How the Market Became Divine

Abstract

We have moved beyond a "market economy" to what some have called a "market society," one in which everything seems to be for sale. We also now see the advent of a "market religion," in which the values and life meanings of consumer culture have become dominant. This new religion has its own doctrines, rituals, priesthood, and mission to "go into all the world." It has its own narratives of creation, fall, and redemption, and its own saints and heroes. But because its underlying thrust is endless growth, and we live on a finite planet, it is carrying us toward destruction. Some parts of Christianity are opposing what Pope Francis has called "idolatry," but unfortunately most parts are being swept into its new dispensation.

The Christian Body at Work

“…In addition, various theological approaches address issues related to contemporary workplaces via the notion of the economy, and related concepts, such as capitalism and globalization (e.g., Cox 2016, Hill 2001, Murtola 2012, Nixon 2007, Oslington 2012, Rich 2006, Schneider 2007, Schwarzkopf 2012 or the notion of money (see, e.g. Goodchild 2009).…”