Monthly Archives: March 2020

Issue 74 of Faith & Economics is now available

The 74th issue of Faith & Economics is now available to members. This issue includes a wide variety of excellent material, including an institutional reading of the Gospels, a symposium on Mary Hirschfeld’s recent book, a feature on Brian Griffiths, and a number of book reviews.

You can read the Editor’s Introduction here. The rest of the content is only available to ACE members and institutional subscribers until one year after publication.

Read more..

Faith & Economics Issue 74: Fall 2019

Editor’s Introduction
Steven McMullen

ARTICLES

“Ye Cannot Serve God and Mammon”: An Institutional Interpretation of the Gospels
Walker Wright

Abstract: Jesus’ teachings on wealth are arguably some of the most controversial in modern times. This paper will examine these teachings through the lens of institutional economics. First, it will explore the political and economic background of the Greco-Roman world, including the zero-sum mentality of its inhabitants. Second, it will demonstrate how Jesus’ words and deeds suggest that wealth was seen as synonymous with extractive imperial policies. Finally, it will briefly discuss the interpretative implications for modern-day Christians.

SYMPOSIUM ON AQUINAS AND THE MARKET: TOWARD A HUMANE ECONOMY BY MARY HIRSCHFELD

Full Symposium

Prudently Preserving the Rational Choice Framework
Enoch Hill

The Difficulty of a Theological Economics
John Lunn

The Light of Eternity and the Humane Economy
Andrew M. Yuengert

Response to the Symposium
Mary Hirschfeld

FEATURE ON BRIAN GRIFFITHS

The Political Economy of Brexit
Brian Griffiths

A Conversation with Brian Griffiths
Stephen L. S. Smith and Thomas M. Smith

BOOK REVIEWS

Straight Talk on Trade: Ideas for a Sane World Economy
Dani Rodrik
Reviewed by Michael Anderson

Practicing the King’s Economy: Honoring Jesus in How We Work, Earn, Spend, Save, and Give
Michael Rhodes, Robby Holt, with Brian Fikkert
Reviewed by Todd Steen

An Economics of Justice & Charity: Catholic Social Teaching, Its Development and Contemporary Relevance
Thomas Storck
Reviewed by Richard Dadzie

Missional Economics: Biblical Justice and Christian Formation
Michael Barram
Reviewed by Henry Hao

Discrimination and Disparities
Thomas Sowell
Reviewed by Kristine Principe

“Ye Cannot Serve God and Mammon”: An Institutional Interpretation of the Gospels – Walker Wright

FAITH & ECONOMICS
NUMBER 74, Fall 2019

“Ye Cannot Serve God and Mammon”: An Institutional Interpretation of the Gospels

Walker Wright
Johns Hopkins University

Abstract: Jesus’ teachings on wealth are arguably some of the most controversial in modern times. This paper will examine these teachings through the lens of institutional economics. First, it will explore the political and economic background of the Greco-Roman world, including the zero-sum mentality of its inhabitants. Second, it will demonstrate how Jesus’ words and deeds suggest that wealth was seen as synonymous with extractive imperial policies. Finally, it will briefly discuss the interpretative implications for modern-day Christians.

Keywords: New Testament, Gospels, Institutions, Jesus, Wealth, Roman Empire, growth, poverty

Full Text PDF