Bulls, Bears & Golden Calves: Applying Christian Ethics in 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 growth
• the role of government in the economy
• the growth of work and loss of leisure
• lending and borrowing
• poverty and distributive justice
• environmental stewardship
• business and social responsibility
• legalized gambling
• the pornography industry
• debt relief for less developed countries
• the economics of immigration
• population control

Keyed to seven of the most widely used introductory economics texts--Gwartney, Stroup and Sobel; Mankiw; Mansfield and Behravesh; McConnell and Brue; Miller; Samuelson and Nordhaus; and Stiglitz--this book will be especially useful for introductory courses in economics.