Easy Chair No. 132

In this episode, R.J. Rushdoony and Otto Scott interview Joseph McAuliffe about his Christian faith and business ministry. McAuliffe recounts his conversion in 1971 at Bowling Green State University, his early dispensational training, and eventual realization through Rushdoony’s Institutes of Biblical Law that God’s kingdom is relevant to all areas of life, including business. He emphasizes that business is a divine calling, a ministry under God, and should be treated as holy work.

McAuliffe explains the founding of Businessgram, a publication addressing finance, economics, and business from a biblical perspective. He highlights the lack of ethical and entrepreneurial training in traditional business schools, and the need for Christian businessmen to recognize their sphere as a legitimate ministry, separate from the church but equally under God’s authority. He notes that many Christians mistakenly undervalue business, treating it as inferior or merely a platform for evangelism, instead of embracing its unique calling.

He shares practical outcomes of this approach, citing 28 entrepreneurial businesses started by church members in Bowling Green, Ohio, which eliminated local unemployment and demonstrated that Christians can integrate biblical principles into successful enterprises. McAuliffe warns against presumptuousness and stresses careful planning, proper capitalization, and wise counsel. Overall, he sees Christian business as part of a broader cultural and eschatological restoration, fulfilling God’s command to steward and disciple nations through practical engagement in the marketplace.