Ever think that were it not for the widespread idolatry of this machine called the market, the world would be a better, safer place for all of us? This is what editor Ted Reeve purports in God and the Market. The collection of essays covers a variety of topics and is unapologetically socialist in its perspective. It looks at the promotion and effects of capitalism, the world’s ecological state, the responsibility of corporations, and, finally, possible action within a Christian context.

However, the book is seriously flawed. The writing is inaccessible in style and often lacking in fluidity and cohesiveness. In fact, many contributions read like academic papers that have not yet been properly polished, often containing one- or two-sentence conclusions supported by long citations from other experts’ works. These excerpts suggest a certain laziness – contributors rely heavily on the works of others to legitimize their ideas. Finally, the book maintains a preachy tone throughout, which can significantly reduce the reader’s sympathy to its message.

What is heartening, however, is the United Church’s conscious effort to reach beyond itself and its congregations to attempt to provoke thought and make a difference. From both a human and church perspective, Reeve and his contributors raise some interesting points. Their main fear is that the free market is obliterating the chance for the development of human society and relegating people to the role of commodity, with their value based solely on their contribution to the bottom line.

However, while the solutions proposed are honourable, whether they are realistic or achievable is another matter entirely. Protecting the poorest members of society, sharing wealth equitably, revaluing work, and recreating and sustaining community are all humane goals, but how can we set out to achieve them in such a vast world? God and the Market offers no concrete answers.