Ecosystems of Jubilee: Economic Ethics for the Neighborhood

(Paperback)

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Ecosystems of Jubilee, by Jos Humphreys and Adam Gustine, is a deeply theological yet highly practical look at the economic ethics and practices of the Old Testament, their fulfillment in Jesus, and their application for seeking justice today. Focusing on the triad of gleaning, sabbath and jubilee, this book will not only motivate Christians embedded in local communities to embrace a serious commitment to economic development as a way of seeking justice, but it will also guide people in the application of these principles through stories and examples, models, and practices. These applications include personal, church, and systemic expressions to help Christians engaged in the broader society as well as those looking to engage this work from a church-centered view.

Reviews

'Jubilee, Sabbath, Sabbatical Year and the Old Testament gleaning laws are four pillars of God's governance--the kind that cultivates shalom. Shalom is the overwhelming goodness of all relationships in creation. Shalom is ethical and it is necessarily economic. Shalom is about the ties that bind us together--the policies, the laws and the structures that order the way we live together in the world. As we sit in the shadow of a global pandemic that clarified the expendable-ness of 'essential' workers and the protected-ness of our ruling class, followers of Jesus are rightfully critiquing and interrogating traditional western economic practices and values. In this context, Adam Gustine and Jose Humphreys offer Ecosystems of Jubilee, a profound and meticulous biblical framework for the divine economics of Jubilee. This book is a must read. Then it is a must do.' * Lisa Sharon Harper, president and founder of Freedom Road, author of The Very Good Gospel and Fortune *
'Jose and Adam remind us that there has been an economic system in place that we have slipped away from and inspires each of us to live out this just economy. Ecosystems of Jubilee is a must read for anyone aspiring towards justice.' * Rev. Dr. Leroy Barber, executive director of Neighborhood Economics, co-founder of the Voices Project *
'Most of us don't fully understand just how deep the mentality of scarcity is within us. Gratefully, there are shepherds like Adam and Jose whose words and lived experiences guide us toward gospel-informed neighborliness that can usher God's justice. In Ecosystems of Jubilee, we see how our spiritual practices are not separate from our financial decisions--and how, with intentionality, we can contribute to the liberation of others and ourselves through contemporary practices of gleaning, Sabbath, and Jubilee. The God of abundance draws closer through their words. Will we choose to listen and act' * Gena Ruocco Thomas, author of Separated by the Border and A Smoldering Wick *
'Our society's status quo bends toward scarcity, as Jose and Adam show so precisely in these pages. But their real contribution, the practical hope they offer to anyone ready to usher shalom into their neighborhoods, lies in the beautiful vision for liberating abundance they find in Scripture. You'll find no spiritual platitudes or justice cliches here; the authors' wisdom has been gained over years of practical ministry in relationship with diverse communities. What you will find is a paradigm for local ecosystems in which everyone and everything can thrive. Read carefully, imagine creatively, implement collaboratively, and then keep your eyes open for the lasting fruits of righteousness and justice.' * David Swanson, pastor of New Community Covenant Church and CEO of New Community Outreach *
'This is the 'better way' guide for community ethics we've been waiting for. Gustine and Humphreys take us out into the streets, where the abundant, generous, generative heart of God is vibrantly at work. Pastors and non-profit leaders are sure to find this a fresh, imperative text. Even more, this blessedly practical book is for ordinary people who understand 'neighbor' is part of our spiritual DNA and simply need a nudge in the right direction. Ecosystems of Jubilee is a true place-changer. I cannot recommend it highly enough.' * Shannan Martin, author of Start with Hello and The Ministry of Ordinary Place *
'Gustine and Humphreys are serious about helping us all to understand what I call the Shalom-Sabbath-Jubilee Construct and so was Jesus. If you don't understand Jesus' relationship to Jubilee, you have misunderstood him and his mission. Ecosystems of Jubilee faithfully leads us into a fuller understanding of this urgent topic and reveals how Jubilee can be implemented at various levels in our culture. Don't miss reading this book!' * Randy Woodley, PhD and author of Shalom and the Community of Creation: An Indigenous Vision *
'If we want to see movements of restorative justice and joyful abundance in our lives and neighborhoods, we need a fresh imagination of economics rooted in the ancient story of God. Rev. Humphreys and Dr. Gustine have given us the theological and practical guide we need for this necessary journey. A book that is both timeless and timely. Highly recommended.' * Tim Soerens, co-founder of the Parish Collective, author of Everywhere You Look *

Author Bio

Dr. Adam Gustine is the author of Becoming a Just Church: Cultivating Communities of Gods Shalom, the 2019 IVP Readers Choice Award in Christian practice. He is an Assistant Director of the University of Notre Dames Center for Social Concerns, focused on justice education and research for the Common Good. He has worked in a wide variety of church, non-profit, denominational and educational contexts and has a doctor of ministry degree from Missio Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Rev. Jose Humphreys is a native New Yorker, ordained minister, and Co-founder of Metro Hope Church, a multiethnic and multicultural church in East Harlem, New York City. He is also a social worker, consultant, and author of the award-winning book Seeing Jesus in East Harlem: What Happens when Churches Show Up & Stay Put. Rev. Jose continues to participate in shalom-making and trauma-informed healing work through facilitating conversations across social, economic, racial, and religious boundaries.