In the Introduction John Calvin is considered as one who made one of his most enduring contributions as he paved the way for modern, market-based business practices. The authors argue that Calvin both witnessed and contributed to a change in the world’s economy.

For John Calvin the subjects of money, wealth, and business are all created entities. Money is a creation, and as such it should not be worshipped, overemphasized, or ignored. Like the rest of creation, it has a place and is useful. In the section of Chapter 1 presented here, the creaturely character of the economy is considered.