Reviews
Money, Greed, and God: Why Capitalism Is the Solution and Not the Problem by Jay W. Richards
skybalon's review against another edition
4.0
This book is a really good primer on capitalism that doesn't attempt to run from the standard criticisms. He also does a decent job of biblical exegesis that brings insight in what the Bible really says about economics. So it is a nice intersection. Recommended.
carina_shephard's review against another edition
5.0
Read for school. Written in a very conversational tone but has a lot of good points. Would recommend.
josiahdegraaf's review against another edition
3.0
On the one hand, this book does a good job in defending capitalism and the free market with regards to the responsibilities of the government, and Richards raises a lot of good points. I appreciated a lot of his thoughts in many of the different myths that he debunked. However, like other economic thinkers, Richards also falls into the trap of valuing economic efficiency above all else in the private/individual realm as well. I agree that when we give to charity, we want to avoid hurting people with our giving. But we can't use that as an excuse not to give either. And we can't use the lack of efficiency in giving as an excuse not to give either. Capitalism is the solution to how a government should run things. But that doesn't mean it's the solution to how Christians ought to act in their private lives. Economic efficiency is good. But it's not the highest value.
Rating: 3-3.5 Stars (Good).
Rating: 3-3.5 Stars (Good).
grllopez's review against another edition
4.0
An excellent and simple explanation and demonstration of how and why capitalism in a free market is the best economic and political system in the world, which enables the private sector to own and create wealth for itself. Though dated (pub. 2009), nothing has changed!
The message in this book is for Christians to see how God has His hand in this economic system, and that they should naturally reject the world's ignorant view that capitalism is greedy, encourages theft, and that Christians can't be capitalists. Unfortunately, many Christians have adopted this worldview and falsely think the world can offer a better method of wealth creation and the impact on poverty.
Hopefully, Mr. Richards can change some minds...and hearts!!!
The message in this book is for Christians to see how God has His hand in this economic system, and that they should naturally reject the world's ignorant view that capitalism is greedy, encourages theft, and that Christians can't be capitalists. Unfortunately, many Christians have adopted this worldview and falsely think the world can offer a better method of wealth creation and the impact on poverty.
Hopefully, Mr. Richards can change some minds...and hearts!!!
bwitbeck's review against another edition
5.0
While 5 stars may be a little too generous for this book as it is lacking at times in depth and in addressing counter arguments for opponents of capitalism. But what the book does not cover in depth, the chapter do cover a wide breadth of topics and it may be the best resource I’ve read for Christians who want at least the start of an answer to how capitalism interacts with their view of the world.
holtfan's review against another edition
4.0
Really well written, highly recommended. Can't wait to Skype the author this afternoon!
bradley1997's review
5.0
A great book to sow how a Christian worldview is compatible with capitalism
rmarcher's review against another edition
4.0
I found a lot of this book difficult to understand, but that was a "me" problem rather than a problem with the book or the writing. Overall, the facts and arguments are presented very well. This is an important topic to consider from a biblical standpoint, and though Richards uses more historical evidence than scripture itself on the whole (which seems fairly suitable for the topic), he seems fairly well-grounded in scripture and does a good job of addressing the issue.
(Just a note: Richards comes from a "free will" standpoint, which does affect his presentation of a few of the points near the end. This probably isn't an issue for most people but, as someone who believes in total sovereignty, I was a little disappointed.)
(Just a note: Richards comes from a "free will" standpoint, which does affect his presentation of a few of the points near the end. This probably isn't an issue for most people but, as someone who believes in total sovereignty, I was a little disappointed.)
sirminstrel's review
4.0
Quick thoughts having just finished the book - it covers basic economics. If you're looking for something that is going to go into great depth, you'll probably be looking for another book. However, if you're wanting to jump into the topic or want a refresher on the topic - this would fit perfectly.
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