Ecosystems of Jubilee

“Jubilee, Sabbath, Sabbatical Year, and the Old Testament gleaning laws are four pillars of God’s governance—the kind that cultivate shalom. Shalom is the overwhelming goodness of all relationships in creation. Shalom is ethical and it is necessarily economic. Shalom is about the ties that bind us—the policies, the laws, and the structures that order the way we live together in the world. As we sit in the shadow of a global pandemic that clarified the expendableness of “essential” workers and the protectedness of our ruling class, followers of Jesus are rightfully critiquing and interrogating traditional Western economic practices and values. In this context, Adam Gustine and José Humphreys offer Ecosystems of Jubilee, a profound and meticulous biblical framework for the divine economics of Jubilee. This book is a must-read. Then it is a must do.”

Lisa Sharon Harper

“José and Adam remind us that there has been an economic system in place that we have slipped away from and that inspires each of us to live out this just economy. Ecosystems of Jubilee is a must-read for anyone aspiring toward justice. REV. DR. LEROY BARBER, executive director of Neighborhood Economics, cofounder of the Voices Project Most of us don’t fully understand just how deep the mentality of scarcity is within us. Gratefully, there are shepherds like Adam and José whose words and lived experiences guide us toward gospel-informed neighborliness that can usher God’s justice. In Ecosystems of Jubilee, we see how our spiritual practices are not separate from our financial decisions—and how, with intentionality, we can contribute to the liberation of others and ourselves through contemporary practices of gleaning, Sabbath, and Jubilee. The God of abundance draws closer through Adam and José’s words. Will we choose to listen and act?”

Gena Ruocco Thomas

“Our society’s status quo bends toward scarcity, as José and Adam show so precisely in these pages. But their real contribution, the practical hope they offer to anyone ready to usher shalom into their neighborhood, lies in the beautiful vision for liberating abundance they find in Scripture. You’ll find no spiritual platitudes or justice clichés here; the authors’ wisdom has been gained over years of practical ministry in relationship with diverse communities. What you will find is a paradigm for local ecosystems in which everyone and everything can thrive. Read carefully, imagine creatively, implement collaboratively, and then keep your eyes open for the lasting fruits of righteousness and justice.”

David Swanson

“better way” guide for community ethics we’ve been waiting for. Gustine and Humphreys take us out into the streets, where the abundant, generous, generative heart of God is vibrantly at work. Pastors and nonprofit leaders are sure to find this a fresh, imperative text. Even more, this blessedly practical book is for ordinary people who understand that “neighbor” is part of our spiritual DNA and simply need a nudge in the right direction. Ecosystems of Jubilee is a true place-changer. I cannot recommend it highly enough.”

Shannan Martin

“Gustine and Humphreys are serious about helping us all to understand what I call the Shalom-Sabbath-Jubilee Construct, and so was Jesus. If you don’t understand Jesus’s relationship to Jubilee, you have misunderstood him and his mission. Ecosystems of Jubilee faithfully leads us into a fuller fuller understanding of this urgent topic and reveals how Jubilee can be implemented at various levels in our culture. Don’t miss reading this book!”

Randy Woodley

“If we want to see movements of restorative justice and joyful abundance in our lives and neighborhoods, we need a fresh imagination of economics rooted in the ancient story of God. Rev. Humphreys and Dr. Gustine have given us the theological and practical guide we need for this necessary journey. A book that is both timeless and timely. Highly recommended.”

Tim Soerens