Theonomics: Reconnecting Economics with Virtue and Integrity

At a time when economics, banking and commerce are never out of the headlines, Theonomics asks if theology is capable of informing, shaping and penetrating all aspects of life, and especially economic life. Theonomics argues for the recovery of the classic virtues of prudence, temperance, fortitude, justice and humility as animators of a lively and Godly economy. Six key principles are offered to help those interested in integrating Christian ideas into the economic sphere: community, solidarity, justice, gift, service and subsidiarity. Through a series of reflections written by practitioners, Theonomics offers encouragement and empirical evidence for the integration of theology and everyday economic activity. "The very word 'Theonomics' is suggestive.  Is it possible to live in a consumerist, monetarist society as a reflective and responsible Christian with a vision for the totality of our economic situation?  This book offers some powerful and persuasive insights into the possibilities for our collective economic well-being." - The Revd Canon Professor Martyn Percy Principal of Ripon College, Cuddesdon and Dean-designate of Christchurch, Oxford The Foreword is by Martyn Percy, who enjoys the curious distinction of being the only living theologian mentioned and quoted in Dan Brown's Da Vinci Code.

About the Author :
Andrew Lightbown was ordained deacon in 2013, and serves in the Schorne team of parishes in Buckinghamshire. Andrew has an MBA, and, before ordination, he worked for many years in the city of London, where he gained extensive experience of the financial services industry, and was Managing Director (Retail) of Old Mutual Asset Managers UK. From there, he moved to the University of Buckingham where he lectured in Business and Business Ethics. Andrew is actively involved with two of the organizations profiled in Part 2: Quicken Trust and CHAPTER 1 HOUSING ASSOCIATION. He is an oblate of Alton Abbey, married with two daughters, and, aside from theology and economics, enjoys walking the dog and skiing, and is a passionate fan of Northampton Saints Rugby Club. Peter Sills was born in north London, and after an initial career teaching law at Kingston University, during which he was called to the Bar, he was ordained in 1981. He served in three parishes in south London before being appointed a Canon of Ely Cathedral, where he was Vice-Dean from 2003-2008. Peter’s interest in the public aspects of faith and in Benedictine spirituality led to the foundation of the Ely Business Ethics Forum, which has since morphed into the Ely Cathedral Business Group. He gained his PhD in 2000 for a study of the ethics of the privatization of natural monopoly industries in the UK, and his publications include The Time Has Come, a Lenten journey through St Mark’s gospel, Your Kingdom Come, reflections on faith, justice and hope, and the Scala Souvenir Guide to Ely Cathedral. Now retired, Peter continues his Benedictine work from his home in Sussex.

Review :
Anyone who doubts that theology must engage with politics and economics, or who is tempted to say that religion should be kept out of politics, could helpfully be given this to read.