Yep that’s on point. 🩰. I don’t know about you - but some days the state of affairs is depressing enough to hamper really getting into what I’m reading. But this book is just so resolute and steadfast. Honestly reading it has been a game changer of sorts for me. If things do go badly in the short term folks like Malcolm may live out their days in dogged resistance. But the rooted resolve of voices like this shows that YHWH’s words don’t lack a prophetic mouthpiece today, and will yet be vindicated. 🙌
Back in my blogging days when we lived in Jerusalem, I wrote a piece entitled "Jesus died for our greed." It was nothing near the depth or eloquence of Dr Foley's work -- and I will read it -- but I was trying to make the same point. Like Dr Foley, Jesus was going to the root of evil and not just the symptoms. I fear that as a species we do not know how much is "enough."
Thanks for this comment - ordered 4 copies of his book, to give to leaders of our Racial Justice Book Group. Want to support the black perspective on all this.
While reading this review, these words of John Howard Yoder in "The Politics of Jesus" came to mind, "What is wrong with greed is not that it takes bread from someone else but that it is spiritually seductive." While I certainly believe that taking bread from someone is wrong, I think that Yoder is right in identifying the spiritual seduction of greed as the deeper issue. When we succumb to that seduction, we leave behind most if not all of what Jesus teaches, replacing Christ-centered spirituality with "capitalist spiritually." I found Carter Heyward's discussion of "capitalist spirituality" in "The 7 Deadly Sins of White Christian Nationalism" enlightening and personally challenging as I was and am confronted by my participation in this capitalist spirituality. I wonder if it's fair to say that greed is capitalist spirituality's shadow. I look forward to reading "The Anti-Greed Gospel," and I'm adding Kristin Du Mez to the list of people who cost me money and help support our local bookstore, Thank You Books.
Yes, those allegations are gutting. I wrestle with what to do about the transformative insights I’ve gotten from men who’ve committed sexual abuse and harassment. The most devastating one for me is Jean Vanier. I quit using his books and videos of him in a class I taught, and no longer reference him in presentations. I should probably stop referring to Yoder, and figure out another way to share this profound insight about greed. Thanks for all you do. I never regret book recommendations.
Yep that’s on point. 🩰. I don’t know about you - but some days the state of affairs is depressing enough to hamper really getting into what I’m reading. But this book is just so resolute and steadfast. Honestly reading it has been a game changer of sorts for me. If things do go badly in the short term folks like Malcolm may live out their days in dogged resistance. But the rooted resolve of voices like this shows that YHWH’s words don’t lack a prophetic mouthpiece today, and will yet be vindicated. 🙌
So well said.
Back in my blogging days when we lived in Jerusalem, I wrote a piece entitled "Jesus died for our greed." It was nothing near the depth or eloquence of Dr Foley's work -- and I will read it -- but I was trying to make the same point. Like Dr Foley, Jesus was going to the root of evil and not just the symptoms. I fear that as a species we do not know how much is "enough."
Thanks for this comment - ordered 4 copies of his book, to give to leaders of our Racial Justice Book Group. Want to support the black perspective on all this.
I don't disagree but I think it is equally true to say that Jesus died for my pride.
Thank you for heads up about this important book. Added to my TBR!
I echo what Sara just said. Great video too. Book is on my order list.
While reading this review, these words of John Howard Yoder in "The Politics of Jesus" came to mind, "What is wrong with greed is not that it takes bread from someone else but that it is spiritually seductive." While I certainly believe that taking bread from someone is wrong, I think that Yoder is right in identifying the spiritual seduction of greed as the deeper issue. When we succumb to that seduction, we leave behind most if not all of what Jesus teaches, replacing Christ-centered spirituality with "capitalist spiritually." I found Carter Heyward's discussion of "capitalist spirituality" in "The 7 Deadly Sins of White Christian Nationalism" enlightening and personally challenging as I was and am confronted by my participation in this capitalist spirituality. I wonder if it's fair to say that greed is capitalist spirituality's shadow. I look forward to reading "The Anti-Greed Gospel," and I'm adding Kristin Du Mez to the list of people who cost me money and help support our local bookstore, Thank You Books.
Ha, sorry. And yes, Yoder's words are powerful. Which makes the many allegations against him of sexual abuse and harrassment especially gutting.
Yes, those allegations are gutting. I wrestle with what to do about the transformative insights I’ve gotten from men who’ve committed sexual abuse and harassment. The most devastating one for me is Jean Vanier. I quit using his books and videos of him in a class I taught, and no longer reference him in presentations. I should probably stop referring to Yoder, and figure out another way to share this profound insight about greed. Thanks for all you do. I never regret book recommendations.
Lenten reading.
Dr Foley speaks to the root cause of our national sin. Great discussion!
Done.
This gave me good chills.
1 Timothy 6:10, the Apostle Paul.
Thanks for making the truth known.
This truth is greatly needed; looking forward to reading the book! I read 2 prior Substack posts, for which I think each relates to Dr. Du Mez' writing "The Root of Evil" about Malcolm's book, "The Anti-Greed Gospel:" https://substack.com/home/post/p-157611334, https://substack.com/home/post/p-157777400
The worst evil is done by good people.
Thanks Kristin! You are vital in keeping the hope💙