Details for Theology and Economics

This unit deals with the relationship between economics and Christian theology.  The place of economics in contemporary culture makes a serious engagement with economics vital for Christian witness.   

The unit Theology and Economics is part of the subject area Theology and is offered as a part of the following Awards: Master of Arts (Christian Studies) (Alphacrucis College (NSW Dept. of Education)).

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

At the successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate an awareness of the issues involved in interdisciplinary scholarship.
2. Give an account of the history of the relationship between Christian theology and economics;
Bring economic analysis and critical theology to a range of important contemporary issues, demonstrating an understanding of relationship between these two types of analysis. 

Subject Content

1. Introduction
2. Philosophical questions.  Interdisciplinary scholarship.  Different approaches.
3. History.   The Scriptures in the oikonomia (Church fathers).
4. History.   The formation of economics as a discipline in the 18^th century, and the separation of economics from theology in the 19^th century.
5. History.  Economics as an autonomous discipline in the 20^th century.   Christian economics as a counter movement.   Comparisons with Islamic economics.
6. Issues.  The nature of a market economy.  Efficiency and equity.
7. Issues.  International trade and investment.
8. Issues.  Development.  Aid.
9. Issues. Environment.
10. Issues.   Unemployment.  Welfare.  The Job Network.
11. Issues.  Usury.

Assessment Methods

Quiz, essay, exam.

Representative References

Novak, M. The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism, revised edition.  Toronto:  MadisonBooks, 2000.

Ormerod, N. “A Dialectic Engagement with the Social Sciences in an Ecclesiological Context.” Theological Studies 66 (2005): 815-40.

Oslington, P. (ed.). Economics and Religion. 2 vols. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, 2003.

Oslington, P. “Natural Theology as an Integrative Framework for Economics and Theology.” St Mark's Review 199 (2005): 20-31.

Oslington, P. “A Christian Perspective on the Financial Crisis.” American Economist 53, no. 1 (2009): 28-30.

Ray, D.K. (ed), Theology That Matters:  Ecology, Economy and God.  Minneapolis, MN:  Fortress Press, 2006.

Stackhouse, M.L., D. McCann, and S. J. Roels. On Moral Business. Michigan: Eerdmans, 1995.

Tanner, K. Economies of Grace. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2005.

Veerkamp, Ton. ‘Neoliberalism and reclaiming a theology of economy,’ International Review of Mission, vol. 97, nos. 386-387 (Jl-O 2008), pp. 198-209

Waterman, A.M.C. (ed.). Political Economy and Christian Theology since the Enlightenment: Essays in Intellectual History. London: Palgrave Macmillan, 2004.