Spiritual Capital: Spirituality in Practice in Christian Perspective (Transformation and Innovation)

Spiritual Capital: Spirituality in Practice in Christian Perspective (Transformation and Innovation)

by Bernadette Flanagan (Author), Michael O ' Sullivan (Author)

Synopsis

Presenting a thorough, comprehensive theory of spiritual capital based on solid academic research, 'Spiritual Capital' serves to reinforce and amplify the notion of a moral economic core that is beginning to feature in contemporary economic arguments. In this rare major work wholly dedicated to the subject of spiritual capital, Sam Rima explains the desperate need for revolutionary and transformational thinking in the area of economic policy and practice and makes the case for a new moral foundation to business and economics that directly addresses today's financial and business crisis. Writing in an accessible style, and drawing on examples from several continents, Rima explains spiritual capital theory in terms of the resources needed for its creation, how it is formed, how it can be invested and what the return on investment can be. The book provides practical tools for measuring a personal or organizational store of spiritual capital, along with clear guidelines on how to engage in spiritual capital formation. These will benefit business leaders interested in developing viable and sustainable enterprises capable of avoiding the disconnection between economic policy and social reality. There are also recommendations here for policy makers regarding the macro application of spiritual capital theory. This important contribution to Gower's Transformation and Innovation Series will appeal to business leaders and policy makers, academicians and students in the fields of sociology, theology, and economics, and anyone interested in social and economic justice issues, social innovation, and corporate social responsibility.

$161.56

Quantity

5 in stock

More Information

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 208
Publisher: Ashgate
Published: 01 Aug 2012

ISBN 10: 1409427722
ISBN 13: 9781409427728

Media Reviews
'This book offers a fascinating survey of the concept of spiritual capital - a recent extension of social capital . The language is still relatively unfamiliar to spirituality scholars so these essays provide an original and invaluable contribution that bridges the gap between social discourse and academic spirituality.' Philip Sheldrake, Cambridge Theological Federation, UK 'A long-overdue complement to books focusing on the business side, this book masterfully develops the spiritual side of the spiritual capital literature.' Margaret Benefiel, Ph.D., author of Soul at Work and The Soul of a Leader 'Spiritual Capital will quickly become a key text in an expanding field in applied spirituality. The authors explore a range of experiential spaces where spiritual beliefs and practices prove their social worth, and contextually distil pivotal ideas across the field. Note the importance given to symbolic systems and spiritual competencies and the grounding role played by the praxis of authenticity. The text is socially astute and intellectually persuasive, and fills a real gap in the academic literature.' Jack Finnegan, author of The Audacity of Spirit 'This book defines, refines and disseminates the concept of spiritual capital. Contributions by practitioner-scholars in applied spirituality who have practical experience of spiritual capital at work in diverse human situations, provide accounts of concrete expressions of spiritual capital and create an interdisciplinary discussion between spirituality practitioners, artists, ecologists, sociologists and others on the frontiers of change in contemporary culture.' Studies in Spiritualities 'This book is brimming with useful information on a rather elusive topic. The editors should be proud of this helpful and illuminating contribution to the field of spiritual capital.' The Way 'The chapters on practices are the strongest in the volume. I was struck by the appreciation for pilgrimage, its history, and the sense that it is an untapped reservoir to discover spiritual heritage. I had low expectations for a piece on gardening, but it surprised me with its depth and scholarship. Indeed, gardening can definitely be considered a way of developing a rooted, natural, organic spirituality. It provides a worthy metaphor for spiritual capital. So too, do the lively pieces on poems and song.' Theodore Roosevelt Malloch, Yale University, USA in Spiritus
Author Bio
Dr Samuel D. Rima has worked in national politics, the Church, and academia. The author of three books, he holds a Master of Divinity degree from Talbot School of Theology, A Doctor of Ministry degree in transformational leadership, and a Ph.D. from the University of Buckingham, UK. He has taught and lectured all over the world. He was formerly the Director of the doctoral program at Bethel University's Seminary and continues to serve there as faculty in the Center for Transformational Leadership. Dr Rima worked with the Sekem Group in Cairo, as Director of the Heliopolis University Center for Social Innovation, until the Egyptian Revolution intervened. He is a co-founder of the Movement for the Advancement of Spiritual Capital (MASC), which has as its mission capacity building for the common good.