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Discerning the role of the Church in relation to economic life: a perspective from the theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer

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  • Steven C. Heuvel

    (Evangelische Theologische Faculteit
    North-West University)

Abstract

This article seeks to contribute to a further understanding of Lutheran economic ethics. Specifically, I seek to develop new insights into the role of the Church in relation to economic life by exploring the work of German Lutheran theologian, Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906–1945). I select three different elements in his description of the Church’s role. First, I describe his insistence on the Church as a deliberate socioeconomically inclusive community, and his assertion that “the view from below,” as he calls it, is of great importance. Second, I focus on what he sees as the guardianship role of the Church in relation to economics, presenting his doctrine of the divine mandates. Thirdly, I turn my attention to his view on the role of Christian professionals in economic life. While primarily an historic study, in describing these three elements I will also briefly indicate their relevance for contemporary Lutheran economic ethics.

Suggested Citation

  • Steven C. Heuvel, 2019. "Discerning the role of the Church in relation to economic life: a perspective from the theology of Dietrich Bonhoeffer," International Review of Economics, Springer;Happiness Economics and Interpersonal Relations (HEIRS), vol. 66(3), pages 249-263, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:inrvec:v:66:y:2019:i:3:d:10.1007_s12232-018-0308-9
    DOI: 10.1007/s12232-018-0308-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. John D. Singleton, 2011. ""Money Is a Sterile Thing": Martin Luther on the Immorality of Usury Reconsidered," History of Political Economy, Duke University Press, vol. 43(4), pages 683-698, Winter.
    2. Werner Bonefeld, 2012. "Freedom and the Strong State: On German Ordoliberalism," New Political Economy, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 17(5), pages 633-656, November.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Church; Christian ethics; Dietrich Bonhoeffer; Economy; Mandates; Sociality;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion
    • N34 - Economic History - - Labor and Consumers, Demography, Education, Health, Welfare, Income, Wealth, Religion, and Philanthropy - - - Europe: 1913-
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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