The Problem of Wealth: A Christian Response to a Culture of Affluence

by Elizabeth L. Hinson-Hasty

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.”

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction

287 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2017

Reviews

[Lea Schneider · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

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. 🤓

[cinlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

On the communitarian aspect of the Trinity and how that ought to be the dominant economic model, if not achievable globally, at least within our nuclear communities.

You can tell I’ve finally recovered from the MA when unfinished school reading gets revisited. :’)

At the heart of Ely’s economic arguments lay his understanding of social solidarity… He wrote… “Social solidarity means that our true welfare is not an individual matter purely, but likewise a social welfare… we thrive only in a commonwealth; our exaltation is the exaltation of our fellows, their elevation is our enlargement.”

Wealth is made in the interest of the commons. The economy is understood as anything but morally neutral. Six fundamental social values are held at the center of one’s economic activities—reciprocity, cooperation/collaboration, interdependence, accountability to the commons, sustainability, and the inclusion of diverse peoples and experiences.

Read for What's Money Got to Do With It?.