Bulls, Bears and Golden Calves: Applying Christian Ethics to Economics, Edition 2

John E. Stapleford

Sep 2009 · InterVarsity Press

About this ebook

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 & Sobel; Mankiw; Mansfield & Behravesh; McConnell & Brue; Miller; Samuelson & Nordhaus; and Stiglitz--this book will be especially useful for introductory courses in economics.

About the author

John E. Stapleford (PhD, University of Delaware) is president of the Caesar Rodney Institute, an education nonprofit. He is also principle in DECON First and a professor emeritus of economic development with Eastern University. Previously he was an associate director and senior economist with Moody's Analytics, and for two decades he was the director of the Bureau of Economic Research at the University of Delaware and founded the Delaware Small Business Development Center. With a graduate degree in government and planning and a doctorate degree in urban and regional economics, Stapleford has been published in many professional journals including Growth and Change, Christian Scholars Review, Journal of Markets & Morality, Faith & Economics, Journal of Biblical Integration in Business and the Journal of Public Budgeting, Accounting and Financial Management. He is also the author of Bulls, Bears and Golden Calves: Applying Christian Ethics in Economics.