Economics
The study of human exchange reveals moral foundations—trust, property rights, fairness—that transcend utilitarian calculation and require theistic grounding.
Beyond Self-Interest
Human economic behavior cannot be fully explained by self-interest. Behavioral economics has documented systematic departures from the 'rational actor' model.
People care about fairness, punish cheaters at personal cost, and give to strangers they'll never meet. These behaviors make sense if humans are moral beings, not merely utility maximizers.
- Fairness Concerns: People reject unfair offers even at personal cost—the ultimatum game. We would rather have nothing than accept injustice.
- Altruistic Punishment: People punish cheaters even when it costs them—enforcing moral norms. We care about justice, not just personal gain.
- Charitable Giving: Humans give to strangers they'll never meet—beyond evolutionary explanation. Americans give over $400 billion annually to charity.
- Intrinsic Motivation: People work for meaning, not just money. Purpose and calling matter. We are not merely economic animals.
Economic Ethics and Stewardship
Economic questions ultimately involve moral judgments. What should we produce? How should we distribute? What is work for?
Theistic economics sees humans as stewards, not ultimate owners, of resources. We are accountable for how we use what we've been given. The earth is the Lord's.
- Just Distribution: What distribution of resources is fair? This is a moral, not merely economic, question. The prophets condemned economic injustice.
- Human Dignity: People are not merely 'human capital'—they have intrinsic worth. Workers are persons, not production inputs.
- Stewardship: Theistic economics sees humans as stewards, not ultimate owners, of resources. We manage what belongs to God.
- The Purpose of Wealth: Wealth is for human flourishing, not mere accumulation. 'What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul?'