Abstract
This paper examines the entrepreneurial development of “purpose driven food,” tracing its origins to the evangelical business models promoted by celebrity pastor Rick Warren and showing how it is connected to the biotech industry and its attempts to capture new markets for healthy eating. The paper argues that American evangelicalism plays a key role in sanctifying biotech as good science that feeds the world, even as many religious Americans resist corporate control over the food system. In doing so, it shows the continued significance of religion to influence health and nutrition policy in the public sphere.
Presenters
Chad SealesAssociate Professor, Religious Studies, University of Texas, Texas, United States
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
2023 Special Focus—Religion in the Public Sphere: From the Ancient Years to the Post-Modern Era
KEYWORDS
Biotech, Religion, Agriculture, Evangelicalism, Capitalism
