Why has our society become so focused on money--and at what human cost? Carol Johnston explores the value assumptions of Western economic theory, revealing what economists contributed and what opportunities were missed as the theory kept narrowing--until only market decisions were considered and money became the only reality. She then offers a proposal to transform the focus of capitalism from wealth to community and national health. ""Read this book to learn how we got the mindset of today's economism."" --Dieter T. Hessel, Director, Program on Ecology, Justice, and Faith ""Sensitive and sophisticated in its history of economic theory . . . The best integration of economic analysis with ethical reflection that I know."" --Stephen H. Webb, Associate Professor of Religion and Philosophy, Wabash College, Crawfordsville, Indiana ""I predict serious study of her analyses."" --Richard H. Luecke, Director of Studies, Community Renewal Society, Chicago ""Johnston's path along the trail of modern economics is food for thought."" --W. Theodore Durr, Professor, Yale Gordon College of Liberal Arts, Division of Criminology, Criminal Justice, and Social Policy ""The Wealth or Health of Nations is a contribution to public theology."" --John B. Cobb Jr., from the Foreword Carol Johnston is Assistant Professor of Theology and Culture at the Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis, and Director of its Faith, Wealth, and Community Leadership Project.