Alan Crippen on America's First Christian CEO and the legacy of philanthro-capitalists

<p><strong>The philanthro-capitalists who funded the anti-slavery movement, and Christian CEOs in the 1600’s</strong></p> <p>Can business practices and profits change society? Alan Crippen, Executive Director of the Faith and Liberty Initiative talks with us about two little-known Christian business owner stories from early American history. </p> <p>We unpack how the Tappen brothers, Arthur and Lewis, helped to transform American society through their business practices and their radical generosity.  Then we discuss whether John Winthrop, perhaps one of the first Christian CEO’s in American history, helped cast a vision for what would later become the United States. </p> <p>Plus, listen in to hear what it means to create a city on a hill through your business.</p> <p><strong>Conversation highlights:</strong></p> <p>--How have Christian business owners contributed to the story of American liberty?</p> <p>--Arthur and Lewis Tappen had a “bigger transformative effect on America than any other brothers in our history.” </p> <p>--The Tappen brothers took a radical approach to business, using their business to both lower the cost of goods, and to deploy their profits to bring about social change.</p> <p>--Their business wasn’t without its struggles—they even experienced bankruptcy.  But they cared so much about business ethics that they started a business credit and reputational agency to improve business ethics and practices across the country.</p> <p>--Arthur Tappen’s intense time-management strategy resulted in no seating in his office.</p> <p>--“The Tappen brothers had big hearts in addition to keen business acumen.”</p> <p>--They founded Oberlin College, which mandated racial integration and the admission of women, in the early 1800’s before the Civil. </p> <p>--Learn how the Tappen brothers bankrolled the early anti-slavery movement and funded the legal defense of the enslaved people on the <em>Amistad</em>, plus brought the gospel to their community in Africa.</p> <p>--What price did the Tappen brothers pay for