Joerg Rieger: the End of Religion & Business as Usual
Mar 17, 2021
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Joerg Rieger, a Distinguished Professor of Theology, combines his expertise in theology with a focus on social justice. He discusses the intertwining of economics and religion, likening modern economic beliefs to dogma while highlighting systemic injustices. Rieger critiques individualism in capitalism, advocating for community collaboration and recognizing hidden resistances in social movements. He delves into concepts like 'lordless slavery' and the importance of grassroots activism, offering a compelling vision for collective action in the face of injustice.
Joerg Rieger's new class on economic justice emphasizes the need to integrate economics into theological discussions for contemporary faith practice.
The podcast highlights personal narratives as transformative tools for understanding and addressing systemic economic injustices within communities.
Rieger critiques capitalism as a powerful force shaping beliefs and norms, urging a reevaluation of economic systems in religious contexts.
The concept of hidden transcripts illustrates the quiet resistance of marginalized groups against oppressive structures, enriching theological insights and practices.
Deep dives
Introduction to the New Learning Community
A new open online reading group has been launched, exploring the themes of economic justice and religion over six weeks. Led by Dr. Jorg Rieger, a prominent theological ethicist, the class is titled 'Capital Change: The End of Religion and Business as Usual.' Participants will engage in weekly readings, lectures, and discussions, promoting an interactive learning environment. The initiative responds to a growing interest in the intersection of economic justice and religion among attendees.
Accessibility and Resource Availability
The online class is designed to be accessible, allowing participants to contribute at various financial levels, from free attendance to paying a self-determined amount. Each class provides a resource page with readings, audio, and video materials, allowing participants to learn at their own pace. This flexibility means attendees can revisit materials later or share insights with their own communities. It aims to equip participants with the tools and knowledge necessary for liberating and life-giving conversations.
The Dangers of Ignoring Economic Discussions
The conversation emphasizes the dangers of avoiding economic discussions within theological contexts, as they significantly affect faith and practice. Rieger highlights the importance of recognizing economic justice as central to theological reflection and ministry, asserting that economics should not be an elective topic but rather essential to understanding faith today. Understanding the intersections of community, faith, and economics is vital for effective ministry and addressing the lived experiences of marginalized individuals. The aim is to encourage a shift toward integrating economic critique into everyday religious discourse.
The Journey of Theological Reflection
Dr. Rieger shares his own journey of realization, reflecting on how experiences in different cultural and economic contexts led him to understand the importance of addressing economics within theology. His background in feminist and race theology shaped his awareness, prompting him to investigate the relationships between capitalism, empire, and theology. By exploring these intersections, he aims to illuminate the connections between religious beliefs and economic dynamics. Rieger's insights underscore the need for theology to address the pressing social and economic injustices faced by many in society.
The Role of Personal Experience in Economic Understanding
The speakers discuss how personal experiences significantly inform their understanding of economic systems. Tripp shares a formative moment from his own life that highlighted economic disparities during a summer job in construction. This realization served as a catalyst for deeper conversations about economic injustice and inspired the need for the class. Personal narratives are highlighted as powerful tools for understanding systemic issues and mobilizing change within communities.
Capitalism and Its Discontents
The episode engages with various criticisms of capitalism, emphasizing how systems can entrench inequality and marginalize the most vulnerable. Rieger argues that economics functions as a religion, shaping societal norms and beliefs in ways that often go unchallenged. The discussions draw parallels between economic theories, power dynamics, and the ideologies that support oppressive systems. Exploring these connections is vital for transforming faith and fostering justice-oriented practices in communities.
Hidden Resistance and The Role of Community
The concept of hidden transcripts is introduced as a means for marginalized groups to resist dominant power structures without direct confrontation. Through informal networks and subtle forms of protest, individuals can express their dissent and build solidarity within their communities. This highlights the importance of recognizing the agency and resilience of those who navigate oppressive systems daily. Understanding these dynamics can enrich theological scholarship and practice, encouraging a more inclusive and compassionate approach to ministry.
Joerg Rieger is Distinguished Professor of Theology and the Cal Turner Chancellor’s Chair of Wesleyan Studies. He is also the founding director of the Wendland-Cook Program in Religion and Justice.
For more than two decades he has worked to bring together theology and the struggles for justice and liberation that mark our age. His work addresses the relation of theology and public life, reflecting on the misuse of power in religion, politics, and economics. His main interest is in developments and movements that bring about change and in the positive contributions of religion and theology. His constructive work in theology draws on a wide range of historical and contemporary traditions, with a concern for manifestations of the divine in the pressures of everyday life.
