Professor Nelson's Books (2): Economics As Religion

Economics As Religion: From Samuelson to Chicago and Beyond 
(University Park, PA: Penn State University Press, 2001; paperback 2002)

a. Book Description

In this study, Robert H. Nelson explores the genesis, the prophets, the prophesies, and the tenets of what he sees as a religion of economics that has come into full blossom in latter-day America. Nelson does not see "theology" as a bad word, and his examination of the theology underlying Samuelsonian and Chicagoan economics is not a put-down. It is a way of seeing the rhetoric of fundamental belief - what has been called "vision".

b. Amazon Editorial Review

"Nelson's book is a challenge to economists to see their field anew." 

Eileen Ciesla, American Enterprise

"Economics as Religion is an excellent book. [Its] purpose is to show how the arguments of economists legitimate social and economic arrangements by providing these arrangements with quasi-religious justification. Economists are thus doing theology while for the most part unaware of that fact. It provides a remarkably balanced and comprehensive history of the way that economics developed in the twentieth century. The book will undoubtedly be welcomed by [a] considerable number of theologians. Professional economists will find [it] will broaden their understanding of what economists have been doing in recent decades. Political scientists or philosophers can clarify their understandings of social science and especially economics. And I think it will find a fair number of readers in the general population."

Paul Heyne, University of Washington

[The New] Holy Wars is an essential read for anyone interested in contemporary religion and the relationship between Christianity, economics and environmentalism. Many of the arguments are compelling and often controversial, making this work a primer for rewarding debates.
Sarah Maidman, University of Kent (UK)

An insightful exploration of the powerful role that economic belief plays in our modern society as a secular religion that serves many of the same functions as early Christian and other religions did in their time.The publisher, the Pennsylvania State University Press

c. More Book Review

Please click here to read more book reviews of the Economics As Religion as of January 13th, 2013 

d. Related Articles

"What is 'Economic Theology'", The Princeton Seminary Bulletin, Vol.xxv, No.1, New Series 2004, pp.58-79.