April 19, 2018
April 18, 2018
Is economics an ideology?
Richard H. Spady, research professor of Economics at Johns Hopkins, has recently published a piece at First Things entitled ‘Economics as Ideology’ in which he explores some contemporary trends among economists and their use of economics as a Procrustean bed to reshape society in its own image,
A body of thought is “ideological” when it willfully projects its own first principles on its subject matter and actively seeks, perhaps unconsciously, material changes to bring social realities into conformity with these first principles. Continue Reading...
April 04, 2018
‘I, Pencil,’ continued: How man cooperates with nature
In Leonard Read’s famous essay, “I, Pencil,” he marvels over the cooperation and collaboration involved in the assembly of a simple pencil — a complex coordination among global creators that is, quite miraculously, uncoordinated. Continue Reading...
March 22, 2018
The bishop, Balaam, and communism
Lester DeKoster begins his book Communism and Christian Faith, now out in a new edition from Christian’s Library Press, with a quote from Bishop Joseph Butler’s sermon ‘Upon the Character of Balaam’:
“Things and actions are what they are, and their consequences will be what they will be: why then should we seek to be deceived?” Continue Reading...
March 12, 2018
Is Elizabeth Bruenig even a socialist?
Elizabeth Bruenig, columnist for the Washington Post, yesterday published an opinion piece entitled, ‘Let’s have a good-faith argument about socialism’ responding to some critics of her earlier piece, ‘It’s time to give socialism a try’. Continue Reading...
March 09, 2018
Vocation vs. occupation: Embracing the breadth of ‘full-time ministry’
Christians have routinely embraced a range of false dichotomies when it comes to so-called “full-time ministry,” confining such work to the life and vocation of the pastor, evangelist, or missionary. The implications are clear: Those who enter or leave such vocations are thought to be “entering the work world” or “leaving the ministry,” whether for business, education, government, or otherwise. Continue Reading...
February 28, 2018
Black Panther has something important to offer
In this week’s Acton Commentary I examine the dynamics of marginalization and solidarity in the blockbuster phenomenon Black Panther. As so many commentators have suggested, there’s a lot to this film, and one of the important things it has to offer is a valuable perspective on the underlying unity amidst diversity in humanity. Continue Reading...
February 20, 2018
Removing the scales: Peter Boettke on the public purpose of economics
Whenever a new economic policy is proposed or introduced, we are immediately confronted by a wave of pundits and pontificators, each offering their own spin on its real-world implications. Far too often, however, such analysis gives way to a flurry of passions: emotional, ideological, and otherwise. Continue Reading...
November 22, 2017
How gratitude empowers the free society
Despite being surrounded by unprecedented levels of opportunity and prosperity, we live in a profoundly anxious age, fearful of economic disruption even as we resist the pull to idolize status, wealth, and comfortability. Continue Reading...
November 21, 2017
Post-Brexit, Daniel Hannan champions the moral case for free trade
In the immediate aftermath of the vote for Brexit, conservatives were quick to cheer Britain’s decision, hailing it as a win for freedom, democracy, and subsidiarity. Others, however, were just as eager to claim it was a move driven by fear and protectionism. Continue Reading...
