Bulls, Bears and Golden Calves: Applying Christian Ethics in Economics

I am long retired from the University of Delaware. By way of personal perspective I knew John Stapleford from before he obtained his doctorate there and, over the next two decades, had the pleasure to observe his rise to become the University's top research economist and a leading figure in Delaware's economic and business decision making. I have great respect for his work and contributions in that role.I retired and John accepted a position at Eastern University at around the same time, and we have had no further contact. John's leaving was a much lamented loss to the University of Delaware, but it gave him his needed opportunity to write the first edition of this highly informative and thought-provoking book...which has been since revised to its current third edition.To fully appreciate and grasp the economic concepts John presents in this book, a reader must be open-minded to its Biblical precepts and premises. If one accepts its premises, the book will make far more sense than otherwise. As an aid to better and easier understanding, the book is exceptionally well documented. Not only for this documentation, yet especially because of it, Dr. Stapleford must be regarded among the ablest Christian economists. I commend him..

Very easy read. Clearly puts economics in the Christian world view.

I'm a boil it down fiction reader and this book has an incredible amount of supporting material along w some opinionated conclusions. I am doing something book review for an Ethics class and this book took me all week to read.

Great book

Was needed for a college class.

John Stapleford’s Bulls, Bears and Golden Calves is a broad look at the application of Christian ethics to economics. It is stuffed with information from statistics to economic theory to ethics.Often, when I read about someone putting forward a “Christian” view of economics, I get worried because what happens all too frequently is that the “Christian” view is taken to be equivalent to some existing economic theory and then anyone who disagrees with that theory is seen as being sub-biblical. By contrast, Stapleford does a fantastic job of never giving into the temptation to endorse wholly any one system, noting the impact of human sin and the real injustices that are possible in any economic system. Thus, he successfully navigates a kind of balancing act between liberal and conservative economic views throughout the book.That said, his often incisive criticism of various economic systems from different angles is sure to challenge almost any reader. In favor of pure free market economies? Stapleford notes that these are the best way to increase overall wealth in a system, but calls them out for often falling victim to greed or ignoring the poor. All in favor of socialist systems? Stapleford argues that these systems can trample the rights of the individual while also making it difficult to anticipate and plan for the needs of societies. No one is safe from the cogent analysis offered in this book.After outlining numerous ethical theories and practices that Christians can apply to the public square and economics, the book proceeds with a number of practical chapters that apply these to specific situations, whether it is international economics, the environment, and more. The topics treated are extremely wide-ranging and the analysis offered continues to be challenging and insightful throughout. Just as an example, the chapter on gambling points out the failure of several arguments put forth to attempt to ethically justify the practice, while also pointing to numerous injustices in the system. This kind of detailed analysis is found throughout the book on every topic Stapleford touches.That said, the main downside of the book just is its broadness. At times, readers may feel blown away by how much information is being fed to them. The sheer amount of data can feel a bit overwhelming. Also, because of the broadness of the book, some of the solutions offered feel over-simplified and may leave readers wishing for more analysis.Overall, Bulls, Bears, and Golden Calves is a simply phenomenal read that will challenge all readers to live out a Christian life in the realm of economics.The Good+Eye-opening facts about numerous economic practices+Excellent chapters on specific economic issues with applicable insights+Bridges the seeming gap between liberal and conservative views in multiple places+Consistently puts forth a Christian and holistic view of economicsThe Bad-Sheer amount of data can be overwhelming-Some solutions offered seem over-simplifiedConclusionI would highly recommend Bulls, Bears and Golden Calves to readers interested in exploring how Christianity can inform economic decisions and systems.Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book from InterVarsity Press. I was not obligated to provide any specific type of feedback or review nor was I required to give a positive review.SourceJohn Stapleford, Bulls, Bears and Golden Calves (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 2015) Third Edition.

This book literally illustrates what is wrong with religion. Filled to the max with misogamy and racism. If you enjoyed this book there is something wrong with you and you are a horrible person.

I thought John Stapleford Gave an excellent portrayal of common economics and how it intertwines with the Christian worldview. He brings a somewhat "human" aspect to economics. the book does not look at economics in the ​mere form of numbers and bottom line profits, but examine the role of a Christian in economics. Great Read!