The title of this important study has been carefully chosen. This book undertakes to equip Christ- ians to evaluate the economic policies of government or of political parties that seek their vote. It is, therefore, not simply about economic activity but about political-economic activity. This work also strives to measure everything according to the norms of Scripture and thus wishes to honour God.
The author, Dr. John Boersema, Professor of Business and Economics at Redeemer University College in Ancaster, Ontario, is well-qualified for the task he has set himself. He draws not only on his scholarship but also his life experience, both in the business world as well as his involvement in the Christian Heritage Party where he worked on economic policy development. The result is an impres- sive study that is balanced, practical and very carefully executed. The author recognizes the enormous complexity of his subject and repeatedly warns against simplistic approaches.
His study also benefits from his desire to build on what has already been achieved by others in this field. For that reason, he spent a year in the Netherlands studying and critically interacting with the economic and financial policies of the Gereformeerd Politiek Verbond (GPV), a small Reformed party which holds two seats in the lower house of the Dutch Parliament. Since this party desires to base all its policies on Scripture, interaction with this party and their writings provided the author with excellent opportunities to probe questions such as: what makes their policies Christian? How do they relate to Scripture? What general Christian principles, if any, have they used to come to their posi- tions?
Much material is covered in this publication, but the meticulous and clear approach of the author makes it accessible to the general reader. Furthermore, given that the purpose of this book is to equip Christians in the political arena, its focus remains practical, even as theoretical issues are discussed in some depth. It is impossible to do justice to this full work in a review for Clarion, but let me go through the chief contents and so hopefully whet the appetite of others to read this study.
Orientation
After an introductory chapter, the author deals with the cultural mandate (Gen 1:' 26, 28; 2:15), "the first job description," and the related concept of stewardship as the biblical starting points for political economic reflection. We must as God's stewards, develop the world to enable man to honour God" (p. 33). In the third chapter, the derivation and use of principles and their relation to Scripture is discussed. The Bible does not always give direct answers to our questions and so principles derived from Scripture must be used and applied. The author realistically notes that "many positions will be taken on practical, prudent grounds" (p. 43) but it is important to know when compelling biblical principles are involved that need to be heeded. The Ten Commandments (and the command to love the neighbour) are important for economic policy, as is also the realization of the pervasive nature of sin. Other essential principles for Christian economic analysis are biblical justice with its demand for equity and fairness, counting the cost, and personal responsibility. The concept of sphere sovereignty was not found to have strong biblical justification.
In chapter four, the goals of economic policy are detailed, the chief being full employment. Other goals include preserving the environment. Mindful of the dangers of materialism, Boersema wishes to speak neither of creating wealth nor of growth in and of itself as goals. Christians must distinguish be- tween legitimate human needs and unlimited wants. "First priority must be given to whatever is necessary for all to carry out their God-given tasks" (p. 86). Price stability as a goal is important to counter the negative effects of inflation and deflation.
Role of government
The next two chapters address the role and responsibility of government. Since God has given us governments to "restrain the licentiousness of men," this gives the government responsibili ties, also in the economy, to provide a legal framework, to protect employees and consumers, and to help the poor. However, the principles of stewardship and personal responsibility should limit the govern- ment's involvement in economic matters.
When it comes to the directing of economic life, Boersema acknowledges that the market place is a means, albeit not a perfect one, to achieve our biblical goals. Christians should favour the market as a starting place for economic decision making, although free enterprise should not be cloaked with biblical sanction. Only if a market solution is consistent with Christian principles (such as the protection of the weak and vulnerable in society) should it be supported. In Boersema's view, a completely unique Christian alternative to capitalism and socialism is utopian. Christians will move between the two with a preference for the market economy with its competition and incentives.
In the chapter on government and ownership, the following points are made. The Bible does not require or forbid either private or public ownership of property. Private ownership where it exists must be protected. It is conducive to the better exercising of personal responsibility and should, therefore, be encouraged. The government should own no more property than is required for it to exercise its task. Privatization should therefore be encouraged although its appropriateness should be evaluated on a case by case basis.
The question of course arises whether structural change is necessary to reflect better the biblical principles of developing the earth so that man can glorify God, of maintaining justice and of providing for the poor and needy. Boersema's study suggests "that we should not be overly optimistic that Christian principles will be better attained by the universal implementation of major change to economic structures" (p. 284).
In Conclusion
A final chapter pulls the main thoughts of the book together. The major conclusion is that because there is no biblically mandated Christian economic system, there are no easy and and quick solutions to the problems we face in integrating faith and practice in economic matters. In a sober concluding comment, Boersema acknowledges that "the Christian approach must needs be an ongoing search for specific solutions to specific problems which best move us towards biblical goals. To expect a completely unique, different Christian alternative is utopian" (p. 302). Acknowledging that we live in a sinful world, Boerserria concludes "All we can do is to simply do our work to the best of our ability as we seek to do political economy to the honour of God" (p. 302).
Six appendices, including one on the cultural mandate debate, as well as a bibliography, conclude this important study. Unfortunately there is no index which would have greatly facilitated the use of this book as a resource. On the other hand, a full table of contents makes it possible to find major discussions on specific topics.
It is to be hoped that this book will be much studied and discussed, especially as we face a federal election within the next year. Complex economic issues, such as inflation and national debt, are meticulously explained brought to the understanding of the average citizen. Invariably there may be differences of opinion on the use of a passage of Scripture here and there, or on economic policy itself, as Boersema himself illustrates where he differs with writings of the GPV with which he in- teracts. But almost always, Boersema's careful explanations are not easy to push aside. His arguments demand and deserve a hearing.
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