Augustine and the Economy of Sacrifice
Ancient and Modern Perspectives

Provides the first book-length treatment of what Augustinian thought has to offer contemporary economic theory.

Joshua S. Nunziato (Author)

9781108481397, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 17 October 2019

244 pages
23.5 x 15.8 x 1.8 cm, 0.49 kg

Business is generally viewed as a means to generate personal or corporate wealth, but business transactions can also sacrificially serve the common good. In conversation with contemporary social theorists, Joshua S. Nunziato in this book critically evaluates the spiritual significance and aims of economic exchange. Inspired by Augustine's vision of the Church as a 'universal sacrifice', he explores how Augustine's approach teaches us detachment - both personal and collective - which releases us from illusory claims of ownership and reframes business as an exercise in loving and letting go. Nunziato's volume engages with the big questions of economic life and considers both why and how we acknowledge people through business in a way that results in collective well-being. It will be of interest to scholars and students of Augustinian studies, philosophy of exchange, and economic ethics.

1. Mortal economies
2. Unacknowledged sacrifices
3. Sacrificial acknowledgment
4. Sacrificial community
5. Sacrificial economy.

Subject Areas: Theology [HRLB], Philosophy of religion [HRAB], History of Western philosophy [HPC]