâs Technological Infrastructure
6.âThe Evangelical Web
Conclusion: Managing the Future
Glossary
Chapter Notes
Works Cited
Index