Christian ethics in our economic life

Abstract

There is a dominating point of view that economics as a science, like mathematics, physics or chemistry, deals only with relations of cause and effect, subjected to the strictest of tests, with no attempt to tell what ought to be, or whether things are right or wrong. Its sole concern is to trace effects, with no conclusions about what is desirable or undesirable, with no objectives to commend that which is good, or condemn that which is evil, with no purposes to lay down moral precepts. These objectives, according to many economists, can be answered by reference to philosophical and religious propositions regarding the nature of man and his needs; and determining matters of right and wrong; science in their opinion is concerned only with discovering and stating the truth. We agree that science is concerned with discovering and stating the truth, but what is the truth? Says Thomas Huxley: Science seems to me to teach in the highest and strongest manner the great truth which is embodied in the Christian conception of entire surrender to the will of Sit down before the fact as a little child, be prepared to give up any preconceived notion, follow humbly whoever and whatever end nature leads, or you shall learn nothing ... I have only begun to learn content and peace of mind since I have resolved at all risks to do this. One of the fallacies of the American higher education, according to President Oliver C. Carmichael of the University of Alabama is the worship of facts. Pursuit of the truth is undoubtedly the highest function of the university, but that is not synonymous with scientific research. The real aim of science cannot be different from the total purpose of life. Writes George A. Buttrick in his Faith and Education: Education cannot live under any hermetic seal, but only under the countersign of man's nature and destiny. If God is, education must live under the acknowledgment of God. 109