This book was published in 1993 but is still available from www.relationshipfoundation.org at a reasonable price, or from some other Internet book suppliers at an exorbitant price! By the way, that fact confirms something of the content and concerns of the book. It was written at a time of intense debate just after the fall of communism and when (like today) economic recession was hitting the Western World. It is a powerful critique of the culture of the West and emphasizes the concept that remedy is to be found in the creation of Relational markets and democracies; a stable global order must be based upon meaningful relationships. Of course, this is a thoroughly Christian sentiment but the book is not overtly Christian at all. The web site mentioned above will confirm the vision and burden of the book. That the two authors are Christians is undoubtedly a fact, that they have something to say, and are hitting a vital note is also true. There is a salutary sound to all that they write; it could almost be called prophetic given the changes that have taken place since it was published. The basic premises of the book are first, that all human life has intrinsic value and dignity. Second, those good interpersonal relationships are of primary importance to both individual and societal well-being. Thirdly, that good relationships depend on the presence of both obligation and choice in the social structure and finally, that a good relationship is to be understood primarily as a morally good relationship. All of these points are argued for and applied to governmental structures and the business sector in particular. The book sounds a warning, which has not been heeded by government in the years since it was written although lip service has been given to it. From a Christian’s perspective the value of reading it would be the further establishing and confirmation of God’s way as being the only way for a stable and healthy society. That this kind of encouragement can issue in personal changes in family life and in the work place should not need to be said. We do not only read to be informed, but to be changed by truth howsoever it comes, even if not in an overtly Christian guise as is the case with this book. Perhaps any reader will wonder whether a book like this will change anything, or the labors of those engaged in the work of the Relationship Foundation but my feeling is that I am thankful for everything both written and done that corroborates God’s truth and should lead to more God honoring lives being lived in the midst of this muddled world.
