Be Transformed: A Biblical Journey toward a More Just World
by Micah D. Kiel
Who should read this?
This book is ideal for those who would like an introduction to Catholic Social Teaching (CST) or the use of the Bible in CST. The book’s exploration of the intersection of CST and Scripture is particularly informative. Kiel has provided a lucid presentation, making the book especially accessible to undergraduate or adult faith formation classes.
What’s the main point?
The world is filled with many social ills, whether it be the perdurance of poverty, the prison industrial complex, or the social and economic stratification of youth sports. To address these issues, Kiel is after what St. Paul would call “the renewing of the mind” in Rom 12:2, encouraging fellow Catholics to eschew their complacency and to sacrifice their time and resources, even to the point of discomfort, for the sake of those in need. Bringing into conversation Catholic Social Teaching and biblical studies, Kiel provides lessons on how such concepts as solidarity, the preferential option for the poor, the common good, and the structural nature of sin can guide Catholics toward creating a more just world.
Why is this book significant / important?
As Kiel observes, Catholic Social Teaching, since its inception, has not relied as heavily on Scripture as it could. Kiel addresses this gap by identifying and explicating multiple texts from both the Old and New Testaments relevant for CST. Kiel’s foray into this new territory helps readers understand the critical role Scripture can play in the study of CST: how it can inspire, refresh, and reinforce the teachings of the Church over the last 130 years.
What will get you (the reader) thinking?
Kiel speaks most directly to those who have an individualist approach to faith, come from a middle class or affluent background, or place more emphasis on eternal life than this world. Kiel argues gently, but forthrightly, that Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching do not request, but actually require that Catholics care for the marginalized, embody humility and simplicity, rethink their understanding of ownership and private property, and consider carefully the ways in which society perpetuates injustice, both on the individual and structural level. Addressing social injustices must go beyond simply donating to charity, Kiel argues; it involves a deep rethinking of what one values and how one lives. Such a rethinking can be uncomfortable—Kiel writes at one point, “When we decide to upgrade our phone, get a bigger boat, fly first class, or buy a Lexus, our relationship with God is implicated”—but this rethinking is well worth it (p. 92).
Where would I (the reviewer) push back?Where does this book get it wrong / miss the mark?
One area Kiel might receive pushback from his reader is in his selection of topics. In an American context, most of the Catholic Social Teaching positions Kiel underscores and advocates could be considered politically progressive. One might point out that CST also supports positions that could be characterized as conservative, and that an exploration of such positions might bring more balance to the book.
Quibbles.
Kiel’s ability to draw the reader’s attention to the relevance of Scripture for CST is commendable. As the Catholic Church has also made clear, it is important to be vigilant in guarding readers against anti-Judaism, even in subtle forms. At one point, in discussing structural sin, Kiel quotes Rom 7:8-11, where Paul states, “When the commandment came, sin revived and I died,” which might give the reader the impression Paul himself is anti-Jewish (quote from Kiel, p. 21). Avoiding this potential interpretation by offering an explanation of Paul’s attitude toward Judaism and Torah would be helpful. In addition, while Kiel very helpfully brings attention to the Jubilee commandment in Leviticus 25 (p. 54), drawing more on other commandments in Torah that intersect directly with Catholic Social Teaching could go further in guiding the reader away from anti-Judaism.
Kudos.
One of the most consequential sections of the book is the final chapter, in which Kiel explores mechanisms for transformation. He selects two Catholic practices—prayer and the Eucharist—which are often perceived as passive and personal affairs, and adeptly delineates how both, if performed according to their intentions, will lead Catholics toward a new life of selfless giving to others, especially to those who are poor and marginalized. Kiel rightly points out that transformation is a “process” and requires a “sacrifice” that may seem “unfair” in today’s world, but the standards and values which Scripture and Catholic Social Teaching promote are far different than what society deems important (pp. 128-129). This is why Paul calls Christians to a “renewing of the mind.”
In addition to this, Kiel skillfully handles some of Scripture’s more difficult texts. The texts of the Bible were written thousands of years ago, during times in which certain practices and beliefs are no longer understood as acceptable in western contexts today. For example, slavery was a given during both the Old Testament and New Testament eras. Rather than dismissing these texts as out of date or avoiding them out of convenience, Kiel navigates the Bible’s presumptions of slavery with sensitivity and uncovers the enduring truths in these passages.
Suggestions.
Throughout his book, Kiel successfully weaves important biblical texts into the discourse on Catholic Social Teaching. There are some sections of his book where even more biblical texts might be beneficial. For example, there is a plethora of rich biblical stories that could, in Kiel’s words, make Catholic Social Teaching less “boring” and “cerebral” (p. 7). Kiel does make use of several stories, such as the prodigal son when discussing the issue of fairness in relation to the preferential option for the poor (p. 87). But other stories may prove useful, as well, such as the story of Ruth in Kiel’s discussion of solidarity. In addition to this, quite notably, Scriptural passages do not make an appearance in Kiel’s section on environmental justice. This could be a prime place to introduce the reader to biblical texts that could support care for the environment.
Micah D. Kiel, Be Transformed: A Biblical Journey toward a More Just World, Garratt Publishing, 2024, 156 pages.
Reviewer: Andrew Massena
Andrew Massena is an Assistant Professor of Biblical Studies at Loras College in Dubuque, IA. He is also the Director of the Archbishop Kucera Center, which promotes Catholic intellectual and Spiritual Life in the Archdiocese of Dubuque. He received his PhD from Boston College.
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