Faithful Exchange - by David W Opderbeck (Paperback)

About the Book

Faithful Exchange offers a careful review of the biblical and historical materials and a critical appraisal of the current debate about capitalism versus socialism. The book suggests perspectives from Christian theology that provide both prophetic critique of and missional engagement with various economic structures.

Book Synopsis

Debates about capitalism versus socialism reflect a deep divide in American society, in both the broader culture and the church. While those attracted to liberation theology, radical orthodoxy, and some kinds of Anabaptist theologies support forms of socialism, many others continue to believe capitalism is the best real-world option.

Among serious theologians as well as at the popular level, the debate suffers from misunderstandings and mischaracterizations of how different economic systems function and how those systems relate to higher ethical and legal principles. These misunderstandings and mischaracterizations, in turn, fuel overly confident pronouncements about what the biblical witness and the Christian tradition say about possible forms of economic life.

Faithful Exchange offers a careful review of the biblical and historical materials and a critical appraisal of the current debate. The book does not recommend either capitalism or socialism as a preferred form of economic order but, rather, suggests perspectives from Christian theology that provide both prophetic critique of and missional engagement with various economic structures in cultural and historical context.

Review Quotes

David Opderbeck offers a wide-ranging, critical, thoughtful reflection on the relentless tension between private property and the common good. After a judicious review of biblical resources, he addresses more contemporary concerns for a just economy in which the poor count in positive ways for the practice of the economy. Opderbeck affirms that the singular pursuit of private gain is deficient for an economy that is grounded in covenantal faith. This book is a major contribution to our critical, faithful thinking and merits close, sustained attention. Opderbeck boldly focuses on the interface between faith and money as an urgent issue among us. --Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary

Opderbeck's Faithful Exchange is nothing short of a monumental achievement. Those who have studied and reflected on the relationship between theology and economics will find much here that is new, and those only beginning will find a superb introduction. The breadth of knowledge, its readability, and Opderbeck's way of framing matters are truly exceptional. A close and comprehensive reading of Scripture, along with profound reflections on theology, ethics, and law, makes this one of the most important contributions in economic theology to date. --Stephen Long, Southern Methodist University

David Opderbeck combines a teacher's eye for explanation with an outsider's appetite for theology, a lawyer's instinct for analysis and fine distinction, and a storyteller's gift for ordered and engaging sequence. The result is an argument lucid in exposition, generous in vision, and informative in scope. No Christian reader could fail to be enriched by its portrayal of God's economy, nor any economist come away from this text without an inspiring notion of the practical difference real Christianity makes. And as for a Christian economist: there are such people, and those who read this book will be moved to take their place among them. --Samuel Wells, vicar, St Martin-in-the-Fields; Visiting Professor of Christian Ethics, King's College London; and author of Constructing an Incarnational Theology: A Christocentric View of God's Purpose

Every economics--or at least every theology of economics--implies an eschatology. But, writes David Opderbeck, most economic theologies ""fail to express a clear eschatological vision."" This remarkable book succeeds where so many have failed. Opderbeck argues with the clarity and acumen of a top-notch law professor and controls an immense range of biblical and theological data, like a first-rate theologian. Every time I read a book by Opderbeck I am stunned by its scope and learning, its reasoning and reasonableness, but I also walk away inspired and encouraged. More: this book gives me hope in a world where demand outstrips the supply. --Brent A. Strawn, D. Moody Smith Distinguished Professor of Old Testament and professor of law, Duke University

Faithful Exchange offers a constructive Christian theology of economics of astonishing breadth, skillfully weaving together a full range of texts from Hebrew and Christian Scriptures, themes and patterns from church history, and in-depth insights from law, political theory, and economics. Students who are less familiar with one or more of these areas have much to gain from the clear and accessible interdisciplinary weave. Experts in one or more of these fields will appreciate the careful and nuanced analysis that surfaces creative tensions and complexity. All will appreciate Opderbeck's thoughtful call for discernment and prudence in the work of crafting contextually grounded proposals for moving toward ""the economy as it's meant to be."" --Amy Uelmen, lecturer in religion and professional life, and director for mission and ministry, Georgetown University Law Center