What if we reconsidered our views on poverty and perceived it as a problem with the way we live with wealth? Approaching the issue from a theological rather than a market-driven perspective invites an alternative social logic, informed by a much richer picture of human beings and our limits as we live in symbiotic relationship with the larger delicate web of life.
In The Problem of Wealth, Elizabeth L. Hinson-Hasty reframes the current discussion of wealth inequalities, poverty, and the exploitation of our natural environment from a progressive Christian perspective. She underscores the need for social change advocates to emerge out of every context, including the middle class, and presents alternate visions for what it means to live by "an ethic of enough."
Yes, it was for class but “approaches to wealth creation that begin from an individualistic standpoint, focus on unlimited economic growth, and view nonhuman nature merely as a resource instrumental in fulfilling human needs delude us into thinking that such ways of living will lead to authentic community” so.
I find this to be a fairly well-rounded approach to this ethical dilemma, specifically within the context of 21st century USA. Started reading this for a project in my ethics class and am glad that I finished the book! Very accessible and informative. I’m looking forward to diving into some additional resources from the index/notes. 🤓