Bulls, Bears and Golden Calves: Applying Christian Ethics to Economics

Self-interest, economic efficiency and private property rights are among the most basic assumptions of market economics. But can an economic theory built on these assumptions alone provide adequate insight into human nature, motivation and ultimate goals to guide our economic life?

John Stapleford says no along with those economists who recognize the limits of their discipline. He insightfully shows us in detail how ethics are inextricably intertwined with economic life and analysis. Writing from a Christian ethical perspective, he interacts with seven standard introductory economics texts, exploring the moral challenges imbedded in various macro-, micro- and international economic theories and outlining a faithful response to them. Among the important ethical issues addressed are possibilities and perils of economic growththe role of government in the economythe growth of work and loss of leisurelending and borrowingpoverty and distributive justiceenvironmental stewardshipbusiness and social responsibilitylegalized gamblingthe pornography industrydebt relief for less developed countriesthe economics of immigrationpopulation control
Keyed to seven of the most widely used introductory economics texts--Gwartney, Stroup & Sobel; Mankiw; Mansfield & Behravesh; McConnell & Brue; Miller; Samuelson & Nordhaus; and Stiglitz--this book will be especially useful for introductory courses in economics.