In the Pursuit of Degrowth. Reformed Churches’ Theological Critique of Capitalism

Abstract

The article discusses the theological criticism of capitalism on the part of the Reformed Churches. The four main themes of criticism are: 1) immoderate accumulation of goods and capital and the commodification of man; 2) leading Third World countries to unpayable debt; 3) plundering of natural goods and environmental damage; 4) the trap of unrestrained growth. The idea of "degrowth" is proposed as an effective way out of these threats. This idea consists of moderation in the production of goods adapted in volume to real needs, respect for the environment by implementing the principles of sustainable development, and finally adopting the attitude of self-restraint as a necessary form of asceticism. "Degrowth" is therefore an idea that also brings together the ways to overcome the "economy of greed" and introduce the "economy of life".