The Economy of Desire

"There is no getting around the cry for a just Christian economics in Bell's argument, nor the vision for a virtuous market participating in the divine economy of salvation. Bell's passion is prophetic, and this book screams out to be read in the new era of austerity that all of us are entering now. A revolution is needed, and it has to begin with a right disciplining of desire."--Graham Ward, University of Oxford"Bell persuasively demonstrates that every economy presupposes a theology because they share in common the production, distribution, and communication of desire. This is the most thoroughly researched and accessible book on theological economics available today. Its breadth is impressive, its argument compelling."--D. Stephen Long, Marquette University "In dialogue with postmodern philosophers and theologians, Bell delves perceptively into human desire and the ways desire is held captive by the culture and structures of capitalism. He matches his expertise in this endeavor with a sensitive and imaginative mining of the monastic traditions to elaborate a biblical economy of desire that serves life against death. The result is a rich portrayal of practices from which every congregation can benefit in this time of economic and political tumult."--M. Douglas Meeks, Vanderbilt University Divinity School"We need books that ask us to think carefully, and in a Christian manner, about what an economy is ultimately for. The Economy of Desire enables us to go deeply into the heart of today's economic activity so we can assess its inspiration in Christ and its participation in God's redemptive work in the world."--Norman Wirzba, Duke Divinity School"The most dangerous act in the world today is to believe, to desire. But desire alone is not enough. Bell's book is radical because he teaches us not just how to desire but the content of desire itself--a desire for God, for the good, for something bigger than ourselves. The Economy of Desire is the manifesto for restoring dignity in the wake of injustice."--Creston Davis, Rollins College