| In what context can theologians get a hearing for their concerns about economic problems? In the last half century, the responses by theologically informed writers have been various. In the wake of the collapse of communism, this question remains one of significance for our time. Are we to embrace unreservedly a view that looks to market mechanisms for answers?;A view that the market system is the least harmful system sets the context for this dissertation. John Atherton's construal of this is examined in light of a variety of economic thinkers. John Sleeman and Denys Munby, as well as more contemporary economists Edward J. Nell and Fred Hirsch show Atherton's position to be lacking. The works of sociologists Zygmunt Bauman and Richard Sennett introduce evidence from the social context. Together these alternative economic and sociological views raise critical questions to show inconsistency, if not incoherence, in Atherton's position.;Representative contemporary theological examiners of economic problems, J. Philip Wogaman, Michael Novak, Ulrich Duchrow and D. Stephen Long, are categorized, respectively, under four headings: liberal, conservative, radical and radical orthodox. The theological presuppositions underlying each position and their prescriptive implications are set forth. Wogaman, Duchrow and Long are seen to be concerned significantly with human welfare and each has a conception of the good from which they develop their responses to economic problems.;The capabilities approach of Amartya Sen, with his emphasis on well-being, agency (broadly construed as a conception of the good) and freedom is explicated. This dissertation examines the thesis that Sen's position is not incompatible with the majority of views herein. The theological emphasis on human well-being and agency can find in Sen a bridge to economic thinking by which to evaluate economic arrangements that takes economic realities seriously. Theological concepts, such as grace, can be resources for renewal of capabilities of which Sen's program does not speak. The concerns and the practice called for by theologians can find Amartya Sen's capabilities approach to be useful in engaging in dialogue with economic thinkers about economic problems. |
