Noted Christian philosophical theologian Jay Wesley Richards has written an interesting and popular level book defending capitalism from a Christian perspective. Richards, who has been connected with the Discovery Institute in Seattle (and so is connected with the intelligent design movement) and written such books as The Untamed God, now is connected with the Heritage Foundation. The new book is entitled Money, Greed, and God: Why Capitalism is the Solution and Not the Problem. In this book, Richards addresses eight myths related to capitalism. This is a useful defense of capitalism that does not portray it as a route to utopia. That is the destination aimed at by the other major alternative to capitalism. My only criticism is that Richards writes from a broadly Wesleyan-Arminian perspective. However, to anticipate those who think there is some integral connection between Arminianism and capitalism, most of the book is consistent with a Reformed perspective.
Is Capitalism Really Anti-Christian?
2 Responses to “Is Capitalism Really Anti-Christian?”
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I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naïve. (Romans 16:17-18)
I really want to read this book. Thanks for the review Jeff!
From the Romanist perspective, my favorite economic author is Tom Woods. See his The Church and The Market.
Also see this review of a book on the economic thought of the late Spanish scholastics:
http://mises.org/article.aspx?Id=1267