Faith, Hope & The Global Economy
A Power for Good by Richard Higginson (published by Inter-Varsity Press, 2012).
The central message of this book is that the Christian faith can be a real power for good in the global economy when it fulfils five criteria: stimulating enterprise, reducing poverty, promoting integrity, encouraging sustainability and fostering discipleship. Sadly, as Richard Higginson points out, some forms of the Christian faith are more a hindrance than a help in the global economy. He explains that, in the contemporary world, this menace takes three main forms: prosperity theology, anti-capitalist theology and the sacred-secular divide. Such distorted views leave Christians misled and poorly equipped to serve in God’s world. This book debunks the distortions and proposes a theology for business that offers genuine hope for the future.
The Reverend Dr Richard Higginson is an international speaker on business ethics and the theology of work. Before retiring, he was the longest serving member of staff at Ridley Hall in Cambridge, and is now Chair of the Faith in Business programme. His research into businesses all over the world enriches this book with many practical examples, case studies and alternative models that challenge convention, but also provide inspiration and encouragement to Christians working in mainstream business.
With a strong beginning and an intriguing final section, the middle chapters of the book seem less well argued. Nevertheless, it’s worth reading for the extensive knowledge Richard shares about different businesses and for the refreshing hope and clarity he brings to bear on a topic that is all too frequently misunderstood.