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.

"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 "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

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

Reviews

'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 *



Book Information
ISBN 9781442626263
Author Jacques Ellul
Format Paperback
Page Count 296
Imprint University of Toronto Press
Publisher University of Toronto Press
Weight(grams) 440g
Dimensions(mm) 223mm * 152mm * 19mm