INTRODUCTION

The first two chapters described the nature and dynamics of economic compulsion. The notion of economic security as a divine gift in the Old Testament (chapter 3) provides scriptural warrants for why such negative pecuniary externalities ought to be redressed. The restorative ethos of the Hebrew precepts (chapter 4) exemplifies the spirit with which such adverse unintended consequences ought to be ameliorated. Harmful market ripple effects are still very much with us today, and with even greater severity given the increasing “marketization” of modern society. It now remains for us to examine two issues: (1) how to adapt the biblical vision of economic security in a postindustrial economy, and (2) how to define the threshold that must be crossed before negative pecuniary externalities are considered to be cases of economic compulsion deserving correction and rehabilitative assistance.

The Hebrews had a strong sense of “belonging,” given their appreciation for their distinctive corporate identity as the Chosen People of God. It was relatively easier to discern what was expected of them as individuals and as a community since their economics and politics were informed and shaped by a shared religious conviction. Thus, they were able to promulgate laws and statutes with clear specificity in dealing with economic distress (chapters 3 and 4). In the case of the scholastic era, the just price was set by custom, law, and usage. Entitlements were based on what people might demand of each other given the roles and responsibilities they discharged in the community.