Making Meaning Out Of Nothing

TITLE: Biblenomics: Before Adam Smith, there was…

AUTHOR: Bayo Sodade
PUBLISHER: The Book Company Limited
NO. OF PAGES: 138
YEAR OF PUBLICATION: 2014

Having an insightful, well-researched book on economic concepts,ethical values and management principles which stem from biblical precepts, depicts ingenuity as exhibited by Bayo Sodade in “Biblenomics: Before Adam Smith, there was…”

The book’s publication is a novel idea meticulously conceived through the in-depth knowledge of economics and the Bible, as Sodade deftly underscores modern thoughts in economics, finance and management, in comparison with biblical precepts, flawlessly referencing wisdom nuggets that drive home his points.

It is noteworthy that the Nigerian civil service is characterized by intellectually-gifted elements as the latest book obviously brings to fore the ingenuity of some of its practitioners, most especially, in economic planning, as personified by Sodade.

Having worked at the Lagos State Civil Service, where he garnered his wealth of experience in the area of budget, planning, finance and procurement for 31 years, Sodade has proven his mettle as a versatile economist with this unique presentation.

The author maximises his exploration of the Bible, showcasing a clear understanding of  its concepts, and establishing the fact that economic and management thoughts have their roots in the age-long spiritual book.

Divided into three chapters which explicitly define productivity, division of labour, conflict management, delegation of duties, integrity, nepotism, among others, the book corroborates each economic concept with references from the Bible, with the author copiously quoting the scriptures for clearer understanding.

Chapter one’s analysis is based on contemporary economic and management concepts in comparison with wisdom nuggets from the Bible; Chapter two seeks to identify the scriptural compass to financial success, while Chapter three deals with biblical stumbling blocks to financial success which must be avoided by individuals desirous of economic growth.

Sodade’s submission is that for every value system humanity places premium importance on, the ancient book provides the source. He infers that Adam Smith, whom the world believes to be the father of economics and the most influential thinker in the field, could have drawn his inspiration from the Bible.

“What is the connection between the Bible and Economics? Economics studies human behaviour as it relates to meeting unlimited needs from resources that are not only scarce, but also have alternative uses. The Bible was inspired by a benevolent God who understands human needs and provided divine guidance to prosperity. Our God cannot co-reign with poverty because He is the El-Shaddai-the All Sufficient God….,” he writes.

The author awakens reader’s conciousness as he convincingly establishes the nexus between economics, finance, management and the Bible, giving a road-map into living a successful and God-fearing life.

The book would be of tremendous value to Christians who strive for success in a corrupt-ridden world, and guide them towards its attainment.

“The Bible is a sword, arming the Christian for all earthly battles, including those of poverty and want,” the author stresses.

Having carved a niche as a reputable former facilitator in the Lagos State Treasure Training School, and the incumbent Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Sodade seeks to impact positively on the readers in this book.

Citing gossip, anxiety, pride, procrastination, greed, discrimination, corruption, dishonesty, hypocrisy and envy as some of the avoidable hindrances to success, he makes it crystal clear that the road to economic breakthrough is paved with a myriad of challenges which could deflate ambition and sentence the unwary to a perpetual state of misfortune.