Hardback
Religion and Finance
Comparing the Approaches of Judaism, Christianity and Islam
9780857939029 Edward Elgar Publishing
Judaism, Christianity and Islam all impose obligations and constraints upon the rightful use of wealth and earthly resources. All three of these religions have well-researched views on the acceptability of practices such as usury but the principles and practices of other, non-interest, financial instruments are less well known. This book examines each of these three major world faiths, considering their teachings, social precepts and economic frameworks, which are set out as a guide for the financial dealings and economic behaviour of their adherents.
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Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
Judaism, Christianity and Islam all impose obligations and constraints upon the rightful use of wealth and earthly resources. All three of these religions have well-researched views on the acceptability of practices such as usury but the principles and practices of other, non-interest, financial instruments are less well known. This book examines each of these three major world faiths, considering their teachings, social precepts and economic frameworks, which are set out as a guide for the financial dealings and economic behaviour of their adherents.
Religion and Finance explores the histories, denominational compositions and fundamental beliefs of each of the three religions and examines a host of key issues surrounding their relationship to finance. Consideration is given to the development of generally disfavoured practices such as usury, and the various instruments of sales-based debt, partnerships and equity-based financial practices allowed by these religions are examined, alongside a discussion of their socio-economic teachings and traditions.
This well-written, well-constructed analysis of the financial thought of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, with its insightful analysis of key financial instruments and economic practices, will be an invaluable book for anyone who is interested in, or studying, the three major Abrahamic religions and their financial practices and philosophies.
Religion and Finance explores the histories, denominational compositions and fundamental beliefs of each of the three religions and examines a host of key issues surrounding their relationship to finance. Consideration is given to the development of generally disfavoured practices such as usury, and the various instruments of sales-based debt, partnerships and equity-based financial practices allowed by these religions are examined, alongside a discussion of their socio-economic teachings and traditions.
This well-written, well-constructed analysis of the financial thought of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, with its insightful analysis of key financial instruments and economic practices, will be an invaluable book for anyone who is interested in, or studying, the three major Abrahamic religions and their financial practices and philosophies.
Critical Acclaim
‘The book encapsulates and extends the past works on the less explored topic of the role of religion in economics. The book will surely impress the students of comparative religions and Islamic economics with its crisp analysis and scholarship and is a significant addition to the work of (Professor Rodney) Wilson on the same topic.’
– Tariq Aziz, Islamic Studies
‘This account of the teachings of the three Abrahamic religions on finance sheds fresh light on the distinctive approach of each. The comparative approach provides valuable insights on the reasons for the condemnation of usurious interest and the moral challenges of contemporary equity and debt-based finance. The study should be essential reading for ministers of religion wanting to deepen their understanding of financial matters, as well as theological and law students concerned with the interface between secular and religious law.’
– Rodney Wilson, Emeritus Professor, Durham University, UK
– Tariq Aziz, Islamic Studies
‘This account of the teachings of the three Abrahamic religions on finance sheds fresh light on the distinctive approach of each. The comparative approach provides valuable insights on the reasons for the condemnation of usurious interest and the moral challenges of contemporary equity and debt-based finance. The study should be essential reading for ministers of religion wanting to deepen their understanding of financial matters, as well as theological and law students concerned with the interface between secular and religious law.’
– Rodney Wilson, Emeritus Professor, Durham University, UK
Contents
Contents: Preface 1. Defining the issues in religion and finance 2. The three Abrahamic religions 3. Attitudes of Judaism, Christianity and Islam to usury 4. Social policy in the Abrahamic religions 5. Economic framework of the Abrahamic religions 6. What the Abrahamic religions say about contemporary financial practices 7. Partnership based equity instruments 8. Sale based debt instruments 9. The future of interest-free financing 10. Conclusion References Index
