Doing Christian Ethics from the Margins - Orbis Books

Founded in 1970, Orbis Books endeavors to publish works that enlightenthe mind, nourish the spirit, and challenge the conscience. The publishingarm of the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, Orbis seeks to explorethe global dimensions of the Christian faith and mission, to invite dialoguewith diverse cultures and religious traditions, and to serve the causeof reconciliation and peace. The books published reflect the views of theirauthors and do not represent the official position of the Maryknoll Society.To learn more about Maryknoll and Orbis Books, please visit our websiteat www.maryknoll.org.Copyright © 2004 by Miguel A. De La TorrePublished by Orbis Books, Maryknoll, New York 10545-0308.Manufactured in the United States of America.All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced ortransmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, includingphotocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system,without prior permission in writing from the publisher.Queries regarding rights and permissions should be addressed to: OrbisBooks, P.O. Box 308, Maryknoll, New York 10545-0308.Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication DataDe La Torre, Miguel A.Doing Christian ethics from the margins / Miguel A. De La Torre.p. cm.Includes bibliographical references and index.ISBN 1-57075-551-5 (pbk.)1. Christian ethics—Textbook. 2. Marginality, Social—Moraland ethical aspects—Textbook. I. Title.BJ1251.D38 2004241—dc222004008344

ContentsPrefaceAcknowledgmentsxixvPART IETHICAL THEORY1. Doing Christian Ethics 3Why Christian? 6Why Ethics? 8Why from the Margins? 122. The De-Liberation of Ethics 22The Dilemma 24De-Liberating Liberation 25The Social Power of Ethics 30Incarnation: Experiencing in the Flesh 35Christian Ethics from the Center 373. The Liberation of Ethics 57The Hermeneutical Circle for Ethics 58PART IICASE STUDIES OF GLOBAL RELATIONSHIPS4. Introducing Global Relationships 73The Economic Might of the United States 75The Rise of Neoliberalism 77The Structures of Neoliberalism 81Using Case Studies in Ethics from the Margins 82vii

viiiCONTENTS5. Global Poverty 84Step 1. Observing 84Step 2. Reflecting 90Step 3. Praying 91Step 4. Case Studies 946. War 101Step 1. Observing 101Step 2. Reflecting 106Step 3. Praying 111Step 4. Case Studies 1167. Environment 122Step 1. Observing 122Step 2. Reflecting 128Step 3. Praying 132Step 4. Case Studies 134PART IIICASE STUDIES OF NATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS8. Introduction to National Relationships 143Guns vs. Butter 143The Cost of Empire 1449. National Poverty 148Step 1. Observing 148Step 2. Reflecting 151Step 3. Praying 160Step 4. Case Studies 16410. Political Campaigns 169Step 1. Observing 169Step 2. Reflecting 173Step 3. Praying 175Step 4. Case Studies 17811. Life and Death 183Step 1. Observing 183Step 2. Reflecting 190Step 3. Praying 192Step 4. Case Studies 193

CONTENTSixPART IVCASE STUDIES OF BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS12. Introduction to Business Relationships 20313. Corporate Accountability 207Step 1. Observing 207Step 2. Reflecting 211Step 3. Praying 219Step 4. Case Studies 22114. Affirmative Action 226Step 1. Observing 226Step 2. Reflecting 229Step 3. Praying 236Step 4. Case Studies 23815. Private Property 245Step 1. Observing 245Step 2. Reflecting 246Step 3. Praying 251Step 4. Case Studies 256Epilogue 263Bibliography 265Index 276