When the infamous felon Willie Sutton was asked why he robbed banks, he allegedly told the reporter, “Because that is where the money is.” Sutton died in 1980, but if he were still alive he might make a similar quip about modern ATM machines. The FBI reports that more money is stolen today through data
While I am grateful for the helpful contribution of Aryeh Spero’s editorial in the Wall Street Journal (“What the Bible Teaches about Capitalism”), it actually highlights the difficulty of the task of developing a Biblical theology of economics. For example, Spero provides several quotes from the Bible (which is the only valid foundation for any
The goal of Above All Earthly Powers is to explore the intersection of theology and economics, a task that we call viewing “economics in light of the Gospel.” For this reason it was encouraging to read an editorial in the Wall Street Journal this week entitled “What the Bible Teaches about Capitalism.” Before delving into
Racial segregation in US metropolitan areas has reached its lowest levels in in the last 100 years according to a report released by the Manhattan Institute. In other words, American cities are now more racially integrated than they have been since 1910. This is good news. “Gentrification,” or the economic renewal of inner-city housing, has
I have a mixed relationship with McDonald’s. I know from the nutrition information that the meals that I find the tastiest at its franchises are also the highest in fat and lowest in nutrition for me. Nevertheless, the Golden Arches are so convenient, so quick, and generally so clean and efficient that it is hard
“The middle class has shrunk,” said President Obama on the campaign trail last month, and I agree. In fact, I was delighted to read confirmation that the middle class is shrinking today in an editorial by Henry Nau. While a majority of Americans likely disapprove of my position, I wish more people actually understood the
Apple Inc. reported record quarterly earnings for the end of 2011 in what was one of the most profitable quarters for any corporation ever in the history of mankind. In three months Apple created more than $13 billion of wealth, more than double the profits compared to the prior year. This was more than the
Cascades Tissue Group has announced great news for the environment. This innovative firm now uses 100% recycled fibers to produce white paper without using pure elemental chlorine (which traditionally has been objectionable to environmentalists). This means that consumers can now use writing paper paper, napkins, toilet tissue, and diapers without sacrificing trees or releasing chemicals
Japan imported more than it exported in 2011 and in a dramatic turnaround recorded its first annual trade deficit since 1980. This looks like the end of an era of for one of the world’s greatest export engines, since the trade deficit is expected to continue in 2012. Demographically low birth rates mean the people
Why should you invest eight minutes of your life to hear an eye-witness account of the economy-deadening effects of communism or its devastating impact on the human spirit? Because fewer and fewer people in the United States have first-hand experience with communism. For instance, students graduating from college this year were not even born during the cold war.