Sometime in your experience of capitalism you’ve thought to yourself,
“There’s got to be a better way!” Here it is.
The 1st step is admitting we have a problem. This book shows how you are harmed by exploitative capitalism. But merely complaining about problems isn’t enough — we offer constructive solutions. This book gives you the more beneficial ideas and applications of capitalism based on Partnership Economics. Want to move from exploitation to mutual benefit? Read on to unleash a more profitable and ethical capitalism.
What’s in it for you:
- the 5 Relentless Rules of Economics (Rule #1: all economic exchanges involve frictional costs)
- a 4-part Ethic for Capitalism that spans theology to corporate governance
- specific practices for positive change in companies, government, professions, and culture
So what are the benefits of this book to you? Whether you are in school preparing for the world of work or have experienced multiple careers, whether you make decisions that affect others or are affected by others’ decisions as their employee or customer, whether you are part of a multinational corporation or a small business or a ministry or a government, this book offers you a better way. You get both the underlying philosophy and the practical applications needed to not merely criticize exploitative capitalism but constructively work toward something better. This book adds value for you across the full landscape of capitalism and its bridged worlds of business and faith.
Book summary: In Part 1 we reveal the depth and breadth of exploitative plantation systems in our modern-day workforce, painfully introduced by Mr. X. This is a re-viewing of our economics, specifically present American corporate capitalism. In Part 2 we develop a more profitable (in the fully beneficial sense of the word) better version — an alternative to dehumanizing plantation economics, which is Partnership Economics based on mutual benefit. This is a re-thinking of capitalism. You do not have to be an expert on economics, law, ethics, or theology to join this journey – you just need to care about and be open to the possibility of a better way of life. Part 3 is where the rubber meets the road and ideas are translated into action. This is a re-living of capitalism.
“This is an eloquent and articulate reminder of the importance of understanding economics in the context of our communities, country, and roles as business leaders. In explaining the profound connection between economics and theology, the authors have provided a strong case for the critical need for partnership between business leaders and communities to create a stronger and more robust economy that provides benefit to all.”
— Tony Reid, Senior Vice President (retired), Marriott International
“This book plunges the reader right into the interface of theology (faith) and economics, exactly where thoughtful, responsible adults need to be situated in our crisis-marked world. Knowlton and Hedges pursue a simple paradigm of ‘plantation vs. partnership.’ ‘Plantation’ in their usage refers to a winner-take-all economics that exploits others for self-advantage. ‘Partnership’ concerns an economic practice of mutuality that contributes to the common good while attending to one’s own interest. This simple either/or is explored in rich directions including finance, corporations, government, and culture. Along the way, we get a healthy rereading of Adam Smith and Ayn Rand, away from a privatistic distortion. This book merits close, sustained attention as a compelling move beyond both careless thinking and easy ideology.”
— Walter Brueggemann, Columbia Theological Seminary
“Better Capitalism is an extraordinary creative achievement, without parallel in the literature of economic and business ethics, Christian or otherwise. Paul Knowlton, JD, MDiv, and Aaron Hedges, MBA, MDiv, here engage pretty much the entire landscape of modern economic life with a realistic but values-rich challenge to move beyond what they call plantation economics and instead move to what they call Partnership Economics. One of the things I like most about Better Capitalism is the way it shoots the gap between our current cultural extremes: it is by no means a defense of laissez-faire capitalism but neither is it a socialist manifesto. The book is chock full of fresh and deep research, and this data then informs the book’s realistic, concrete reform proposals that corporate executives, government officials, and everyday people can implement.”
— Rev. Dr. David Gushee, Past President of American Academy of Religion, Past President of Society of Christian Ethics
About the Authors: Paul E. Knowlton and Aaron E. Hedges have training and experience with one foot squarely in the world of business and the other squarely in the world of faith. They find that these two communities can be bridged for the immense benefit of both. This bridging has greatly benefited them and those they have led in their interdisciplinary roles of entrepreneur, business owner, minister, Director, Partner, COO, and CEO, as well as their biggest roles of husband and dad.
See more at PartnershipEconomics.com.
Publisher Information: Better Capitalism is published by Cascade Books, an imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers
978-1-7252-8093-9 / paperback / $28
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Contact:
James Stock
Wipf and Stock Publishers
5413590746
[email protected]
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Religion News Service or Religion News Foundation.
