A straight Schluter
Economist Ross Gittins wrote a great article about another economist, evangelical Michael Schluter, in The Sydney Morning Herald. Dr Schluter argues something surprising for an economist but unsurprising for a Christian—that we should consider sacrificing economic wellbeing where it impinges on our relationships.
My letter to the editor was martyred in the letter editor's bin, but it will rise in glory to meet 72 other unpublished letters in the world to come:
Dear editor,
Ross Gittin's excellent opinion piece (“Another way to make our lives richer”, SMH Aug 16), quoting economist Michael Schluter, omitted one crucial piece of information. It is very hard to understand or explain Dr Schluter's surprising economic views without recognizing that he is a Christian. Indeed, given his view that the Old Testament provides a worthwhile paradigm for economic life, many of your readers would probably label him as an extreme fundamentalist.
In the current debate about religious ideologues, Michael Schluter is another extremist to throw into the mix. His deviant views lead him towards economic proposals that support and encourage warm and happy family relationships and social networks. Fundamentalists like that we can use.
Yours etc.
You can find details of Dr Schluter's book, Jubilee Manifesto, here.