William T. Cavanaugh is associate professor of theology at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Joseph Mangina
-- Wycliffe College, Toronto
"Many Christians vaguely sense that all is not well with their
relation to consumer society, but find it difficult to name just
what ails them. In Being Consumed William Cavanaugh offers the
clearest, most helpful diagnosis I have ever seen. No liberal
guilt-tripping here, just some serious theological reflection on
matters like God, desire, justice, pluralism, and the nature of
human freedom. I especially like Cavanaugh's concrete examples of
economic practices consistent with life in the body of Christ. This
book will be required reading in my introductory theology course."
Gavin D'Costa
-- University of Bristol
"Rampaging retail therapy in our Western economics requires a
radical analyst. We have an Augustinian prophetic voice in William
Cavanaugh, who subjects the free market, consumer culture,
globalization, and scarcity to Catholic interrogation. He employs
the traditions of Augustine, Aquinas, Hans Urs von Balthasar, and
John Paul II, proposing an alternative desire that transforms the
church and our practices. Envisioning a eucharistic justice that
leaves us rich in community-caring and prosperous in our constant
sharing, Cavanaugh is lucid, personal, practical, and theologically
wise." M. Therese Lysaught
-- Marquette University
"Can a book free Christians from the 'invisible hand' that seems
more and more to dominate every aspect of our lives? William
Cavanaugh provides a much-needed how-to manual for just such a
liberation. Clearly written and even entertaining, Being Consumed
frees us from the ironic position of 'having no choice' but to live
by the rules of free-market consumerism in a globalized world of
scarce resources. . . Cavanaugh makes clear that the everyday
economic life of Christians can be different and can make a
difference. And he sows seeds that could, if taken seriously by
Christians and churches, produce well over a hundredfold --
produce, that is, a revolution." Catholic Register
"Being Consumed is a thoughtful look at a difficult set of issues.
I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to understand better how
we might apply Christian teaching within our modern economic
framework" Expository Times
"Cavanaugh provides a nuanced, yet accessible theological analysis
of consumer culture." Religious Studies Review
"An ecclesiologically informed economics whose capacity to
transform our lives, if we would heed its various concrete
suggestions, should not be underestimated." Interpretation
"This is a highly readable and incisive book. Cavanaugh boldly
engages contemporary economic assumptions -- and some of their
theological shortcomings -- with wit and vigor, and he proves to be
a knowledgeable and thoughtful guide." New Theology Review
"In four accessible chapters Cavanaugh deals with issues that
constituted this decade's social, economic, political,
environmental, and human rights crises. . . . [The book's] brevity
is attractive, but that in no way dilutes its compelling depth."
Christian Century
"Being Consumed: Economics and Christian Desire is a deceptively
short yet theologically deep book. . . .Thoughtful and well-timed."
Catholic Books Review
"Cavanaugh's treatment of a complex subject is filled with
insights, careful analysis, and helpful suggestions. . . . This
book is a must for Catholic and Christian college libraries."
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