Christian Ethics and Political Economy in North America
A Critical Analysis
Description
Kroeker argues that in trying to make their theological ethics relevant to economic policy Christian social ethicists have accepted assumptions that are incompatible with theological beliefs. Starting with the Social Gospel movement, he discusses the positions of theologian Walter Rauschenbusch and Canadian politician James Shaver Woodsworth. He then turns to Christian Realism and compares the views of Reinhold Niebuhr with those of Gregory Vlastos, the central figure in the Canadian Fellowship for a Christian Social Order. He also examines recent pastoral letters on the economy by the Canadian and US conferences of Roman Catholic bishops. In conclusion, Kroeker suggests an alternative theological approach based on the classical Christian realism of Augustine that might better address the moral malaise of liberal political economy.
Reviews
"Provocative and well thought out, Kroeker's analysis challenges prevailing orthodoxies and raises important questions that those involved in theology, ethics, and economic analysis must now address." Randi Warne, Departments of Religious Studies and Women's Studies, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.