Manna from Heaven

by Dalton Garis

Is it legitimate to discuss religious and divine topics in terms and contexts normally reserved for purely scientific discussions? What is the relationship between economics and the teachings of the religions that have appeared in the Middle East? Why is it important to understand the difference between ideology and rational inquiry?

Dr Dalton Garis is a well-known economist with a deep knowledge of Middle Eastern religions, customs and interests. He is also a Bahá'í and explores the answers to these questions in his thought-provoking book. Correlating the Bahá'í and Muslim teachings with economics, he uses the concept of 'prophetic dialogues' or 'divine speech' to indicate true religion (as opposed to ideology) and demonstrates how it harmonizes with science. His exposition of the elements of economics is reinforced by the liberal use of passages from the Holy Qur'án and the Bahá'í scriptures, providing unique insights into economics, society and religion and stimulating a much-needed discussion on the harmony of science and spiritual teachings.