Faith, Work, and Economics (CT9333T)

Content

Economics has replaced theology as the master language of Western culture, and is a particularly powerful influence on Australian culture. This unit considers the complex historical, theological and scientific issues involved in the relationship between economics and theology. It is especially concerned with the interaction between issues for individuals and organisations that the contemporary faith–work movement has taken up, and the system issues that economists study. As such, this unit will engage with with the intellectual issues as they occur at the nexus of the various practical problems and dilemmas of Christian discipleship in a culture that is shaped by economics.

Learning outcomes

Unit sequence

At least 1 foundational level unit of CT

Pedagogy

Lectures, tutorials, in-class discussions

Indicative Bibliography

1. Backhouse, Roger. History of Economics. (Penguin Books, 2003).
2. Bateman, Brad & Spencer Banzhaf. Keeping Faith, Losing Faith: Religious Belief and Political Economy. (Duke University Press, 2008).
3. Hay, Donald. Economics Today: A Christian Critique. (Vancouver: Regent College Publishing, 2004).
4. Finn, Daniel. Christian Economic Ethics: History and Implications. (Fortress Press, 2013).
5. Brennan, Geoffrey & A. M. C. Waterman, (eds). Economics and Religion: Are They Distinct? (Kluwer, 1994).
6. Volf, Miroslav. Work in the Spirit: Toward a Theology of Work. (New York: Oxford University Press, 1991).
7. McCloskey, Dierdre. The Bourgeois Virtues: Ethics for an Age of Commerce. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2006).
8. Miller, David W. God at Work: The History and Promise of the Faith at Work Movement. (Oxford: OUP, 2006).
9. Sherman, Amy L. Kingdom Calling: Vocational Stewardship for the Common Good. (Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP, 2011).
10. Williams, Paul S. Exiles on Mission. (Grand Rapids: Brazos Press., 2020).

Assessment