Overview

Rebecca Todd Peters provides a helpful overview of the complicated contemporary debates about globalization. By engaging in a careful reading of the cacophony of views on the subject, she unearths four identifiable positions within these debates, each offering a different moral vision of the world. As she observes, policy debates about the direction in which globalization should move are morally serious debates about what values humanity will choose as most significant in the post-Cold War world. In Search of the Good Life argues that our moral task is to ensure that globalization proceeds in ways that honour creation and life, and that any theory of globalization ought to be grounded in values that emphasize a democratized understanding of power, encourage care for the planet, and promote people's social wellbeing.

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this very helpful introduction to the ethics of globalization...can be recommended to those studying at undergraduate level Theological Book Review Vol.19 No.2 2007--,

'...Professor Peters' approach to the good life is deeply religious, her research impressive, and the writing packed. She has launched a four-star attach on capitalism, specifically in its current phase of globalization.'--Sanford Lakoff Utopian Studies 'this accessible book by Rebecca Todd Peters makes a timely contribution...Her typology is fair, lucid and...well supported by up-to-date examples...I will certainly recommend this readable book.' Margaret Whipp, ANVIL, Vol 32 No. 2--Sanford Lakoff Anvil 'The strength of analysis and engagement with a wealth of secular and theological sources reflect an attention to detail rarely found in Britain....It is the best introduction I have recently read by a theologian, dispassionate and well sourced.' John Atherton, Theology, Jan/Feb 2006--Sanford Lakoff Theology this very helpful introduction to the ethics of globalization...can be recommended to those studying at undergraduate level Theological Book Review Vol.19 No.2 2007--Sanford Lakoff As a newcomer to the discourse of globalization, I am thrilled to find Rebecca Todd Peters' In Search of the Good Life. This wonderfully lucid, well-written book makes the intimidating topic of globalization theory accessible to a non-specialist. And considering the enormous contemporary significance of this subject, hers is quite an impressive accomplishment. Equally as valuable is Peter's uncovering of the moral assumptions and commitments that each globalization theory brings with it. The differences between the moral vision of neoliberalism and that of social equity liberalism or global solidarity movements are as important to know about as their correspondingly different accounts of what globalization is. A challenge to live justly, this book is also a first rate primer on the necessary conditions of a just world. -Mary McClintock Fulkerson, Associate Professor of Theology, Duke University Divinity School; author of Changing the Subject: Women's Discourses and Feminist Theology--Sanford Lakoff Despite common sense talk about the world being a global village and abstract theories on the earth's oneness, massive confusion abounds. If you want the most comprehensive typological explanation of globalization to date one with intellectual sophistication, reader friendly sensitivity, and moral values of empowerment buy this book! -Dwight N. Hopkins, author of On Being Human: Black Theology, Looks, Culture, Self, and Race--Sanford Lakoff During the decade between the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the Al Qaeda attack of 2001, globalization seemed to have triumphed completely. Whatever its faults, there seemed to be no alternative to it. Since 2001, the cheering has died down, the mood of inevitability has faded, and a recognition has dawned that globalization entails a range of fateful, even perilous choices. How these choices can be wisely and ethically made is Rebecca Todd Peters s subject in this cogently argued, quietly passionate, and, not least, perfectly timed little book. -Jack Miles, Senior Fellow, Pacific Council on International Policy, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of God: A Biography--Sanford Lakoff Having taught In Search of the Good Life: The Ethics of Globalization several times, I can attest that Rebecca Todd Peters' book makes an invaluable contribution to teaching and learning about globalization and theology. It is clearly written, well organized and documented. In addition to working well in the classroom, Peters' book is a helpful touchstone for any religious ethicist interested in the discourses of globalization. Michael S. Hogue, The Journal of Religion, July 2007, Vol. 87, No. 3 --Sanford Lakoff Rebecca Todd Peters refuses to give in! She engages reality with the sharp critical eye of a committed scholar for whom justice is not a theory to elaborate but a reality for which to struggle. As she so aptly puts it, working for justice gives rise to 'a democratized understanding of power, care for the planet, and the social well-being of people.' This triad is the moral criteria that guides her analysis and critique of the different understandings of globalization which, because it is of our own doing, we have the responsibility to define and to shape. I wlecome and applaud Peters's contribution to shaping a feminist liberation standpoint from which marginalized and minoritized voices are not excluded. --Sanford Lakoff This book is the best treatment of the complex debate on globalization by a religious ethicist now available. It is indispensable for those who care about public life here and the good life for all. -Cornel West, Professor of Religion, Princeton University--Sanford Lakoff This is a much needed book as we struggle to understand the impact of globalization on our lives, nation, and planet earth. Writing as a Christian feminist ethicist Rebecca Todd Peters gives globalization a human face. She shows us how people understand and encounter it in different ways and asks which approaches to these economic, political and social forces contribute to justice and human flourishing. Letty M. Russell, Professor Emerita of Theology, Yale Divinity School--Sanford Lakoff With passion, a sophisticated yet engaging analysis, and a keen awareness of the complexities, scope, and interpretations of globalization, Rebecca Todd Peters invites us into a powerful discourse on social responsibility and theological stewardship, towards a related moral vision/praxis. Her inquiry recognizes our own complicity as the so-called first world in the related economic oppression affecting the vast majority of the world's peoples, and seeks to shift the realities and constructs between the shrinking class of haves and the growing, deafening, cacophony of the have-nots. -Cheryl Kirk-Duggan, Professor of Theology and Women's Studies, Director of Women's Studies, Shaw University Divinity School, and an ordained minister in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.--Sanford Lakoff In Search of the Good Life makes a substantial contribution to the literature seeking a just, sustainable paradigm of globalization. Its typology of four different positions on globalization neoliberalism, social development, earthism, and neocolonialism is clear, thorough, well-written, and insightful. I intend to use this fine book in my courses as it is an exceptionally helpful overview of the state of the issue at the present time in a form available to students. Sallie McFague, author of Life Abundant: Rethinking Theology and Economy for a Planet in Peril, and Distinguished Theologian in Residence, Vancouver School of Theology--Sanford Lakoff 2005 Outstanding Book Awards At last a clear and illuminating guide through the vast literature on the global economy! This book not only clarifies the alternative approaches but makes a vigorous constructive proposals for moving ahead both theoretically and practically. It does all of this with scholarly responsibility embodied in a style that is accessible even to those who have little past familiarity with the topic. May it galvanize many people of good will and especially the churches to recognize that the fate of the world is at stake. John B. Cobb, Jr, Professor Emeritus, Claremont School of Theology--John B. Cobb, Jr Praised by Cornel West, Pulitzer author Jack Miles. Today s Books (PNS), 12/15/04 2005 Outstanding Book Awards--Gustavus Myers Center for the Study of Bigotry and Human Rights

'The strength of analysis and engagement with a wealth of secular and theological sources reflect an attention to detail rarely found in Britain....It is the best introduction I have recently read by a theologian, dispassionate and well sourced.' John Atherton, Theology, Jan/Feb 2006--John Atherton Theology

Author Information

Rebecca Todd Peters is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Distinguished Emerging Scholar at Elon College, North Carolina. She has published 'The Future of Globalization: Seeking Pathways of Transformation' in the Journal of the Society of Christian Ethics and contributed a chapter to Body and Soul: Rethinking Sexuality as Justice-Love. She also co-edited the book Justice in the Making: Feminist Social Ethics, a collection of Beverly Harrison's work to be published later in 2004.

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