Greed: Economics and Ethics in Conflict

by James M. Childs Jr.

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780800632304
Publisher:	1517 Media
Publication date:	05/01/2000
Series:	Searching for a New Framework
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	162
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.34(d)

About the Author

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).

Table of Contents

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