Art Carden, the Margaret Gage Bush Distinguished Professor of Economics at Samford University’s Brock School of Business, has released his latest book, Mere Economics, co-written with Caleb Fuller, associate professor of economics at Winklevoss School of Business at Grove City College. Drawing inspiration from C.S. Lewis’ Mere Christianity, the book explores how Christian principles intersect with economic thought. Carden, who has also authored Leave Me Alone and I’ll Make You Rich: How the Bourgeois Deal Enriched the World and Strangers with Candy: Observations from the Ordinary Business of Life, brings his signature clarity and insight to this new work, making economics accessible and thought-provoking for readers of all backgrounds.
What inspired you and Caleb Fuller to write Mere Economics, and what do you hope readers take away from it?
I was inspired by my faith and passion for the economic mindset. The idea for Mere Economics originated during a webinar I was hosting when I mentioned that I wanted to write a book with that title one day. One of the attendees, Caleb Fuller, now my co-author, emailed me afterward, saying he also wanted to write a book called Mere Economics. We decided to collaborate, and this book is the result.
How do you believe Christian principles can influence the way we think about and participate in the economy?
When we recognize that we and everyone around us bear God’s image, economic progress takes on a new urgency. The gospel also provides a deeper “why” for the work we do and the lives we lead. Rather than working just to acquire material possessions, we can see ourselves as co-creators with God, restoring order to a fallen world, producing the abundance He promises, and experiencing aspects of His character, even in something as simple as the food we enjoy.
What are some common misconceptions about economics that you hope to address in your book?
- “Economics is all about money.” It’s not. Economics is about choices and how people make decisions.
- “Economics encourages greed.” Not at all. Economics helps us think clearly and consistently about social problems.
How can the average Christian apply the concepts of stewardship and responsibility in their financial decisions?
- Make more: Seek ways to be more productive and create value.
- Take less: Practice moderation, save diligently, and consume responsibly.
- Think wisely: Don’t rely solely on good intentions. As a friend once said, “If your best argument is that your heart is in the right place, then your heart may not be in the right place.”
For readers who may feel intimidated by economics, how does Mere Economics make the subject more accessible and relatable?
Economics has been called “the painful elaboration of the obvious” — with an emphasis on “painful.” In Mere Economics, we aim to combine the foundational insights from an introductory economics course with the principles of Christianity, much like C.S. Lewis did in Mere Christianity. Throughout the book, we use relatable examples and end each chapter with actionable steps to help readers answer the question: “How should we live?” given these principles we have covered.
Mere Economics will be available to order April 1, 2025.