Religion & Liberty Online Archives

Christians Need to Know

June 03, 2019

What Christians should know about recessions

Note: This is the latest entry in the Acton blog series, “What Christians Should Know About Economics.” For other entries in the series see this post. What it means: The economy shifts from periods of increasing economic activity, known as economic expansions, to periods of decreasing economic activity, known as recessions. Continue Reading...
March 15, 2018

What Christians should know about tariffs and balance of trade

Note: This is the latest entry in the Acton blog series, “What Christians Should Know About Economics.” For other entries in the series see this post. The purpose of the series is not to present a theology of economics, but simply to provide a basic level of understanding that will help Christians think more clearly about how to apply their faith commitments to economics and public policy. Continue Reading...
February 06, 2018

What Christians should know about the Dow

Note: Almost four years ago, the Dow inspired me to start a series of posts explaining economic terms and concepts from a Christian perspective. It’s fitting then that the Dow is also motivation to relaunch this long dormant feature (over the past two days the Dow has suffered the worst point decline in history).  Continue Reading...
June 21, 2017

What Christians should know about ‘the economy’

Note: This is the latest entry in the Acton blog series, “What Christians Should Know About Economics.” For other entries in the series see this post. The Term: ‘The Economy’ (aka Gross National Product) What it Means: When people refer to “the economy” they are usually referring to a particular idea—Gross Domestic Product (GDP)—which is itself simply an economic metric. Continue Reading...
September 22, 2016

What Christians should know about fractional reserve banking

Note: This is the latest entry in the Acton blog series, “What Christians Should Know About Economics.” For other entries in the series see this post. The Term: Fractional Reserve Banking What it Means: Understanding fractional reserve banking is easier if we separate what it is (which is rather simple to explain) and the effects the system produces (which is slightly more complicated). Continue Reading...
August 04, 2016

What Christians should know about the time value of money

Note: This is the latest entry in the Acton blog series, “What Christians Should Know About Economics.” For other entries in the series see this post. The Term: Time Value of Money What It Means: The time value of money (TVM) is the concept that because of potential earning capacity, money available at the present time is worth more than the same amount at a future time. Continue Reading...