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Bulls, Bears and Golden Calves: Applying Christian Ethics in Economics, By John E. Stapleford alt

Bulls, Bears and Golden Calves

Applying Christian Ethics in Economics

Third Edition

by John E. Stapleford

Bulls, Bears and Golden Calves
Ebook
  • Length: 355 pages
  • Published: March 27, 2015
  • Imprint: IVP Academic
  • ISBN: 9780830897148
Other Formats:

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. Writingfrom 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.

REVIEWS

"A well-written, much-needed supplement to introductory economics texts."
"How does one integrate their faith with the work of selling goods and services and making money? John Stapleford provides a careful and thoughtful Christian worldview of the marketplace. It is a must-read for the serious Christian who has a commitment not only to share their faith but also to live their faith."
"The study of economics should not be disconnected from ethical concerns. Bulls, Bears and Golden Calves provides clear guidance for identifying and discussing, within a Christian framework, important ethical issues connected to an economy's organization. Keying the book to the leading textbooks, John Stapleford provides an indispensable resource for students and teachers of introductory economics courses—though the book merits study outside the classroom as well. I particularly appreciated the faithful reliance on Scripture as the ethical benchmark applied throughout the book."
"Bulls, Bears Golden Calves opens the door for beginning students of economics to the realm of applied Christian thought on the modern economy. John Stapleford's work invites both new students and experienced economists alike to pursue this passageway. Designed to be used as a supplementary text in the teaching of economic principles, its format and content are very helpful for Christian economists looking to introduce students to a biblical perspective on a wide range of modern economic issues. Across a spectrum extending from the lending of money at interest to the thorny problem of immigration, Stapleford provides salutary, compelling examples. His discussion applies careful economic reasoning combined with ethical directionaptly derived from the Scriptures. The book takes seriously the authority of Scripture in critically reflecting on the core assumptions of economics while guiding readers in an irenic yet challenging manner. I strongly recommend Bulls, Bears Golden Calves as an introductory guide to applying Christian ethics to the world of economics."
"This is a wonderful book! It highlights significant economic issues being faced in America today. It fairly presents the competing worldviews regarding these problems. And it brings Scripture to bear on each area of contention in a way that challenges the reader to think Christianly."
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CONTENTS

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Introduction

Section I: Laying the Foundation
1. Grid Work: A Theological Ethical Framework

Section II: Reflections on the Basic Assumptions of Economics
2. Me, Myself Why?: Pursuit of Self-Interest Promotes What Exactly?
3. Waste Not?: Reappraising the Goal of Economic Efficiency
4. It?s Mine!: Private Property Rights

Section III: Macroeconomic Issues
5. How Does Your Garden Grow?: The Possibilities Perils and Economic Growth
6. Render unto Caesar: The Role of Government in the Economy
7. Overemployment: The Growth of Work the Loss of Leisure
8. Catching Your Interest: Lending Borrowing in Scripture History

Section IV: Microeconomic Issues
9. A Clarion Call: Poverty Distributive Justice
10. Tending the Garden: Environment Stweardship
11. Who?s Responsible?: Business Social Responsibility
12. False Hope: The Boom in Legalized Gambling
13. The Naked Gorilla: The Ethical Economic Challenge of the Pornography Industry

Section V: International Issues
14. A Matter of LifeDebt: Debt Relief for Less-Developed Countries
15. Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor ...:The Economics of Immigration
16. The Malthusian Blues: The Ethics Economics of Population Control

Appendix: Interactions Between This Book Standard Economics Texts

Notes

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ABOUT John E. Stapleford

John E. Stapleford

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. Previouslyhe 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.

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