Overview
This paper explores what the Christian theological tradition offers to economic questions and reflects on its relevance for the future evolution of global capitalism.
This paper critically explores how theological perspectives can shed new light on issues relating to markets, capitalism, consumerism, wealth, poverty, inequality and growth. Drawing upon a wide range of resources, including the Judaeo-Christian Scriptures, historical and contemporary writings of theologians, church reports and Catholic social teaching, the paper explores important moral and ethical considerations concerning the influence and operation of markets and in particular, the functioning of these markets within the prevailing global capitalistic paradigm.
About this paper
| Paper title | Theology, Money and Markets |
|---|---|
| Subject | Christian Thought and History |
| EFTS | 0.1500 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period(s) | Semester 1
(Distance learning)
Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Delivery mode | The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught and assessed remotely |
| Domestic Tuition Fees ( NZD ) | $1,103.10 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- One 200-level CHTH paper
- Restriction
- CHTH 424
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Theology
- Notes
- May not be credited together with CHTH 225/335 taken in 2021 or 2023
- Eligibility
Any student can study Theology whether they are of the Christian faith, another faith, or of no religious faith at all. Theology is an examination of the scriptures, history, content and relevance of the Christian faith, but it presupposes or requires no Christian commitment from students. All it requires is an inquiring mind and an interest in those skills that can be gained through the study of any subject in the Humanities.
- Contact
Dr Andrew Shepherd
- More information link
For more information, visit the Theology Programme's website: https://www.otago.ac.nz/theology/index.html
- Teaching staff
- Paper Structure
Module 1 – Monotheism and Mammon: Historical Texts and Traditions
- Christian Theology and Economics – An Introduction
- Torah and the Prophets: Slavery, Poverty & Debt
- The New Testament: Idolatry & Generosity
- Empire and Economy: The Church Fathers on Wealth and Charity
- All Things in Common: Reactionaries, Radicals and Revolutionaries
Module 2 – Christianity and the Origins of Capitalism
- The Rise of Capitalism and the Acquisitive Society
- ‘The Total Economy’ and ‘The End of History’: The Victory of Neoliberalism & Capitalism as Religion
Module 3 – The Contemporary Context: Challenges, Contradictions & Crisis.
- Algorithms & Abstractions, Money & Debt: An Economy of Financialisation
- Distribution & Charity, Growth & Scarcity: Inequality and Ecological Limits
- Commodified and Unemployed: Surveillance and Technological Economies
Module 4 – The Church and the Future of Capitalism
- Ministry by Marketing, Management & Metrics: The Commodification of the Church?
- Theology, Policy, and Grounded Oikonomia: Macro/Global and Micro/Local Reformations & Responses
- Teaching Arrangements
Campus: One two-hour lecture each week + optional tutorials during course.
Distance: The Distance Learning offering of this paper is taught remotely with one two-hour lecture per week. Distance students participate in the campus classes via Zoom. Students who are unable to join classes can watch recordings at a later time.
- Textbooks
There are no compulsory textbooks for this paper.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Global perspective, Interdisciplinary perspective, Communication, Critical thinking, Ethics, Environmental literacy, Research.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students completing CHTH 338 should be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of how key biblical motifs can relate to contemporary economic discourse.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the contribution made to economic ethical concerns by selected Christian writers.
- Outline a theological ethical framework for engaging with economic concerns.
- Offer a critical and creative theological analysis of a contemporary economic concern/issue.
- Demonstrate analytical, interpretative and critical skills by engagement with scholarly texts.
- Assessment details
- Online discussions: 20% total
- Creative biblical-theological reflection: 30%
- Research essay: 50%