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Christ’s teaching in Matthew 25:40, “as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me,” has long guided Christian reflection on questions of charity, justice, and social responsibility. Yet the economic and social realities of the twenty-first century differ profoundly from those of first-century Judea. Since the Industrial Revolution, many Christian traditions have developed distinct bodies of modern social thought to respond to contemporary economic challenges. But how has the Orthodox tradition addressed these questions?

In his new book, The Kingdom of God and the Common Good, Dr. Dylan Pahman offers a pioneering study of Orthodox social thought. Drawing on Scripture, the history and theology of the Orthodox Church, and the insights of modern economics, he develops conceptual frameworks, principles, and practical tools for fulfilling Christ’s call to serve the poor and vulnerable in today’s complex world.

This Acton Institute event will feature Dr. Pahman presenting the major themes of his book, followed by a formal response from Dr. Alexander William Salter. The program will conclude with a moderated discussion and audience Q&A.

Dylan Pahman is a research fellow at the Acton Institute, where he serves as executive editor of the Journal of Markets & Morality. He earned his Ph.D. from St. Mary’s University, Twickenham, London, on the basis of his published works on Orthodox Christian social thought and asceticism. He is the author of The Kingdom of God and the Common Good and Foundations of a Free & Virtuous Society.

Alexander William Salter is the Georgie. G. Snyder Professor of Economics in the Rawls College of Business at Texas Tech University and a researcher at TTU's Free Market Institute. He also holds fellowships with the Independent Institute and the American Institute for Economic Research.

Event Details

Start Date

End Date

Location

Acton Institute
98 Fulton Street E.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
United States

Schedule

11:30 a.m. Doors open
12:00 p.m. Lecture begins
12:30 p.m. Q&A
1:00 p.m. Lecture ends

Tickets

$15 General | $10 Student
Includes box lunch and beverage

(Please RSVP at least 48 hours in advance to guarantee a box lunch.)

Parking

Directions to the Acton Institute

Metered street parking is available. Please bring sufficient change with you for meters or pay for parking with the Motu Parking app on your smartphone (iOS and Android).

Paid parking lots are also available nearby. Please enter building off of Sheldon Blvd.

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