The Way of Abundance
Economic Justice in Scripture and Society
- Ethics, Culture & Social Issues
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Publisher: Fortress Press (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2022
FritzSearch.com earns a commission on purchases made through Bookshop.org links.
Publisher's Description
Justice, even divine justice, is concrete. It addresses flesh-and-blood persons and the systems, structures, and conditions under which they live. God's vision of abundant human living is not restricted to the spiritual realm but extends even to our material circumstances. But in today's complex economy, what specific changes to public policies and institutions could lead to a just economy? In The Way of Abundance, economist and minister Edith Rasell examines Old and New Testament teachings on economic justice in the context of the ancient economic systems and circumstances they addressed. Drawing on the biblical narrative and on research from the social sciences, Rasell examines three eras--the ancient Israelites' settlements in Canaan, the time of the monarchies, and first-century Palestine--and describes the transition from a non-monetized, subsistence-based economy to a commercial one with wage labor, product markets, and a surplus that benefited a tiny elite. But across this vast expanse of time and economic transition, the Bible called for a just economy. And its vision of economic justice can be a vision for justice seekers today. The book concludes with specific public policy proposals and personal practices that would move contemporary society closer to the Bible's economic vision.
Endorsements (6)
“Edith Rasell’s new book offers a hopeful vision of what the world might look like if we took seriously the prophetic call to economic and social justice. The author has set forth the relevance of ancient biblical ideals to contemporary life on Earth with exceptional intellectual force, practical wisdom, and moral clarity. This important work deserves a widespread and attentive reading.”
“Never again wonder if the Bible has something to say about today’s economic life. Rasell, an economist, biblical scholar, and activist, has outlined key biblical principles and their relevance for addressing the crisis of poverty and inequality in the nation. The Way of Abundance is a must-read for people of faith.”
“Finally, a values-based—even biblically based!—assessment of the economy and how to make it work for all. A masterful work, well written and documented, and thoroughly enjoyable.”
“No longer is it a surprise that our kind of global human economy is destructive of the very economy upon which it depends—nature’s. Nor is it a surprise that we must find an alternative, perhaps several. As we do so, some will look to sacred Scriptures for the criteria of a just economy, for examples, and for repurposed imagination. Fortunately, The Way of Abundance is a deep dive into that project by someone unusually talented in both economics and biblical studies. Get this book and work with it!”
“For believers and secular readers alike, Edie Rasell’s comprehensive exploration of the biblical roots of economic justice reminds us of the righteousness of this struggle. Her recommendations on taxes reveal the ancient principles behind the tax imperatives of today: use the tax system to relieve poverty and reduce inequality, and tax the wealthy and corporations to pay for the kind of community, society, and planet we all need. Let justice roll, indeed.”
“One of the great strengths of this new work by Edie Rasell lies in its innovative interpretive proposals. She builds important bridges that link biblical economy themes with the critique of our current economic predicament. Especially persuasive for the common good (not only the community of faith) is the book’s notion of just distribution for thriving abundance. In a time of enormous global inequality and economic disparity, more powerful mechanisms for redistribution of privately hoarded wealth must be found. Rasell’s book provides persuasive biblically based warrants for such a central political quest.”
See something wrong on this page? Report a problem