The purpose of this thesis is to examine the Swedish Plymouth brethren’s relation to contemporary technology. What types of technology are considered acceptable and where do they draw the line? Due to the brethren’s separation from the parts of the world they believe leads people away from God, such as the entertainment industry, immoralities etc., they reject use of television and radio. These two are viewed as uncontrolled types of technology since the user does not have control of its contents. Computers and mobile phones are however accepted types of technology nowadays, since the user can choose what content they wish to explore. These can also be filtered. The qualities a type of technology must have to be accepted by the brethren is a clear purpose and usage. It must also be possible to control and/or modify to suit the brethren’s values. It cannot be used solely for pleasure, pastime, immoralities and/or be uncontrolled and impossible to modify. The reason for the brethren’s complex relation towards contemporary technology has to do with their will to live separated from worldly things. At the same time they claim they do not want to live isolated but be a part of contemporary society. In order to balance separation from the society with being a part of it at the same time, they have had to embrace technology but have negotiated with it in order for it to be in line with their teachings. Since the brethren also have many companies it is likely that they have had to adapt to the technological era in order to maintain their position on the market.

The aim of this study is to examine the Christian community called Plymouth Brethren and how they interpret religion in relation to their entrepreneurship and business practices. The community has a strong faith in God, uses the Bible as the guiding principle in everyday life, and also has the ambition to live together within the group in seclusion from the rest of society. Based on interviews with Plymouth Brethren in the county of Småland, the study describes how they perceive the relationship between the Christian faith and entrepreneurship and practice religion in the context of their family business. As the study illustrates the Christian faith is significantly motivating their enterprises of business and the Bible is their guiding principle even when it comes to how they should run their businesses.