We live in an unprecedented time in human history.

The number of people living in abject poverty is decreasing at an unprecedented rate. Capitalism has played a major role lifting people out of such poverty, yet many raise legitimate concerns about capitalism.

Counting the Cost is an edited collection of articles by noted economists and theologians that offers a deep, and empathetic look at capitalism and its critiques from a biblical perspective.

1. The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism Thirty Years After by Michael Novak 
2. Human Flourishing and the Bible by Jonathan T. Pennington 
3. Is Capitalism Contrary to the Bible? by Dr. Art Lindsley 
4. A Christian Critique of Capitalism by David Kotter 
5. Capitalism Is Exploitative by Joseph Connors 
6. The 1%: Is Income Inequality Evidence of Exploitation? by Dr. Anne Rathbone Bradley 
7. Who Benefits in Capitalism by Joy Buchanan and Vernon Smith 
8. Capitalism and Poverty by Doug Bandow 
9. Capitalism and Consumerism by Edd Noell 
10. Do Global Corporations Exploit Poor Countries? by Wayne Grudem and Barry Asmus 
11. Capitalism Is Bad for the Environment by E. Calvin Beisner 
12. Capitalism and the Cultural Wasteland by Jonathan Witt

Michael Novak

Jonathan T. Pennington

Art Lindsley

David Kotter

Joseph Connors

Anne Rathbone Bradley

Joy Buchanan and Vernon Smith

Doug Bandow

Edd Noell

Wayne Grudem and Barry Asmus

Calvin Beisner

Jonathan Witt

Dr. Art Lindsley is the Vice President of Theological Initiatives at the Institute for Faith, Work & Economics, where he oversees the development of a theology that integrates faith, work, and economics.

Dr. Anne R. Bradley is the Vice President of Economic Initiatives at the Institute for Faith, Works & Economics, where she develops and commissions research toward a systematic biblical theology of economic freedom.

''A significant contribution to the debate over the morality of capitalism because of its willingness to tackle critiques of the free enterprise system. Both defenders and critics of capitalism will be intellectually sharpened by this book.''
—Tyler Castle, Values & Capitalism, AEI

''Many Christians ask if Christianity is compatible with 'capitalism.' Is it all about greed? Does it create unjust inequalities, and destroy culture? In Counting the Cost, first-rate Christian scholars grapple seriously with these and other questions. And they argue persuasively that, while a free market economy does not promise utopia, it's the only economic system that can allow not only individuals but entire cultures to flourish.''
—Jay W. Richards, Assistant Research Professor, The Busch School, The Catholic University of America

''Jesus was a socialist. Jubilee requires redistribution. Capitalism corrupts our souls. Well, maybe not: Counting the Cost is a useful collection of essays showing how a lot of what we (think we) ‹know› about capitalism just isn't so.''
—Art Carden, Associate Professor of Economics, Brock School of Business, Samford University

''If a man personally liberates another from the clutches of poverty, he's regarded as a hero. But when an economic system called capitalism does the same for tens of millions, it brings forth an endless Inquisition and its intellectual Torquemadas. But as the excellent essays in Counting the Cost explain, the attack on capitalism is vastly overwrought and freighted with the baggage of false assumptions. Capitalism is what happens when peaceful, creative people are free to prosper by serving others through production and voluntary exchange.''
—Lawrence W. Reed, President, Foundation for Economic Education

''The editors, who themselves have thought more seriously about faith and economics than just about anyone on the planet, assembled a great team to evaluate the operation of capitalism from ethical, moral, and economic perspectives. The central issues are addressed with clarity, and clear distinctions are made between myth and reality. This is a must-read for anyone interested in the relationships among Christian convictions, sound economics, and alternative economic systems.''
—James Gwartney, Professor of Economics, Florida State University

''In modern discussions of capitalism, it is common to read analyses from Christians who know little of economics, and from economists who know little of Christianity. Counting the Cost is a rare collection of essays that are respectful of the truths accessible through both avenues. The collection offers insights for readers of all backgrounds.''
—Robert P. Murphy, Research Assistant Professor with the Free Market Institute at Texas Tech University

''Counting the Cost offers an important and necessary reminder that a free and virtuous society is best served by free markets, and it also (and I cannot stress this enough) is an imperative tonic to persistent misunderstandings of economic principles. Many believe that adhering to Judeo-Christian faiths demands a concomitant trust in government efforts to redistribute wealth. These essays prove nothing could be further from the truth.''
—Rev. Robert A. Sirico, president and founder, The Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty

''In Counting the Cost, it is obvious from the first chapter (Michael Novak's final essay!) that this book is well worth its price! The contributors provide a much-needed series of tour de force arguments that democratic capitalism is the most moral force in the world for economic justice.''
—Joseph Castleberry, President, Northwest University

''Most people do not study economics formally and even fewer study it through a biblical lens to understand God's plan for human flourishing and to truly understand what being a good steward means. Counting the Cost contains insights by some of the best and brightest Christian economic thinkers and goes a long way to correct this gap in the Christian worldview. Many Christians may not have the time to take a class in economics, but they should make the time to read this book.''
—Brian Baugus, Assistant Professor of Economics, Regent University

''Counting the Cost is a must-read for Christians who want to evaluate the role of the free market in our modern, globalized world. The book is an honest appraisal of what markets are capable of and their role in many of the most pressing issues of our day. The reader is guaranteed to finish Counting the Cost with a deeper understanding of how capitalism allows us to live out elements of the Imago Dei.''
—Nathanael D. Peach, Associate Professor of Economics, George Fox University

ISBN: 9780891124085

Pages: 384

Dimensions (inches): 6 x 9

Weight (pounds): 0.7