Daniel Bell, in The Economy of Desire, is concerned with capitalism’s destructive effects, including its marketization and commodification of all of life.  That is, capitalism fosters in us habits of mind, shaping our imaginations so that we envision all aspects of our lives as consumers. This includes how we participate in Christian communities:  [T]he habits […]

In assessing capitalism from a Christian theological perspective, Daniel Bell isn’t claiming that capitalism doesn’t work.  He admits that it does and that it often improves the condition of the poor. For Bell, however, the question isn’t whether or not capitalism “works.”  The question is, What work does it do (p. 88)? He begins with […]

I’m buried under stacks of grading this week, so take missing persons reports with a grain of salt. Reading through narrative analyses of John 9, I came across this gem from the conclusion to one paper: In the field of organizational psychology, the term “organizational myopia” is used to describe what happens when people work […]

In his book, The Economy of Desire, Daniel Bell claims that “capitalism is an economy of desire that works against the created end of humanity, which is to share in the communion of the divine life of the blessed Trinity” (p. 93). He fleshes this out by analyzing capitalism’s implicit theology, especially its anthropology. One […]

Advent is a time of waiting with eager expectation for the arrival of the Son of God.  He has promised that he will return and bring in his kingdom, which will be a reign of justice, goodness, and peace.  There will be plenty for everyone and we will all be satisfied.  Our hearts will no longer ache […]

Lord God, open our hearts to the joyful hope of this Advent season. As we prepare to enter the mystery of your Son’s incarnation, help us to recognize his presence in family, friend, and neighbor. In so doing, may we, like the shepherds of Bethlehem be ready to welcome him at Christmas. We ask you […]

In Galatians 6:1, Paul says this: Brothers and sisters, if anyone is caught in a trespass, those of you who are spiritual ought to restore that person in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted. This isn’t a general exhortation.  Paul has in mind the […]

Discussions of Christian views of political and economic issues often break down because of “either/or” thinking.  We too often imagine that there are only two or three ways to think about an issue.  We then argue over which of the several options is the “most Christian” one. It’s a mistake, however, to begin a discussion […]

* Given at Midtown Christian Community, December 2, 2006 Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when […]

Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent, the season on the Christian calendar that anticipates Christmas.  “Advent” means “something’s coming,” “something’s about to arrive.” We call it “Advent season” because the Christian church takes this time of the year to intentionally do what all of creation is doing.  Creation is enslaved, held captive.  Sin and Death […]