Globalization and the Kingdom of God (Kuyper Lecture Series) [Paperback]

B. Goudzwaard (Author), James W. Skillen (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Kuyper Lecture Series | Publication Date: May 2001

This new book examines the way in which our world is rapidly becoming a single "global village." The result of this trend is twofold-nations with nearly unlimited resources are gaining even greater power and wealth, while others are sinking deeper into poverty.

Originally delivered as a Kuyper Lecture, this book challenges Christians to live responsibly, so that all of God's people are treated with economic justice. Following Goudzwaard's thoughts are critiques by associate professor of economics Dr. Brian Fikkert (Covenant College); professor of economic philosophy Dr. Adolfo García de la Sienra (University of Veracruz, Mexico); and Larry Reed, who works with issues of global poverty through OPPORTUNITY International Network. A conclusion by editor James W. Skillen charts a course for those who want to act globally on the basis of a biblical worldview.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Many Christians in the Reformed tradition believe that "every square inch" of creation is to be brought under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. How then to resolve the "Kingdom of God" with the emerging economic global village? Are they one and the same? Diametrically opposed? These questions form the starting point for this slim volume, a record of the 1999 Kuyper Lecture at the Center for Public Justice in Washington, D.C. The primary lectures are given by Goudzwaard, an emeritus professor at the Free University of Amsterdam. Easy to follow and presented in digestible chunks, this provides an analysis of our current situation, informed by both theology and economics. Goudzwaard then encourages Christians to awaken from their hypnosis to become mature and "open-faced" about accepting responsibility for bad economic decisions and for harmful economic structures in which they participate. The remainder of the book is comprised of three responses, which are less disagreements with Goudzwaard than developments of thought in directions he outlines. These are particularly helpful in giving practical help, offering ways to "walk the talk." The book is understandable for the novice in economics, yet deep enough for the expert (especially de la Sienra's response and a brief chapter on "Arrow's General Possibility Theorem"). This collection provides a good example of Reformed thought on our increasing global interdependence.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Bob Goudzwaard, author of three books, is professor emeritus of the Free University of Amsterdam. He was elected to the Dutch parliament and served in a Christian policy research institution in The Hague. He now works with a coalition of Dutch churches to address third-world poverty.

Product Details

• Paperback: 123 pages
• Publisher: Baker Books (May 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080106354X
• ISBN-13: 978-0801063541
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,904,858 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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