Bulls, Bears and Golden Calves: Applying Christian Ethics in Economics [Paperback]

John E. Stapleford (Author), Francis X. Tannian (Foreword)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 21, 2009

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. 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. This revised and expanded edition includes updated charts and graphs and three new chapters covering executive compensation, the effects of corruption and rural development.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The study of economics should not be disconnected from ethical concerns. Bulls, Bears & Golden Calves provides clear guidance for identifying and discussing, within a Christian framework, important ethical issues connected to an economy's organization. Keyed 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." ----Kenneth G. Elzinga, Professor of Economics, University of Virginia

Review

"A well-written, much-needed supplement to introductory economics texts."

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Product Details

• Paperback: 282 pages
• Publisher: IVP Academic; 02 edition (January 21, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0830827242
• ISBN-13: 978-0830827244
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #398,986 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

John Stapleford has been an applied economist for over 35 years. After receiving his PhD from the University of Delaware he worked as a research economist in the New Jersey governor's office. He then served as the Director of the Bureau of Economic Research at the University of Delaware, where he started the Delaware Small Business Development Center. He taught at Eastern University from which he is a professor emeritus of economic development. He was a senior economist with Moody's Economy.com and currently is the director of the Center for Economic Policy and Analysis with the Caesar Rodney Institute.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful Biblical Wisdom, February 1, 2008

By 

Stephen Bloom (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bulls, Bears & Golden Calves: Applying Christian Ethics in Economics (Paperback)

This book is a rich and comprehensive source of solid biblical wisdom on the challenging economic issues facing human society. I use "Bulls, Bears & Golden Calves" to complement our standard secular textbook in the introductory economics course I teach at a Christian college. My students seem to connect very well with Professor Stapleford's presentation of the issues.

In this life, Christians will never be immune from the human struggle for daily bread. But Professor Stapleford demonstrates that we can live out our faith with compassion and mercy, even in a world driven by economics. And he demonstrates that free market capitalism, while far from perfect, is nonetheless the most powerful and effective system yet devised to bring the greatest good to the greatest number of people.

While I might not personally agree with Professor Stapleford on every issue he addresses, I commend the thoroughness of his scholarship and the clarity of his thinking. This book is a powerful tool for the Christian seeking to reconcile faith with economic reality in an integrated, biblical, Christ-honoring manner.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazingly Accurate, March 25, 2008

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Christian J. Fobian (WA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bulls, Bears & Golden Calves: Applying Christian Ethics in Economics (Paperback)

Bulls, Bears, and Golden Calves is an amazing text. I read this book while in Macroeconomics class and I have to say that it is amazing. This book really applies biblical principles to economics in today's world. It is scripturally sound and has some excellent advice on how Christians are to conduct themselves in economic and financial ways. It also discusses how the economy is affected by our choices, which in turn are affected by our relationship (or the lack thereof) with Christ. It is really astonishing how much the Bible actually discusses economic standards with truth. This book points those facts out.

This book is brilliant and highly recommended for everyone, especially business students, economists, and Christians.

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly biblically based. Sound economic theories., August 14, 2011

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Yeung Hok Wai - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Bulls, Bears & Golden Calves: Applying Christian Ethics in Economics (Kindle Edition)

I think the most difficult task of writing such a theme is how to correctly integrate biblical truths with sound economic theories. Some economists simply put their words in God's mouth. As an economics teacher myself, I think the author has done a God-blessed job. The author's understanding of economic theories is sharp, untainted by political ideologies. This book should be a must-read book for any serious Christian economists looking for God's words on economic issues.