Neo-Calvinism and Capitalism

From economic inequality and modern slavery to climate change, the modern capitalist system faces major challenges that demand rethinking. Yet, imagining alternatives remains difficult, as a capitalist worldview continues to dominate our political, social, and cultural lives. Amid this struggle, this book demonstrates that the tradition of Neo-Calvinism offers a provocative and underexplored lens for reimagining our economic future. Emerging in the Netherlands in the late 19th century, Neo-Calvinism began as more than a theological movement—it aimed to reshape society through a principled engagement with science, politics, and the economy. Grounded in the political theology and social commitment of the Dutch Réveil, its thinkers, such as Abraham Kuyper and Herman Bavinck, addressed critical issues in a time of industrialization, including poverty and unemployment. This legacy grew into a robust socio-economic theory that critiqued both the excesses of capitalism and the pitfalls of socialism, notably in the work of Bob Goudzwaard. Drawing on this rich history, this edited volume traces Neo-Calvinism’s double-edged relationship with capitalism—its cautious acceptance of modernization alongside deep concern for capitalism’s moral and societal costs. Through historical, philosophical, and theological perspectives, it uncovers fresh insights for addressing today’s economic problems. This book will be of great import to readers interested in alternatives to the prevailing economic order as well as those working in economics, theology and religion more broadly.