Download or read book Economic Theory and Christian Belief written by Andrew J. Britton and published by Peter Lang Limited, International Academic Publishers. This book was released on 2003 with total page 316 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Any attempt to use the Bible as a basis for addressing contemporary economic issues needs to recognise the fundamental differences in underlying philosophy between economic theory and Christian belief. Neo-classical economic theory embodies a view of the world and of human nature, derived from the Enlightenment of the eighteenth century, which has become immensely influential in recent times. 'Economic man' is a rational, independent being, set in an environment of scarcity, but able to improve his welfare by transactions in a market economy. This 'anthropology' is explained and examined systematically in this book, following broadly the pattern of an economics textbook, and drawing on some recent work in methodology. In each chapter, a second part presents a contrasting view of the same subject matter drawn from the Bible as interpreted by contemporary scholars. This gives a radically different account of human life and well-being, centred on the community and its relationship with God, in which prosperity, abundance and hope for the future are divine blessings and gifts. Despite the wide gaps between economic theory and Christian belief some points of contact can be made, and there are suggestions as to how a dialogue between them might be conducted.
Download or read book Economics in Christian Perspective written by Victor V. Claar and published by InterVarsity Press. This book was released on 2015-04-21 with total page 261 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Victor Claar and Robin Klay introduce students to the basic principles of economics and then evaluate the principles and issues as seen from a Christian perspective. This textbook places the economic life in the context of Christian discipleship and stewardship. This text is for use in any course needing a survey of the principles of economics.
Download or read book Economics Ethics and Religion written by R. Wilson and published by Springer. This book was released on 1997-02-24 with total page 243 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: There is a revival of interest by economists in ethical issues and beliefs, and by moral philosophers and theologians in economics. This book is intended to make a contribution to this cross-fertilisation of ideas. Rodney Wilson has undertaken an extensive survey of Jewish, Christian and Muslim views on economics, and reviewed the rapidly expanding business ethics literature from a religious perspective. The juxtaposition of the work of theologians and moral philosophers with that of economists results in some interesting comparisons.
Download or read book The Oxford Handbook of Christianity and Economics written by Paul Oslington and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2014-01-31 with total page 657 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Many important contemporary debates cross economics and religion, in turn raising questions about the relationship between the two fields. This book, edited by a leader in the new interdisciplinary field of economics and religion and with contributions by experts on different aspects of the relationship between economics and Christianity, maps the current state of scholarship and points to new directions for the field. It covers the history of the relationship between economics and Christianity, economic thinking in the main Christian traditions, and the role of religion in economic development, as well as new work on the economics of religious behavior and religious markets and topics of debate between economists and theologians. It is essential reading for economists concerned with the foundations of their discipline, historians, moral philosophers, theologians seeking to engage with economics, and public policy researchers and practitioners.
Download or read book Alternatives to Economics written by Clive Saunders Beed and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 436 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Alternatives to Economics outlines the Christian thought system and its value as an alternative to secular social science in the development of socio-economic policies. Co-authors, Clive and Cara Beed demonstrate how the Christian thought system could be applied to issues such as distribution of wealth and the growing unemployment problem. The Christian thought system provides an alternative way of describing, explaining, and formulating policies for socio-economic matters from that of secular social science. Alternatives to Economics finds the current state of economics severely flawed, with no set of value-free, objective "tools" that can be used to analyze the economy. This book seeks to present these Christian thought system "tools" to both Christians and non-Christians.
Download or read book Global Neighbors written by Douglas A. Hicks and published by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing. This book was released on 2008-08-20 with total page 303 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How can people of faith meet the challenge of living morally and faithfully within an increasingly globalized society? Much of the debate about the global market economy is polarized between pro-market ideology and anti-globalization activism. Global Neighbors sidesteps that dichotomy, presenting instead a nuanced, constructive approach. Leading theologians, ethicists, economists, and church leaders here examine the Christian call to live morally, faithfully, and responsibly in today's global marketplace and offer alternative perspectives to such utilitarians as Peter Singer. Contributors: Robert D. Austin Rebecca M. Blank Lee Devin William Goettler Eric Gregory Douglas A. Hicks Janet Parker Rebecca Todd Peters Shirley J. Roels Mark Valeri Jeff Van Duzer Kent Van Til Thomas W. Walker
Download or read book The Marketplace of Christianity written by Robert B. Ekelund, Jr. and published by MIT Press. This book was released on 2008-09-26 with total page 367 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Economics can help us understand the evolution and development of religion, from the market penetration of the Reformation to an exploration of today's hot-button issues including evolution and gay marriage. This startlingly original (and sure to be controversial) account of the evolution of Christianity shows that the economics of religion has little to do with counting the money in the collection basket and much to do with understanding the background of today's religious and political divisions. Since religion is a set of organized beliefs, and a church is an organized body of worshippers, it's natural to use a science that seeks to explain the behavior of organizations—economics—to understand the development of organized religion. The Marketplace of Christianity applies the tools of economic theory to illuminate the emergence of Protestantism in the sixteenth century and to examine contemporary religion-influenced issues, including evolution and gay marriage. The Protestant Reformation, the authors argue, can be seen as a successful penetration of a religious market dominated by a monopoly firm—the Catholic Church. The Ninety-five Theses nailed to the church door in Wittenberg by Martin Luther raised the level of competition within Christianity to a breaking point. The Counter-Reformation, the Catholic reaction, continued the competitive process, which came to include "product differentiation" in the form of doctrinal and organizational innovation. Economic theory shows us how Christianity evolved to satisfy the changing demands of consumers—worshippers. The authors of The Marketplace of Christianity avoid value judgments about religion. They take preferences for religion as given and analyze its observable effects on society and the individual. They provide the reader with clear and nontechnical background information on economics and the economics of religion before focusing on the Reformation and its aftermath. Their analysis of contemporary hot-button issues—science vs. religion, liberal vs. conservative, clerical celibacy, women and gay clergy, gay marriage—offers a vivid illustration of the potential of economic analysis to contribute to our understanding of religion.
Download or read book Biblical Economic Policy Ten Scriptural Truths for Fiscal and Monetary Decision Making written by David Arnott PhD and published by AuthorLoyalty. This book was released on 2021-09-06 with total page 353 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: What does the Bible say about economics? A lot. What about socialism, which is becoming an increasingly common concern in US economic policy discussions? In Biblical Economic Policy, Arnott and Saydometov build a biblical framework for analyzing national economic policy that takes on everything from taxes to spending to tariffs to minimum wage. The Bible has something to say about all these critical present-day issues, and this book explains how to apply it to 21st-century policies. Authors Dave Arnott and Sergiy Saydometov hold up the mirror of the Bible and ask their fellow Christians, “Is this the way we're supposed to run a biblical economy?” What the book is not: ● It is NOT a financial advice book. ● It is NOT about how to apply business principles at work. ● It is NOT about stewardship or giving. ● It is NOT about how to run your business for the glory of God. Biblical Economic Policy takes the macroeconomic view and analyzes how well America's economic policies align with biblical principles. This book tackles difficult present-day economic policies, including taxes, spending, national debt, interest rates, and money supply. Written with sound biblical grounding, in accessible language, Biblical Economic Policy will turn the common reader into a biblical economic analyst.
Download or read book Marketplace of the Gods written by Larry Witham and published by Oxford University Press. This book was released on 2010-05-05 with total page 257 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Two centuries after Adam Smith illuminated the workings of the marketplace, a new movement among economists and social scientists is expanding his insights into a groundbreaking "economics of religion." Using cutting edge ideas from the behavioral sciences, and a deep knowledge of religious history, this new approach is making sense not only of past beliefs, but of religion today.In Marketplace of the Gods, award-winning journalist Larry Witham tells the inside story of this expanding "economic approach" to religion, the puzzles it tries to solve, the controversies it has stirred, and the people who are making it happen. He shows that the economic approach, while evoking images of stock markets or accounting ledgers, actually begins with a simple idea about human beings as rational actors, judging costs and benefits in life. Every life has limits, so human experience is a series of trade-offs, balancing resources to make choices for the best possible benefits. As the economics of religion shows, this model can be applied to the rich story of the human race and its gods. Beginning with the individual, the choices in religion shape households, groups, movements, and entire "religious economies" of nations. On the one hand, this mixing of the profane and the sacred, the economic and the religious, is an exciting exchange of ideas between economics, sociology, psychology, history, and theology. On the other, it has spurred a lively protest. Indeed, for some, the economic approach seems to transform our good angels into grubby consumers.As Witham shows, however, the economic approach to religion has insights for everyone, believers and skeptics alike. He illuminates this approach in a volume rich with ideas, history, contemporary events, and the insights of some of our sharpest modern-day thinkers.
Download or read book Economic Origins of Roman Christianity written by Robert Burton Ekelund and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2011-08-15 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Using basic concepts of economic theory, the authors explain the origin and subsequent spread of Roman Christianity, showing first how the standard concepts of risk, cost and benefit can account for the demand for religion.
Download or read book Do Justice written by Rebecca M. Blank and published by Pilgrim Press. This book was released on 1992 with total page 214 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: For individuals as well as lay study groups, this resource presents a much-needed blend of theology and economics for all Christians interested in responding practically, compassionately, and justly to difficult economic realities.
Download or read book Economics as Religion written by Robert H. Nelson and published by Penn State Press. This book was released on 2015-06-13 with total page 437 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Robert Nelson’s Reaching for Heaven on Earth, Economics as Religion, and The New Holy Wars: Economic Religion Versus Environmental Religion in Contemporary America read almost like a trilogy, exploring and charting the boundaries of theology and economics from the Western foundations of ancient Greece through the traditions that Nelson identifies as “Protestant” and “Roman,” and on into modern economic forms such as Marxism and capitalism, as well as environmentalism. Nelson argues that economics can be a genuine form of religion and that it should inform our understanding of the religious developments of our times. This edition of Economics as Religion situates the influence of his work in the scholarly economic and theological conversations of today and reflects on the state of the economics profession and the potential implications for theology, economics, and other social sciences.
Download or read book God the Economist written by M. Douglas Meeks and published by Fortress Press. This book was released on with total page 276 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: God does not appear in the modern market. For most economists this is as it should be. It is in no way necessary, according to modern economic theory, to consider God when thinking about economy. Indeed, the absence of God in economic matters is viewed as necessary to the great advances in modern economy. The difficulty with modern market economies, however, is that human livelihood is also left out of the theory and practice of the market economy. ?"I propose to bring the church's teaching about God, the doctrine of the Trinity, to bear on the masked connections between God and economy. I will treat the Trinity as the way of understanding what the Bible calls the 'economy of God.'?
Download or read book Economic Origins of Roman Christianity written by Robert B. Ekelund Jr. and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2011-07-05 with total page 284 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In the global marketplace of ideas, few realms spark as much conflict as religion. For millions of people, it is an integral part of everyday life, reflected by a widely divergent supply of practices and philosophical perspectives. Yet, historically, the marketplace has not always been competitive. While the early Common Era saw competition between Christianity, Judaism, and the many pagan cults, Roman Christianity came eventually to dominate Western Europe. Using basic concepts of economic theory, Robert B. Ekelund Jr. and Robert D. Tollison explain the origin and subsequent spread of Roman Christianity, showing first how the standard concepts of risk, cost, and benefit can account for the demand for religion. Then, drawing on the economics of networking, entrepreneurship, and industrial organization, the book explains Christianity's rapid ascent. Like a business, the church developed sound business strategies that increased its market share to a near monopoly in the medieval period. This book offers a fascinating look at the dynamics of Christianity’s rise, as well as how aspects the church’s structure—developed over the first millennium—illuminate a number of critical problems faced by the church today.
Download or read book Faith Finance and Economy written by Tanweer Akram and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2020-03-10 with total page 243 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This open access book seeks to foster a multidisciplinary understanding of the ties between faith, financial intermediation, and economic progress by drawing on research across economics, finance, history, philosophy, ethics, theology, public policy, law, and other disciplines. Chapters in this edited volume examine themes as consequential as economic opportunities, real world outcomes and faith; values and consumerism; faith, financial intermediation and economic development in Western and Islamic societies; and the impact of faith issues on US workers, on the workplace and religion, and on the characteristics of good wealth. Though engaging with difficult questions, this book is written in an accessible style to be enjoyed by laypeople and scholars alike.
Download or read book Religion and Economics Normative Social Theory written by J.M. Dean and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2012-12-06 with total page 220 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Normative Social Theory James M. Dean and A. M. C. Waterman University of Manitoba 1. Economics and Religion Once Again This hook is a sequel to Economics and Religion: Are They Distinct? (Brennan and Waterman 1994). That volume was motivated by a frustration born of many disappointing encounters between economists and theologians in the 1980s. Can bishops, synods, and other voices of organized religion bring any interesting (and disinterested) contribution to the public policy debate? If so, what is the relation of their contribution to that of the purely "secular" knowledge economists believe they can supply? Can economists bring any interesting (and disinterested) contribution to the public policy debate? If so, what is the relation of their contribution to the fundamental values that inform social ethics and that are still guarded to a large extent by religious tradition? All too often the two sides talked at cross-purposes. Well-intentioned economists coexisted for a few hours or days with well intentioned theologians whose manner of conceiving social reality was radically incompatible with their own. There seemed to be no common ground. The first requisite of any genuine conversation is an agreed conceptual framework that is able to accommodate the peculiar social vision both of the economist and of theologian, and to display the logical relation between the two.
Download or read book Sustaining the Common Good written by John B. Cobb and published by . This book was released on 1994 with total page 164 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A world-renowned theologian and ethicist courageously challenges economists' zealous faith in the great god of growth and proposes that policies that produce sustainable development--in which the economy serves the community, and not vice versa--are not only feasible and economically sound, but more faithfully represent Christianity's traditional emphasis on the dignity of the individual and the value of the common good.