We need a new language for a new economy. For too long we have measured economies in terms of goods produced rather than good done. And it is quite understandable; goods are far more easily quantified than good. Yet it is a fatal flaw.
The primary measure of an economy is justice, not productivity. As we are witnessing, productivity can very quickly ebb and flow. Justice however, forms the condition under which humanity can flourish. Whether the market is up or down, and the GNP is skyrocketing or tanking, the most important measure is the justice of the economy.
We need to begin to assess our gross national virtue instead of our gross national product. When we do, we will be ashamed of where we are, but will be in the only point from which a healthy economy can be established: from confession and repentance.
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2 comments:
Graham, your impluse to change the metrics and thus change the rules is awesome!
The only difficulty I see in this is that using justice as a measure can be tricky and dangerous if all parties don't agree to it - especially in a global context. You might already be able to say that some outside the US think that we as a country are already pushing our own "gross national virtues" upon them.
I see your point, but I also challenge our Xtian community globally to bring this into dialogue with those of other faiths as well. It is often said most religions have similar ethical/moral values. Does justice from a Christian perspective belong in this equation too? How does it differ from baseline ethical/moral assumptions?
BTW, on a lighter note, here's a start to measuring something on different terms! http://www.raktrak.com
Kenny, your points are excellent. Our concept of justice hinges on our understanding of "the good" which is construed in very different ways in different cultures. Thus the question, "Whose justice? Which rationality?" is a good one.
The answers to those questions hinge on the answer to Andy Crouch's first two questions: (1) What does this assume about the way the world is?, and (2) What does this assume about the way the world ought to be?
This is where Christians have a meaningful contribution to make because our assumptions about the way the world is and ought to be are grounded in the Gospel. Thus, our way of engaging in justice is by announcing the good news - and living in line with it.
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