Description
In This Issue…
We have a rich diet of contributions from many different authors.
Two inspirational stories of businesses making a very positive difference to people’s lives lead the way. Kyle Henderson-Begg and Tom Herbert describe the work of The Grace Network, inter-linked innovative enterprises in the Gloucestershire town of Stroud which are meeting real social needs. Peter Warburton shows how Karl Pritchard’s development of software with ‘Kingdom intent’ is releasing young people from exploitation in global supply chains.
Kara Martin gives a helpful summary of her co-authored book Keeping Faith, which addresses the issue of Christian organisations drifting away from their distinctive roots. She identifies common failings which she sees as fundamentally theological, and suggests organisational remedies.
In ‘The Great Reversal?’, regular contributor Phil Jump confronts the challenges posed by the arrival in office of President Trump. He argues that Christians should not be surprised by the reality of power being used unscrupulously: ‘twas ever thus, and the current crisis could drive us to greater reliance on God. Many readers may still lament the fact that so many Christians voted Trump into power.
As FiBQ editors we are always delighted when articles stimulate others’ responses. So it is with Jerry Marshall, who joins the ‘Money Conversation’ initiated by Sarah Edwards’ article in 23:3, agreeing with some points but diverging on others.
This issue carries three thoughtful reviews. Gary Cundill reviews Patriot, the autobiography of the heroic Russian dissident Alexei Navalny, whose bravery should inspire us to stand up for our business principles. Kim Sawers provides a balanced assessment of Faith Driven Entrepreneur, written by three prominent participants in the US organisation of that name. John Weaver assesses Life after Doom, in which Brian McLaren offers wisdom and extols courage in a world that seems to be falling apart, climatically speaking; and commends the MBA oath as an act of resistance.
John also offers a helpful prayer about finding God in our everyday work. Another regular contributor, Philip Hanson, discusses the distinction between trials and temptations, and heeds us to beware of blaming the devil too readily for our troubles.
This brings us finally to the Faith in Business theme for 2024/5, Just Grace: Forgiveness and Accountability. Peter Heslam offers the second article in his series on this topic, and accountant Margaret McLaren tells the powerful and moving story of how she found grace to forgive after feeling grievously wronged in a business context.
The Editors
