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Bulls, Bears and 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 embedded in various macro-, micro- and international economic theories and outlining a faithful response to them.
The third edition includes two new chapters on economics as a science and global poverty plus expanded discussions of entitlements, government debt, healthcare reform and immigration reform. 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.
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 embedded in various macro-, micro- and international economic theories and outlining a faithful response to them.
The third edition includes two new chapters on economics as a science and global poverty plus expanded discussions of entitlements, government debt, healthcare reform and immigration reform. 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.
335 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 31, 2002
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 18, 2019
*For a class
One thing that I always find interesting is Christian worldview in economics. For so long, society has said that Christianity and sound economic choices are incompatible and that Christians can't support big businesses and that Christians should support big government because it is compassionate to others less fortunate.
This book proves that all of those assumptions are incorrect.
Throughout the book, John E. Stapleford looks at a wide range of issues, from poverty to banking to private property to pornography and more and looks at it all through a biblical lens. Stapleford provides examples in history where his worldview/opinion has worked and shows where his worldview lines up with the bible. He explores economic theory from both a theoretical and practical standpoint.
One thing about the book is that I disagree with a lot of Stapleford's assumptions, particularly on poverty and in CEO compensation, among others. However, this book enabled me to more articularly refine my belief and forced me to back mine up with both examples in history, logical theory, and most importantly-biblical worldview.
While the book is quite dry at points and sometimes overcompensates by drawing out it's examples, it is still a great read, especially for someone who is struggling with questions of Christianity in economics.
Overall, decent, good book. I wouldn't reccomend to people unless you really like public policy and government like me. 7.0 out of 10!
One thing that I always find interesting is Christian worldview in economics. For so long, society has said that Christianity and sound economic choices are incompatible and that Christians can't support big businesses and that Christians should support big government because it is compassionate to others less fortunate.
This book proves that all of those assumptions are incorrect.
Throughout the book, John E. Stapleford looks at a wide range of issues, from poverty to banking to private property to pornography and more and looks at it all through a biblical lens. Stapleford provides examples in history where his worldview/opinion has worked and shows where his worldview lines up with the bible. He explores economic theory from both a theoretical and practical standpoint.
One thing about the book is that I disagree with a lot of Stapleford's assumptions, particularly on poverty and in CEO compensation, among others. However, this book enabled me to more articularly refine my belief and forced me to back mine up with both examples in history, logical theory, and most importantly-biblical worldview.
While the book is quite dry at points and sometimes overcompensates by drawing out it's examples, it is still a great read, especially for someone who is struggling with questions of Christianity in economics.
Overall, decent, good book. I wouldn't reccomend to people unless you really like public policy and government like me. 7.0 out of 10!
July 17, 2025
Horrid. Read selections for a college economics course. If you're looking for a book full of inspirational socialist quotes from Ron Sider, this is for you. I might need to reread Productive Christians in an Age of Guilt Manipulators: A Biblical Response to Ronald J. Sider to detox from this scatterbrained mess.
There is the kind of lighthearted book criticism that is like listening to Chopin’s Nocturne in C# Minor and noticing that Rousseau hit a D# instead of an F#. Stapleford's eisegesis, on the other hand, deserved to be burned with a flamethrower, NQN style. DO NOT READ THIS.
There is the kind of lighthearted book criticism that is like listening to Chopin’s Nocturne in C# Minor and noticing that Rousseau hit a D# instead of an F#. Stapleford's eisegesis, on the other hand, deserved to be burned with a flamethrower, NQN style. DO NOT READ THIS.
December 17, 2021
Assigned as supplemental reading for an Economics course.
Closer to 4 stars; the author comes off as though his interpretation of how to incorporate Biblical values in economics is the correct way, which makes me rather cautious. I'll round up though because it's refreshing to read a Christian perspective on various economic questions, very thought-provoking.
Closer to 4 stars; the author comes off as though his interpretation of how to incorporate Biblical values in economics is the correct way, which makes me rather cautious. I'll round up though because it's refreshing to read a Christian perspective on various economic questions, very thought-provoking.
March 1, 2019
Excellent study!
October 28, 2016
A lot of detail in this book
I'm a boil it down fiction reader and this book has an incredible amount of supporting material along w some opinionated conclusions. I am doing something book review for an Ethics class and this book took me all week to read.
I'm a boil it down fiction reader and this book has an incredible amount of supporting material along w some opinionated conclusions. I am doing something book review for an Ethics class and this book took me all week to read.
May 26, 2014
I was supposed to read this in college but instead waited until two years later on the plane to UGANDA! Such a helpful and insightful, research-based book!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews