Paul E. Knowlton - Better Capitalism: Jesus, Adam Smith, Ayn Rand, and MLK Jr. on Moving from Plantation to Partnership Economics

Better Capitalism is an eloquent and articulate reminder of the importance of understanding economics in the context of our communities, country, and roles as business leaders. In explaining the profound connection between economics and theology, the authors have provided a strong case for the critical need for partnership between business leaders and communities to create a stronger and more robust economy that provides benefit to all.

Tony Reid

Senior vice president (retired), Marriott International

This book plunges the reader right into the interface of theology (faith) and economics, exactly where thoughtful, responsible adults need to be situated in our crisis-marked world. Knowlton and Hedges pursue a simple paradigm of plantation vs. partnership. Plantation in their usage refers to a winner-take-all economics that exploits others for self-advantage. Partnership concerns an economic practice of mutuality that contributes to the common good while attending to ones own interest. This simple either/or is explored in rich directions including finance, corporations, government, and culture. Along the way we get a healthy rereading of Adam Smith and Ayn Rand, away from a privatistic distortion. This book merits close, sustained attention as a compelling move beyond both careless thinking and easy ideology.

Walter Brueggemann

Professor, Columbia Theological Seminary

American capitalism. We are all part of it; we all know there has to be a better way. Knowlton and Hedges reject complacency by confronting the problems with insight. They propose better ways (Partnership Economics) with data, experience, and moral conviction; and they invite readers to tap the resources of imagination, dialogue, and courage. You may not agree with all their solutions, but this book will change how you think about your commitments and financial decisionscorporate, professional, and personal.

R. Alan Culpepper

Dean and professor emeritus, McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University

I believe our country and world would be a better place if the principles of Partnership Economics were widely adopted. I will use this book in my personal life as I make choices about which companies I wish to support with my purchases and recommendations to family and friends.

Julie Nybakken

Mathematics educator

I applaud the authors diligence and I look forward to seeing the influence on our culture that this excellent book produces. I find the work to be original and thought-provoking.

Deric Milligan

Cofounder and CEO, Inheritance of Hope

What an impressive, ambitious effort to tackle such weighty topics and identify and investigate a series of connective tissue between them all.

Stan Seymour

Attorney and associate pastor

This is a great work, very timely and needed. The authors are to be commended for their efforts, ideas, and work.

Gary Skeen

President emeritus, CBF Church Benefits Board

As a mid-level employee of a Fortune company and a former seminarian, this was certainly relevant reading. Where a partnership approach is displayed, all kinds of growth follows!

Aaron Jarvinen

Supply chain professional

I was fascinated by this book and grateful that I read it. As a local church pastor, I found the topic and scope to be beyond my usual areas of interest and I might not have bought this book to add to my library. I would have missed out! The book is clearly written and accessible to those of us who do not regularly follow economics. Reading this compelling book was a good gift to my ministry.

James Dock

Hollingsworth, senior pastor

Better Capitalism

Jesus, Adam Smith, Ayn Rand, and MLK Jr.
on Moving from Plantation to Partnership Economics

Paul E. Knowlton & Aaron E. Hedges

Foreword by David P. Gushee

Better Capitalism

Jesus, Adam Smith, Ayn Rand, and MLK Jr. on Moving from Plantation
to Partnership Economics

Copyright 2021 Paul E. Knowlton and Aaron E. Hedges. All rights reserved. Except for brief quotations in critical publications or reviews, no part of this book may be reproduced in any manner without prior written permission from the publisher. Write: Permissions, Wipf and Stock Publishers, W. th Ave., Suite , Eugene, OR 97401 .

Cascade Books

An Imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers

W. th Ave., Suite

Eugene, OR 97401

www.wipfandstock.com

paperback isbn: 978-1-7252-8093-9

hardcover isbn: 978-1-7252-8094-6

ebook isbn: 978-1-7252-8095-3

Cataloguing-in-Publication data:

Names: Knowlton, Paul E., author. | Hedges, Aaron E., author. | Gushee, David P., foreword.

Title: Better capitalism : Jesus, Adam Smith, Ayn Rand, and MLK Jr. on moving from plantation to Partnership Economics / Paul E. Knowlton and Aaron E. Hedges; foreword David P. Gushee.

Description: Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2021 | Includes bibliographical references.

Identifiers: isbn 978-1-7252-8093-9 ( paperback ) | isbn 978-1-7252-8094-6 ( hardcover ) | isbn 978-1-7252-8095-3 ( ebook )

Subjects: LCSH: Capitalism, United States, Societies, etc. | WealthReligious aspectsChristianity. | Church work with the poor.

Classification: HB501 .B467 2021 ( paperback ) | HB501 ( ebook )

02/01/21

To Rev. Dr. David P. GusheeWith abiding gratitude

Who as our professor taught us healing
through transforming initiatives

and now as our friend partners
in this transforming initiative.