The Earth Is the Lord's: A Natural Law Theory of Property

“Amidst a lively theological literature examining capitalism and the economy, surprisingly little attention has been paid to the question of property. Liam de los Reyes’s new book shows the vital importance of moving beyond the analysis of the market, consumption, and commodification, to ask whether adequate justification exists for the institution of private property. What emerges is a natural law theory of property capable of distinguishing legitimate from misguided critiques of markets and capitalism. A much-needed contribution!”
—Jennifer A. Herdt, Yale Divinity School
 
“In this groundbreaking book, Liam de los Reyes argues that the theory of property developed by scholastic jurists and theologians in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries offers a more satisfactory understanding of property rights than contemporary alternatives, above all the liberal theory defended by Locke and his followers. In sharp contrast to Locke, who defends a natural right to property, the scholastics hold that property rights are social constructs which are meant to promote the values of equality, subsistence, and freedom. This does not imply that property rights can just be set aside, but it does imply that these claims are to be interpreted in such a way as to give priority to those forms of distribution which promote wide access to shared resources. This book represents a major contribution to the growing field of economics and theology, and it will be essential reading for anyone concerned with building a more equitable and sustainable economic system.”
—Jean Porter, University of Notre Dame

“This deeply scholarly, original, and carefully crafted book fills an important gap in the literature in developing a coherent theory of property informed by philosophical analysis and Catholic social traditions. The author makes a convincing philosophical argument that theories of justice have so far lacked adequate reflection on theories of property. The book develops a case for property as a convention arising out of our social and creaturely nature. Importantly, it allows for equity, equality, sufficiency and liberty in divine intention becoming embedded in the establishment of property regimes. This is achieved primarily by drawing on scholastic theories of natural law which are grounded in humanity’s earthed and rational nature. Such a theoretical grounding rules out the possibility of tyranny and interprets dominion over the earth as the right direction and ordering exercised by human reason. The book also engages in an interesting way with Catholic social teaching and more specifically the work of liberation theologian Ignacio Ellacuria. Scholars interested in theories of social justice and property rights, the development of Catholic social thought, and the application of natural law will find in this book a treasure trove of carefully argued critique, analysis and creative insight.”
—Celia Deane-Drummond, University of Oxford