The Gazette’s Sept. 12 edition contains yet another article on the shortcomings or evil of “capitalism” (“Christianity and capitalism in conflict” by guest columnist Jon Huer) with no insight or recommendation how to get from here (per Mr. Huer, the “Garden of Evil”) to there (the “Garden of Eden”). Mr. Huer also makes a number of statements purporting to describe the evils of capitalism, some of which, in my opinion, are wildly off the mark. For those who would prefer more thoughtful writing on the intersection of religion and economics, including capitalism, I recommend “Are Economists Basically Immoral?” by Paul Heyne. Mr. Heyne obtained two divinity degrees before switching to economics and this book is a collection of Mr. Heyne’s essays and lectures. This is from his chapter The Concept of Economic Justice in Religious Discussion (pg 162): “Those who believe that production for profit is morally inferior to production for use have apparently never thought through the consequences of what they’re recommending. They are ignoring the incredible complexity of the system of social cooperation by means of which we are fed, clothed, housed, warmed, healed, transported, comforted, entertained, challenged, inspired, educated, and generally served.
Daniel Lyons
Florence