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On Being Rich and Poor

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On Being Rich and Poor: Christianity in a Time of Economic Globalization

by Jacques Ellul

Edited and translated by Willem H. Vanderburg

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Published: May 2014

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Imprint: University of Toronto Press

Page Count: 296 Pages

Dimensions: 6.17 x 9.25

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296 Pages, 6.17 x 9.25 x 0.90 in

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$81.00

ISBN: 9781442648548

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One of the most original thinkers of the twentieth century, Jacques Ellul (1912–1994) was a French law professor, sociologist, lay theologian, and self-described “Christian anarchist.” Collecting Ellul’s lectures on the Bible, On Being Rich and Poor contains his prescient meditations on some of the most important theological questions of the modern age. In this volume, a follow-up to the Ellul lectures collected in On Freedom, Love, and Power, Ellul asks how it is that Christianity can justify abandoning the poorest, weakest, and most vulnerable members of society, depriving the next generation of a liveable future, and participating in an unprecedented wave of environmental destruction.

In these talks, Ellul observes that some of the harshest language in the Jewish and Christian Bibles is reserved for those who are rich and powerful, and thus able to bend others to their will. Through his analysis of the prophetic vision of Amos and the epistle of James, Ellul exposes the gap between the principles of Christian life and the practices of the modern world. Critiquing a world that values domination over collaboration, he offers an alternative path.

Transcribed from the original recordings and translated by Willem H. Vanderburg, a student and long-time colleague of Ellul’s, On Being Rich and Poor is an unprecedented look at how one of the twentieth century’s foremost thinkers grappled with some of today’s most challenging issues.

Willem H. Vanderburg has taught preventive engineering, sociology, and environmental studies at the Centre for Technology and Social Development at the University of Toronto.

Translator’s Introduction

Part 1: Amos

Chapter 1: Introduction to Amos

Chapter 2: The Prophecies Against the Six Surrounding Nations

Chapter 3: The Prophecies Against Judah and Israel

The Prophecy Against Judah
The Prophecy Against Israel
Israel’s Punishment

Chapter 4: Intertwining Themes…

Overview
The Role of Prophecy
The Crimes
The Punishments

Chapter 5: God’s Pedagogy and the Evolving Revelation

Overview
The Five Scourges
God’s Pedagogy
God Awaits His People

Chapter 6: Justice and Related Themes

Overview
Justice
The Power of God
God’s Appeal

Chapter 7: The Five Visions

Overview
The Five Visions
Vision and the Word

Chapter 8: Confronting the Religious Establishment, and the Silence of God

Overview
The Quarrel with the High Priest of Bethel
The Silence of God
Chapter 9: Reconciliation

Overview

Israel in History
Israel from an Eschatological Perspective

Part 2: The Letter of James

Chapter 10: Introduction to James

Chapter 11: Overview of the Christian Life

To All People
Life as a Test of Who We Are
Money as a Test
Beginning a New Life
The Word and the New Life

Chapter 12: The Other

Life without Religion?
Life as the Practice of Faith

Chapter 13: The Word

Our Words
Wisdom, Intelligence, Words and Lies

Chapter 14: Life in the World

What Is the World?
The World and Defilement
The World of Judgements and Planning

Chapter 15: To Whom or What do we Belong?

The World of the Rich
Divided Loyalties

Chapter 16: Our Christian Lives Together

Postscript: The Poverty and Riches of Jews and Christians

The Flesh, the Law and the Spirit
Gods Strategy
Love and Justice
Grafted Onto the Jewish Tree

Notes

‘This is the second volume of a fascinating, fruitful project undertaken by Willem Vanderburg… It is certainly impressive, and among the many theological commentaries written by Ellul, one of the most winsome and accessible.’
Brian Brock, European Journal of Theology, vol 26:02:2017

“On Being Rich and Poor is one of the best introductions to Jacques Ellul’s Christian views. His discussion of prophecy and prophets is eye-opening, and his commentary on the epistle of James is likewise startling. This is a remarkable book that will unsettle both Christians and non-Christians who think they know what Christianity is.” Richard Stivers, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Illinois State University

“On Being Rich and Poor is a book whose time has come, for there are numerous Christians of every persuasion who have given up on the Church, confusing its institutional machinations with the simplicity of faith in God through Christ. Willem H. Vanderburg helps bring to light Ellul’s astute observations and insight, clearing away some of the clutter that Christianity has gathered through the centuries.”
Stephanie Bennett, Professor of Communication and Media Ecology, Palm Beach Atlantic University

Religious Studies / Religion & Society

Sociology / Social Inequality

Religious Studies / Theology

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