The Recession and God: Reading the Signs of the Times
Fr. Gerry O'Hanlon SJ

"In this scholarly and exciting essay, Gerry O'Hanlon shows the relevance of real Christianity, as found in the Scriptures and filtered through Catholic Social Teaching, for current economic woes. Service of one's fellowman by those who identify themselves as Christians, including bankers and financiers, combined wirth just punishment fror wrongdoers, can bring vitality to a damaged society." Dr Finola Kennedy, economist and author

 This is a different account of the current recession in Ireland and world-wide. Gerry O'Hanlon SJ draws on the rich resources of the Christian tradition to argue for the need for a new, more socially responsible, economic paradigm. He proposes a vision for the common good, inspired by the values of justice and solidarity, which rules out any simple return to business as usual. Instead he urges that we use this time of crisis as an opportunity to pool our resources (both secular and religious) in committing oursleves to the search for a more sustainable future. This extended essay shows the relevance of theological thought for practical living, of Christianity for the public square.