E-Book Overview
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.
E-Book Content
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
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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
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vi
Table of Contents
Conclusion: Christianity and Economics: Connections and Continued Progress John Pisciotta
131
Bibliography
145
List of Contributors
153
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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