Rediscovering Values: On Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street

When we start with the wrong question, no matter how good an answer we get, it won’t give us the results we want. Rather than joining the throngs who are asking, When will this economic crisis be over? Jim Wallis says the right question to ask is How will this crisis change us?

The worst thing we can do now, Wallis tells us, is to go back to normal. Normal is what got us into this situation. We need a new normal, and this economic crisis is an invitation to discover what that means. Some of the principles Wallis unpacks for our new normal are . . .

• Spending money we don’t have for things we don’t need is a bad foundation for an economy or a family.

• It’s time to stop keeping up with the Joneses and start making sure the Joneses are okay.

• The values of commercials and billboards are not the things we want to teach our children.

• Care for the poor is not just a moral duty but is critical for the common good.

• A healthy society is a balanced society in which markets, the government, and our communities all play a role.

• The operating principle of God’s economy says that there is enough if we share it.

• And much, much more . . .

In the pages of this book, Wallis provides us with a moral compass for this new economy—one that will guide us on Wall Street, Main Street, and Your Street.

Embracing a New Economy

Getting back to "the way things were" is not an option. It is time we take our economic uncertainty and use it to find some moral clarity. Too often we have been ruled by the maxims that greed is good, it’s all about me, and I want it now. Those can be challenged only with some of our oldest and best values—enough is enough, we are in it together, and thinking not just for tomorrow but for future generations.

Jim Wallis shows that the solution to our problems will be found only as individuals, families, friends, churches, mosques, synagogues, and entire communities wrestle with the question of values together.

"Jim Wallis argues persuasively that the financial crisis is also a moral crisis. A vivid storyteller and prophetic voice, he shows how the worship of markets has led us astray -- and how repairing the economy requires a moral awakening and a new commitment to the common good. This wise and hopeful book points us toward a new economy and a more spiritually satisfying public life."--Michael J. Sandel -- professor of government at Harvard University and author of Justice: What's the Right Thing to Do?

"One does not need to agree with Jim Wallis on everything to find "Rediscovering Values" insightful and timely. In our current economic struggles, Wallis sees an opportunity, not just for recovery, but for the renewal of important, neglected ideals. This is a needed voice at a challenging time."--Mike Gerson -- chief speechwriter to President George W. Bush, author of Heroic Conservatism, and a columnist for the Washington Post

"As readable as it is challenging, this book shows us all how to build a moral recovery that is good for the family, the nation, and the world."--Sharon Watkins -- general minister and president of Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

"I am part of a generation of young people - Jews, Muslims, Christians and beyond - who view faith as a bridge of cooperation and an inspiration for social justice. Our model is a man who has lived these values, the Reverend Jim Wallis. We are coming of age now, the Jim Wallis generation, and we are ready to change the world."--Eboo Patel -- Executive Director of Interfaith Youth Core and author of Acts of Faith

"One of America's most thoughtful, provocative and powerful prophetic voices does it again. With moral incisiveness expressed in terms accessible to all, Wallis impressively weaves together, economic theory, corporate realities, cultural analysis, and religious values to put a human face on, and bring moral clarity to, our economic crisis. His delineation of the responsibilities of corporate America ought to be studied in every corporation and business school. Religious leaders of any faith looking to address the corporate responsibility in our economic crisis will find no more eloquent, incisive or morally powerful guide than Rediscovering Values."--David Saperstein -- Director and Counsel of Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism

"Wallis is the most influential and visionary religious leader of our time. His broad appeal and impact are reminiscent of Reinhold Niebuhr and Martin Luther King Jr. Not only has he provided clear intellectual direction for our political, cultural, and spiritual renaissance he has launched a movement to renew the church and our democracy."--Robert M. Franklin -- President of Morehouse College and author of Crisis in the Village: Restoring Hope in African American Communities

"At this critical time in history, Jim Wallis offers a guidebook for all who long to reflect wisely on our personal and corporate choices and return to true Biblical values that offer hope to this broken world."--Lynne Hybels -- Advocate for Global Engagement, Willow Creek Community Church

"Is it possible to change the world's trajectory? Can we create a new moral compass in the aftermath of the recent economic crisis? In "Rediscovering Values", Jim Wallis argues that the world can change when people of good faith make different choices and act collectively. Read this book and join the movement - Jim calls us, as Jesus did, to challenge the status quo by making 'kingdom' choices."--Rich Stearns -- President of World Vision US, author of The Hole in Our Gospel

"Could it be that today's problems will actually bring benefit beyond mere solutions? Jim Wallis leads us to the foundational values that will not only improve our circumstances but build our character."--Dr. Joel C. Hunter -- Senior Pastor, Northland: A Church Distributed

"Agree or disagree -- Jim Wallis touches your heart, stretches your mind, and challenges your values. He thunders like an Old Testament prophet, yet he is gentle and gracious. With a heart for people and a dream for a better tomorrow, Jim Wallis looks tough times in the eye and talks of hope."--Leith Anderson -- President of National Association of Evangelicals