The Earthist Challenge to Economism A Theological Critique of the World Bank [Hardcover]

Western society moved from a period in which Christianity was the dominant spiritual force to one of nationalism and then to making the economy the object of public devotion. Today this is challenged by those seeking the health of the Earth including all its inhabitants. The World Bank is the economistic institution most open to Earthist concerns. The book evaluates the Bank's potential for leadership in broadening public goals from narrowly economic goods to inclusive ones.Preface Introduction Christianism, Nationalism, Economism Economism and the Challenge of Earthism The Marketization of Society The Bretton Woods Institutions The McNamara Years Structural Adjustment A Coherent Opposition The Development Paradigm of the World Bank Can the Bank Change? The Theology of Earthism Index

Since the World Bank affects poor people around the globe more directly than any other social institution, John Cobb's exploration is important for anyone concerned about how Christians can creatively engage economic issues and trends. - Christian Century

Cobb is. . .sincere and passionate in his beliefs. - Faith and Economics

In this volume he provides a remarkably careful, fair, and thorough historical analysis of the World Bank. - Environmental Ethics

John B. Cobb Jr. is Professor Emeritus at the Claremont School of Theology and the Claremont Graduate School.