To see a general overview of Simpler Living, Compassionate life click here.
In this section (Social Structures and the Politics of Simplicity): “Christian Existence in a World of Limits” by John B. Cobb Jr. (117-122); “Structural Changes” by Cecile Andres (123-130); “The Lifestyle of Christian Faithfulness” by William Gibson (131-140)
Previous sections have looked specifically at how food consumption impacts the global community and economy. This section turns to look at systems in society that perpetuate and encourage over-consumption; from theology to capitalism to advertising, authors call out ways in which we’ve built our world for destruction. It focuses not only on personal choices, but the necessity of engaged politics and policy.
Andrews outlines specific structural changes that could be made in society to bring the kingdom of God ever closer. Andrews and other authors in this section are under no delusion that these complex societal problems will be easy to fix. They point to our addiction to overconsumption as the primary source of difficulty in our creation of a more just economy and world.
The essays found here provoke an affluent middle class’s compliance in keeping the poor poor. The guilt of our addictions and choices must be confronted and surpassed. Only when this is accomplished is there hope for a future that affirms the life of all God’s children.