Economics in Christian Perspective: Theory, Policy and Life Choices

Victor V. Claar (PhD, West Virginia University) holds the BB&T Professorship in Free Enterprise at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers.

Robin J. Klay (PhD, Princeton University) is professor of economics at Hope College, Holland, Michigan.

"The book is full of insightful analyses of contemporary problems, which makes it feel a bit like the popular book Freakonomics. Claar and Klay's epilogue is worth the price of the book: There they give very practical life lessons taught by economics that are matters of common sense, yet are commonly ignored."

-- Scott B. Rae, Christian Social Thought, Spring 2008

"A worthwhile read which offers many useful insights to serious Christian thinkers and just about anyone else regarding basic economics and Christian responsibility."

-- John M. Cobin, Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

"This balanced and well-written book not only explains Christian teaching and economic theory, but relates them to the important economic issues of the day and the challenges they present to living out the Christian faith. The book covers a wide range of contemporary issues of importance to Christians and the wider public. The opening and closing chapters are espcially valuable in offering a perspective on how Christian principles can complement the workings of markets."

-- Douglas O. Walker, Religious Studies Review, June 2008

"This book presents a view on the respective roles and responsibilities of governments, markets, and civil society for Christians seeking personal undesrtanding and who are called to make a concrete difference in the world."

-- ARC Worldviews, June-July 2008

". . .readers of this book will find that the economics and concern for Christian principles blend together seamlessly--a rare feat indeed among texts of this genre."

-- Samuel Gregg, Journal of Church and State

". . .a useful and accessible introduction for Christians to a complex subject."

-- David McKay in The Covenanter Witness, February 2008

"It's a wonderful read. The writing style is engaging. If you have just a rudimentary grasp of some basic economic concepts the book should be intelligible. What is truly refreshing is the careful and respectful manner in which differing views are presented on some controversial topics even as the authors reveal their takes on issues. The book is neither a social justice harangue nor a libertarian manifesto, just solid Christian reflection on the implications of mainstream economic thought."

-- Michael Kruse, Kruse Kronicle, January 28, 2008

". . . An excellent introduction to economics for readers interested in understanding economics within a Christian worldview perspective. The authors combine clear explication of economic principles with passionate personal experience and advice."

-- John E. Anderson for Faith Economics, Fall 2007

"This book by Victor Claar and Robin Klay is a valuable new contribution to a small but growing and important body of literature on economic thinking and Christian belief. The authors do not advance a unique 'Christian' economic theory, nor do they simply bless every mainstream economic concept with a biblical imprimatur. Instead, they carefully review current economic theory and policy perspectives in light of biblical Christian belief. At times Victor and Robin agree with mainstream economic ideas and at times they suggest thoughtful criticisms of the mainstream. They also take time to address important heterodox economic views in light of their interpretation of biblical principles that bear on each topic.

Extended case studies draw the reader into economic and biblical ways of thinking about important public policy issues. The cases are drawn from everyday life so that the reader can move easily from what we experience in everyday economic life to those topics about which we know less but must render political and economic opinions. They address critical topics such as embracing or protesting market economies, designing effective programs for poor relief, addressing our growing global need for energy, restricting or encouraging economic development around the world, assessing the government's monetary and fiscal macroeconomic policies, and choosing an optimal level of pollution control.

Victor and Robin write with conviction about their firmly held economic views and with fair-minded care about those questions that remain arguable from several reasonable perspectives. Not every Christian will agree with their views, but most Christians would benefit from confronting their economic reasoning and biblical analysis of crucial issues."

-- Robert A. Black, Professor of Economics, Houghton College

"Claar and Klay ask how Christians with shared values can affect outcomes in a market-based democratic economy. They expand traditional economic analysis of self-interested consumers, profit-seeking firms and elected governments to include groups of individuals with common interests such as churches and faith-based organizations. They illustrate that the latter, by pooling resources, can influence the production and delivery of desired services such as feeding the poor, sheltering the homeless and healing the sick, locally, nationally and globally within established economic structures."

-- Robert H. Rasche, Michigan State University