Free People: A Christian Response To Global Economics

Rating:
Summary: Free People: A Christian Response to Global Economics
Review: Peter Illyn, Executive Director of Restoring Eden:
In Free People: A Christian Response to Global Economics, Tricia Gates Brown weaves together such complex concepts as global economics, social justice and Christian theology in a way that is understandable and user-friendly. Contrary to the trend to separate politics from faith, the author shows they are interrelated and symbiotic.

Brown's theological descriptions of 'powers and principalities' as discussed in the Pauline writings, opened my eyes to the dangers of a global consumer society-hell-bent on economic growth without regard to justice, mercy and humility, and to the church's implicit acceptance of it as God's plan. Brown explains and reveals the history, relationships and functions of organizations which had previously been mere acronyms to me-WTO, WB, IMF and NAFTA, and shows how these institutions and agreements have created a world in which 'free markets' are prioritized above 'free people.'

I was also enlightened by Brown's understanding of the indigenous worldview-the indigenous sense of connectedness to the land, their culture and their history. She was able to articulate cultural patterns I had seen in my work with tribes in Alaska and Papua New Guinea, but had not found a way to articulate.

Though revealing, from a Christian perspective, the dangerous path of global economics, Free People sounds a strong message of hope and redemption. Free People is one of those rare books that causes the reader to see the world differently.