Capitalism and Natural Law

Life, Liberty, and Private Property

Nonfiction, History, Civilization, Business & Finance, Marketing & Sales, Sales & Selling
Cover of the book Capitalism and Natural Law by Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D., Christian Faith Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D. ISBN: 9781641148955
Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing Publication: January 4, 2018
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D.
ISBN: 9781641148955
Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing
Publication: January 4, 2018
Imprint:
Language: English

The author begins with the statement “Christianity and Capitalism both seem to be going through a bit of a rough patch at the time of writing.” Each of these concerns is enough to motivate a book, but Robert N. McGrath, PhD, is concerned about the nexus of the two. He begins with the observation that many people cannot articulate a clear understanding of either capitalism or natural law.

First, capitalism means more than “free enterprise.” Capitalism is first a theory of economics where capital is accumulated, allocated, and managed productively in order to increase the economic welfare of society. Such a theory is an outgrowth of centuries of philosophy.

Second, natural law theology goes back to ancient Greek and Roman philosophers, but evolved with Christian doctrine to become central to that faith’s present theology. In the meantime, people such as Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, and Thomas Jefferson ensconced it deeply into the very psyche of Western civilization and its philosophy, including economic thought.

After explaining this, the author examines original words of eminent “modern” economists since Adam Smith, into the twentieth century with Joseph Schumpeter, the very champion of entrepreneurship as being the “essence of capitalism.” Several interim-period economists also implied that economic “laws” are “natural,” while others have been adamantly and even violently opposed to any such view.

However, the author continuously insists that his purpose is to be provocative, not definitive, and leaves final interpretations largely to each reader.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The author begins with the statement “Christianity and Capitalism both seem to be going through a bit of a rough patch at the time of writing.” Each of these concerns is enough to motivate a book, but Robert N. McGrath, PhD, is concerned about the nexus of the two. He begins with the observation that many people cannot articulate a clear understanding of either capitalism or natural law.

First, capitalism means more than “free enterprise.” Capitalism is first a theory of economics where capital is accumulated, allocated, and managed productively in order to increase the economic welfare of society. Such a theory is an outgrowth of centuries of philosophy.

Second, natural law theology goes back to ancient Greek and Roman philosophers, but evolved with Christian doctrine to become central to that faith’s present theology. In the meantime, people such as Thomas Aquinas, John Locke, and Thomas Jefferson ensconced it deeply into the very psyche of Western civilization and its philosophy, including economic thought.

After explaining this, the author examines original words of eminent “modern” economists since Adam Smith, into the twentieth century with Joseph Schumpeter, the very champion of entrepreneurship as being the “essence of capitalism.” Several interim-period economists also implied that economic “laws” are “natural,” while others have been adamantly and even violently opposed to any such view.

However, the author continuously insists that his purpose is to be provocative, not definitive, and leaves final interpretations largely to each reader.

More books from Christian Faith Publishing

Cover of the book A Recipe for Spiritual Living by Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D.
Cover of the book The Redeeming Way by Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D.
Cover of the book BRD Finds a Home by Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D.
Cover of the book God Loves Me So Much by Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D.
Cover of the book The Last High Priest: A Man Child, a Samaritan, a Jew, a Savior, and a King by Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D.
Cover of the book Sunday School by Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D.
Cover of the book Ms. Knotty's Satchel by Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D.
Cover of the book TimeFLEX by Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D.
Cover of the book Religion, Reality and Reprehension by Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D.
Cover of the book Susie Sunshine by Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D.
Cover of the book Lonely The Heart Finds His Beat by Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D.
Cover of the book Fifty Two Weeks of Nutritional Nuggets; Food For The Soul by Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D.
Cover of the book The Missed Mission of The Great Commission A First Century Discipleship Paradigm for the 21st Century by Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D.
Cover of the book The Legend of Willie Smalls by Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D.
Cover of the book Miracles and Memories by Robert N. McGrath, Ph.D.
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy