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ISBN: 978-0-988214-84-2   (e-book)

Table of Contents

Copyright

Introduction To This Study Guide

Introduction: Back On Course

Part I: The Long Brewing Storm (Chapters 1–17)

Chapter 1 | The Dominant American Model: A Cooperative Union

Chapter 2 | Why This Model Failed: A Frenetic Intemperance

Chapter 3 | The Industrial Revolution: A Defining Point For Frenetic Intemperance

Chapter 4 | The Drive To Gigantism

Chapter 5 | The Paradox Of Mass Standardization

Chapter 6 | Breaking Down Barriers

Chapter 7 | Interdependence And Complexity

Chapters 8 & 9 | Unraveling A Way Of Life & The Frustrations Of Technology

Chapter 10 | The Consequences Of The Abuse Of Technology

Chapter 11 | The Implosion Of Individualism

Chapter 12 | Postmodern Individualism: Splitting The Atom

Chapter 13 | The Exhaustion Of Materialism

Chapter 14 | The Absence Of The Sublime

Chapter 15 | The Rule Of Money

Chapter 16 | Rejecting False Alternatives At The Crossroads

Chapter 17 | Returning To An Economy Without Frenetic Intemperance

Part II: The Road Ahead: A Return to Order (Chapters 18–20)

Chapter 18 | A Salvific Debate: Becoming A Nation, Becoming A People

Chapter 19 | Preliminary Objections: Can Medieval Economy Be A Solution?

Chapter 20 | What Might Have Been, What Could Still Be

Part III: Foundations of an Organic Order (Chapters 21–24)

Chapter 21 | Organic Society: An Unknown Ideal

Chapter 22 | Organic Remedies And Upright Spontaneity

Chapter 23 | A Virtuous Order

Chapter 24 | A Providential Order

Part IV: The Heart and Soul of Economy (Chapters 25–31)

Chapter 25 | Reviving The Heart And Soul Of An Economy

Chapter 26 | Autonomy, Authority, Vital Flux, And Subsidiarity

Chapter 27 | The Spirit Of The Family

Chapter 28 | The Misunderstood Feudal Bond

Chapter 29 | A Nation Of Heroes

Chapter 30 | A True Idea Of The Christian State

Chapter 31 | The Role Of The Church

Part V: A Passion for Justice (Chapters 32–37)

Chapter 32 | An Organic Economic Order: A Passion For Justice

Chapter 33 | “Finding” Law Once Again

Chapter 34 | The Two Tribunals

Chapter 35 | The Matter Of Money

Chapter 36 | Money And Credit

Chapter 37 | The Backing Of Money

Part VI: A Corresponding Temperance (Chapters 38–45)

Chapter 38 | A Different Set Of Values

Chapter 39 | Tending Towards Self-Sufficiency

Chapter 40 | Protective Trade And Free Markets

Chapter 41 | The Restoration Of Dependency

Chapter 42 | Addressing Production And Standardization

Chapter 43 | A Proportional Scale Economy

Chapter 44 | A Missing Fortitude

Chapter 45 | Setting The Stage

Part VII: The Search for Meaning (Chapters 46–51)

Chapter 46 | Returning To The Wellspring

Chapter 47 | The Quest For The Sublime

Chapter 48 | When Men Dream

Chapter 49 | A “Way Of The Cross” Society

Chapter 50 | The Secret Of The Middle Ages

Chapter 51 | Applying The Principles Of This Book

Grand Return Home

Conclusion For The Study Guide

Introduction To This Study Guide

Since its publication, the book, Return to Order: From a Frenzied Economy to an Organic Christian Society—Where We’ve Been, How We Got Here, and Where We Need to Go, has circulated far and wide. Demand for the book prompted the publication of a second hardcover edition, two paperback editions, and a workbook format edition. The e-book and an audio book have also been popular.

Many have commented that Return to Order is a very intense book and needs to be discussed in depth among those of like mind. A few study groups have used the book for their discussions. Each chapter can provide a long and enjoyable evening of conversation and debate.

This study guide was created to help in the discussion of the important principles contained in Return to Order. Its fifty-one chapters and conclusion lend well to a weekly, yearlong study. For this reason, a chapter-by-chapter guide has been provided. However, not everyone has the opportunity to make such a huge effort. For those with less time, the readers can choose chapters out of each of the book’s nine sections. Study groups might even discuss two or three related chapters at a single meeting. In a very organic fashion, those using this guide can decide how to map the material to accommodate the time they have available.

The publisher and author hope those using this study guide may benefit from the summaries and questions provided. The guide highlights issues of vital importance to the future of the nation. It will help readers understand and prepare to deal with a coming economic crisis by proposing solutions based on the timeless principles of an organic Christian society. Use this guide as a way to enrich the reading of this book and hasten America’s return to order.

Those who wish to do more and join the debate over America’s future can:

Subscribe to the Return to Order weekly e-newsletter at www.returntoorder.org/subscribe.

Organize a Return to Order study group at your church, organization, or community using this study guide.

Buy bulk copies of Return to Order for your study group by contacting the author at the number, address, or email below.

Sponsor a talk or signing for author John Horvat II for your group or parish by calling the number below.

Follow the campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

For more information, contact:

Return to Order

P.O. Box 1337

Hanover, PA 17331

Tel.: (855) 861-8420

Email: jh1908@aol.com

Introduction| Back On Course

In the introduction of the book, • Cultivate a strong family life.

• Embrace the crosses in your life without complaining.

• Uphold moral values and principles, even when against your self-interest.

Chapter 2| Why This Model Failed: A Frenetic Intemperance

America’s cooperative union is failing because a sector of the model’s vital economic system is frenzied and out of balance. The book does not blame capitalism or the free market for this economic imbalance. Rather, it makes a distinction between two economic currents.

The first current involves vibrant companies of all sizes that “engage in healthy competition and amply supply goods and services” to the nation. The activities of this sector are balanced and have cultivated such valued virtues as “diligence, moderation, thrift, and honesty.” A second current could be called that of frenetic intemperance. It is defined thus:

We can define frenetic intemperance as a restless, explosive, and relentless drive inside man that manifests itself in modern economy by 1) seeking to throw off legitimate restraints, and 2) gratifying disordered passions.

This current can be observed in Western economies in history under many names. The book traces the movement of this frenetic intemperance from “protocapitalist” Renaissance merchants to the Industrial Revolution to the globalism of our days.” It has led to financial frenzies, feverish speculations, and major stock market crashes.

This frenetic intemperance should not be mistaken for the “legitimate and energetic practice of business and its risk-taking that leads to true prosperity.” Rather, what characterizes it is its frenetic nature, which results in “a relentless drive to throw off restraint and seek gratification, running over anything that stands in its way.” It is above all a moral problem inside the soul of modern man.

Discussion Questions

• Discuss and give examples of the first non-frenetic current inside modern economy.

How does this current benefit society?

• Examples might include local companies, the plumber, farmer, many small businesses, family businesses, manufacturing firms, any firm with stable finances and business practices.

• This current benefits society in the following ways: stability; order; creation of stable jobs; the cultivation of the “business” virtues of ho