The Church and the Land

by Vincent McNabb, William E. Fahey (Preface)

The Church and the Land is a collection of essays and articles by England's famous Dominican Distributist. De facto "chaplain" to the Distributists and the Distributist movement, Fr. McNabb was in many ways the most passionate and fervent of those seeking reform of economic life in the name of truly human values. In over 40 short essays, Fr. McNabb tackles subjects as diverse and yet unified as industrialism, morality and economics, working conditions, and the role of the state in shaping and defending the proper economic conditions. Fr. McNabb's is a common and yet unique voice within the Distributist tradition, for he represents the voice of the Church, with its characteristic concern for morality and the salvation of souls, in economic as well as all other aspects of man's daily life.

Genres: Catholic, Theology, Religion, Philosophy, Nonfiction, Economics

190 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1925

About the author

The Very Reverend Father Vincent McNabb, O.P., S.T.M. was an Irish scholar and priest based in London where he was active in evangelisation and apologetics.

"Nobody who ever met or saw or heard Father McNabb has ever forgotten him" - G.K. Chesterton

Reviews

[Jared Mcnabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a committed Protestant, I Didn’t agree with everything in this book. But the unique perspective of Fr McNabb cuts through both sides of so many current debates, truly offering fresh new perspectives.

[Robert Zorić · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read for anyone interested in economics. Breath of fresh air!

A real call to action and a concrete inspiration. Changes your perspective on a lot is economic questions. And a marvelously written book in itself.

[Ryan Moon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, especially for those who believe in the false dichotomy of capitalism vs. communism. Fr. McNabb joins his voice with other notables of his time such as Hillaire Belloc and G.K. Chesterton to forward an idea which challenges the debate over capitalism and communism; distributism. Distributism, despite its socialist sounding name, looks to encourage the most wide spread private ownership of property rather than the wealthy few owning the most (capitalism) and the state owning all (communism.) In particular, the book looks at the ill effects of capitalism in early 20th century industrial England and the poverty the working class found themselves in. We should all seek to return to the land and to produce for ourselves what we are dependent on to sustain life.

[Tommy · Rating 5 out of 5]

amazing.
incredibly relevant for our time, even if written more than 50 years ago.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Currently reading, but book is worth the price for the excellent introduction which gives a wonderful historical overview and definition of Distributism and also the Agrarians.