The New Holy Wars: Economic Religion Versus Environmental Religion in Contemporary America
Publisher: Pennsylvania State Univ Pr (December 6, 2009)
ISBN-10: 027103582X
ISBN-13: 978-0271035826
Summary:
The present debate raging over global warming exemplifies the clash between two competing public theologies. On one side, environmentalists warn of certain catastrophe if we do not take steps now to reduce the release of greenhouse gases; on the other side, economists are concerned with whether the benefits of actions to prevent higher temperatures will be worth the high costs. Questions of the true and proper relationship of human beings and nature are as old as religion. Today, environmentalists regard human actions to warm the climate as an immoral challenge to the natural order, while economists seek to put all of nature to maximum use for economic growth and other human benefits.
Robert Nelson interprets such contemporary struggles as battles between the competing secularized religions of economics and environmentalism. The outcome will have momentous consequences for us all. This book probes beneath the surface of the two movements rhetoric to uncover their fundamental theological commitments and visions.
Economics As Religion: From Samuelson to Chicago and Beyond
Publisher: Pennsylvania State Univ (October 16, 2002)
ISBN-10: 0271022841
ISBN-13: 978-0271022840
Summary:
In this study, Robert H. Nelson explores the genesis, the prophets, the prophesies, and the tenets of what he sees as a religion of economics that has come into full blossom in latter-day America. Nelson does not see "theology" as a bad word, and his examination of the theology underlying Samuelsonian and Chicagoan economics is not a put-down. It is a way of seeing the rhetoric of fundamental belief - what has been called "vision".
Private Neighborhoods And the Transformation of Local Government
Publisher: Urban Inst Pr (August 31, 2005)
ISBN-10: 0877667519
ISBN-13: 978-0877667513
Summary:
In recent years, private neighborhood associations ("community associations") have become an important part of local government. From 1980 to 2000, half the new housing in the United States was built in a development project governed by a neighborhood association. More than 50 million Americans now live in these associations. In Private Neighborhoods and the Transformation of Local Government, Robert Nelson reviews the history of neighborhood associations, explains the reasons for their recent explosive growth, and speculates on their future role in American society. The book examines the political and economic consequences of this basic change in the manner of American governance at the local level. Unlike many previous studies, Nelson takes on the whole a positive view. Neighborhood associations are providing controls over the neighborhood environment desired by the residents, providing high quality common services, and helping to promote a stronger sense of neighborhood community. Yet, significant operating problems are being experienced in many associations. Private Neighborhoods and the Transformation of Local Government proposes a set of new options for improving the future governance of neighborhood associations. This book provides the most comprehensive report to date on the rise of the neighborhood association as a significant new governing institution in American life.
A Burning Issue: A Case for Abolishing the U.S. Forest Service (The Political Economy Forum)
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (May 30, 2000)
ISBN-10: 0847697355
ISBN-13: 978-0847697359
Summary:
In A Burning Issue, Robert Nelson makes a compelling case for abolishing the U.S. Forest Service. Created in the early 20th century to provide scientific management of the nation's forests, the U.S. Forest Service was, for many years, regarded as a model agency in the federal government. Nelson contends that this reputation is undeserved and the Forest Service's performance today is unacceptable. Not only has scientific management proven impossible in practice, it is also objectionable in principle. Furthermore, Nelson argues that the Forest Service lacks a coherent vision and prefers to sponsor only fashionable environmental solutions--most recently ecosystem management. Creatively and cogently describing its history and failures, Nelson advocates replacing the service with a decentralized system to manage the protection of our national forests. A Burning Issue is a provocative study that offers insightful environmental policy alternatives.
Public Lands and Private Rights
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
ISBN-10: 0847680096
ISBN-13: 978-0847680092
Summary:
One of the leading experts on public lands and land rights issues, Robert H. Nelson here brings together a collection of his finest essays. Nelson demonstrates that the 'progressive' goal of achieving scientific management of public lands has not been realized; instead, public land management has been dominated by interest group politics and ideology.
The Making of Federal Coal Policy (Duke Press Policy Studies)
Publisher: Duke University Press Books; First Edition edition (January 5, 1984)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 082230497X
ISBN-13: 978-0822304975
Summary:
The Making of Federal Coal Policy provides a unique record of, as well as important future perspectives on, one of the most significant ideological conflicts in national policy making in the last decade. The management of federally owned coal, almost one-third of the U.S.'s total coal resources, has furnished an arena for the contest between energy development and environmental protection, as well as between the federal government and the states. Robert H. Nelson has written an important historical document and a useful guide for policy analysts.
Reaching for Heaven on Earth
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers (July 30, 1993)
ISBN-10: 0822630249
ISBN-13: 978-0822630241
