Thinking in Public with Albert Mohler
Luther, Calvin, and Economics — A Conversation with Professor Benjamin M. Friedman
Nov 13, 2024
Benjamin M. Friedman, a Harvard economist and author, dives deep into the fascinating intersection of religion and economics. He reveals how Protestant movements influenced economic thought, shaping figures like Adam Smith. The discussion highlights Edinburgh's legacy in nurturing modern economic theories while exploring Calvinism's role in moral frameworks. Friedman also examines the shift towards secular academia and its impact on economic disciplines. Expect thought-provoking insights on how faith and ethics continue to steer economic discourse today.
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Quick takeaways
- Religious thinking, especially from Protestant ideologies, significantly influenced the development of modern economic theories and key economists' perspectives.
- The evolution of universities from religious foundations to a secular academic environment transformed economics into a distinct field of study.
Deep dives
Intersection of Religion and Economics
The exploration of the intersection between religion and economics reveals how religious thinking influenced the development of modern economic theories. Professor Benjamin M. Friedman discusses his academic curiosity about the origins of economic ideas, starting from historical economic frameworks and then recognizing the significant impact of religious beliefs. Specifically, he highlights how the contentious Protestant ideologies during the Enlightenment played a crucial role in shaping the thoughts of key economists like Adam Smith and David Hume. This intersection of disciplines challenges the conventional separation between religious studies and economics, suggesting that understanding one cannot be complete without the other.
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