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Economics is a value laden enterprise--and this despite the oft repeated claims of neutrality, objectivity, and the absence of bias. This volume explores the relationship between Christianity and economics, arguing that the two can and should be integrated. While no single Christian perspective drives the book, the authors do share in common a belief that scholarship shaped by Christian commitments is entirely appropriate and should be an integral part of the professional life of Christian economist. In particular, this volume demonstrates how Christianity shapes the worldview an economist brings to the task, the questions an economist asks, and the policies an economist advocates.
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Faithful Economics Faithful Economics The Moral Worlds of a Neutral Science Editors James W. Henderson John L. Pisciotta Baylor University Press Waco, Texas © 2005 by Baylor University Press Waco, Texas 76798 All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission in writing of Baylor University Press. Scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Cover Design by David Alcorn Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Faithful economics : the moral worlds of a neutral science / editors, James W. Henderson, John Pisciotta. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references. ISBN 1-932792-22-8 (pbk. : alk. paper) 1. Economics--Religious aspects--Christianity--Congresses. I. Henderson, James W. II. Pisciotta, John (John Lee) BR115.E3F35 2006 261.8'5--dc22 2005032545 Printed in the United States of America on acid-free paper To the 150 scholars who participated in the 2002 Conference on Christianity and Economics at Baylor University. Be outrageous. JWH JLP hend133002_fm.qxd 12/02/05 10:50 AM Page v Table of Contents Preface vii Introduction: The Christian Perspective and Economic Scholarship James W. Henderson 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 Faith-Informed Scholarship George M. Marsden 15 The Christian Economist as a Mainstream Scholar Judith M. Dean 25 Market Behavior and Christian Behavior Rebecca M. Blank 35 The Economics of Racial Equality and Justice Glenn C. Loury 51 A Philosophy of Economics Michael Novak 73 The Theology of Economics Robert H. Nelson 89 The Economic Ethics of Jesus David P. Gushee 109 v hend133002_fm.qxd 12/02/05 10:50 AM Page vi vi Table of Contents Conclusion: Christianity and Economics: Connections and Continued Progress John Pisciotta 131 Bibliography 145 List of Contributors 153 hend133002_fm.qxd 12/02/05 10:50 AM Page vii Preface Scholars from across the United States and around the world gathered for three days in November 2002 to examine the influence of Christian ideals and principles on economic thought. Conferees came from ten different countries and represented a diverse group of scholars not only in economics, but also theology, sociology, law, history, philosophy, and political science. Funding for the conference “Christianity and Economics: Integrating Faith and Learning in Economic Scholarship” came from two sources. The plenary program, comprised of seven presentations, came from the Pruit Memorial Symposium. The concurrent sessions were organized as the Lilly Fellows Program Second Natio