1. Economics for Prophets: A Primer on Concepts, Politics, and Values in Our Economic System by Walter L. Owensby, Williams B. Eerdmans Publishing CO (Grand Rapids, MI: 1988)
This book is designed as a primer for religious people who want to be able to enter the economic debate, but who may not be familiar with key terms. The Introduction begins by quoting one understanding of economics, defining it as "the study of the principles by which society organizes itself to use scarce resources for the production and distribution of goods." Owensby calls that "dry" and moves toward a notion of "stewardship," noting that biblical teachings about the land reflect particular attitudes toward wealth and economy.
He notes several other key economic concepts that define a religious economics.
1. A biblical emphasis on community rather than the individual. He writes that "The individual is of absolute value, but the individual finds highest fulfillment in community."
2. Justice is the responsibility of the community. In that section he notes that "Advancing one's own interests at the expense of others is a sin clearly condemned by biblical faith."
3. Belief in creation. He writes, "We inherit the world not as a finished product, but a possibility."
4. "We must engage in economic realities." In this section, he links capitalism or any other entrenched system with idolatry.
He then moves to a discussion of subjects such as market economics, labor, big business and transformation of capitalism, global economics, and others.
2. Reaching for Heaven on Earth: The Theological Meaning of Economics, by Robert H. Wilson, Rowman and Littlefield Publishers, Inc. (Savage, MD, 1991)
This book offers a decidedly moderate approach, but takes a historical sweep, comparing, for instance, Roman tradition with the Protestant one, advocating a theology of economic pluralism. He also includes sections on Aquinas, Plato, Martin Luther, Newton and Locke. This is a good academic survey for those who are interested in a historical approach without much of a clear bias.
3. The Catholic Challenge to the American Economy: Reflections on the U.S. Bishops Pastoral Letter on Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy, edited by Thomas M Gannon, S.J., MacMillan Publishing Co., NY, 1987
An excellent compendium of essays, including the test of the letter written by the U.S. Bishops, in which they envision an economic system in keeping with Catholic values. The book is divided in three parts: Theological Resources for Evaluating Economic Policy, Central Issues, and Collaborating to Shape the Economy.
The first section contains an essay by Jean-Yvens Calves, S.J. entitled, "Economic Policy Issues in Roman Catholic Teaching: An International Perspective," an essay by Charles Curran entitles "Relating Religions: Ethical Inquiry to Economic Policy." Other essays include one on a Jewish response to the document.
The letter itself argues for: 1) an emphasis on human dignity: "Every economic decision and institution must be judged in light of whether it protects or undermines the dignity of the human person", 2) the idea that the right to private property is not unqualified, and 3) provides a blueprint for the future, including statistics and specific recommendations.
4. Champions of the Poor: The Economic Consequences of Judeo-Christian Values, by Barend A, De Vries, Georgetown University Press, Washington D.C., 1998
This book engages both domestic and international poverty issues from the eyes of an economist. The book begins with a review of poverty issues, followed by a discussion of particular problems faced by particular groups. In the second part, De Vries addresses questions of ethical response, biblical mandates and analysis of economic solutions. This is a good, solid book written by an economist with plenty of facts and figures, but also a good amount of heart. In it, De Vries offers a very practical look at strategies and a good analysis of both Jewish and Christian responses to ethical and economic problems from a historical perspective. He ends with a proposal of strategies for both government and business.
5. "Some Aspects of the Jewish Attitude Toward the Welfare State" from Studies in Jewish Law and Philosphy by Isadore Twersky, 1982
An excellent scholarly work which addresses Jewish approaches to social welfare, using traditional sources. It begins with three questions: 1) "What is the metaphysical foundation or ideological root of charity?" 2) "Is charity, as conceived and motivated in halakhic thought, an integrated-unified act on the part of the individual or is it polaric and tense?"In other words, just how much "does philosophy demand from the individual?" and 3) "Is charity a particularistic performance of the Jew" or is it a universal expression of the basic dignity of man and the concomitant sense of reciprocal helpfulness? What follows is a discussion of the first two questions, and proposes to put the third aside. Though the essay is relatively short, it gives a great overview of halakhic issues and responses to questions of charity, from the necessity of charity being a transformative process for the individual who gives, to the necessity to preserving the dignity of the recipient. In the process, he investigates the notion of chesed (kindness), and looks at relevant Talmudic discussions.
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