We live in an age of greed. Economic good times and the self-immolation of socialist alternatives have left capitalism unrivaled in popular minds as a way of lifea prized set of values and expectations. However, capitalism is not without its downside or its victims. Basic human servicesand even religionhave become commodities. Corporations reorganize for short-term gain at the expense of employeesand of their own long-term viability. Increasingly, people see themselves not as citizens but as consumers. First World countries, 15 percent of the globe, account for 86 percent of private consumption. In this important book, Childs probes this disturbing development in its economic and cultural dimensions, gauging contemporary ways in light of Christian ethical principles and investigating a wide range of particular sectors and problems. This is an accessible, clear discussion of a complex topic accompanied by thoughtful questions for further group discussion.
The Rev. James M. Childs Jr., PhD, is Joseph A. Sittler Professor Emeritus of Theology and Ethics at Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University, Columbus, Ohio. From 2002 to 2005 he served as Director of Sexuality Studies for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. His books include Ethics in the Community of Promise (Fortress, 2006) and The Way of Peace (Fortress, 2008).
Preface > Greed: A Character for All Seasons Cultural Scenery: The Context of Greed A Moral Alternative Questions for Discussion From Parable to Paradigm The Rich Man and Lazarus-Luke 16:19-31 The "Limited Good Society" From Sociology to Anthropology A People of Anticipation Questions for Discussion The Business of Business is Avarice? The Downside of Downsizing: Greed or Need? Executive Compensation: "In Search of Excess" Divine Order and Economic Order: From Luke to Luther Questions for Discussion Unshared Goods: Health Care in America Health Care in America We Do Not Live "By Life Alone" A People of Anticipation-Reprise Questions for Discussion Unshared Goods: Hunger and the Global Economy Global Economy and Global Community Hunger and the Global Economy Global Community and Eucharistic Community Questions for Discussion Toward a Sharing Society Points of Contrast and Points of Contact Facing Our Limits Facing One Another Facing Our Limitations Questions for Discussion Stakeholder Capitalism: A Case Study in Sharing The Ethical Challenge More about Stakeholder Theory and Analysis Ethical Perspectives on Stakeholder Capitalism Going the Extra Mile Beyond the Moral Minimum: Beyond Ourselves Questions for Discussion Teach Your Childen Well Character and the Culture of Consumption The Character and Virtues of Love Telling Stories Questions for Discussion A Question of Calling Thesis One: Our Call to Combat Greed Thesis Two: Our Call to Christian Witness Thesis Three: The Church's Call to Witness Thesis Four: Our Call and Our Assurance Questions for Discussion Notes Index
