No Free Lunch: Economics for a Fallen World: Third Edition, Revised

No Free Lunch: preface and acknowledgments x many hyperlinks for the readers’ use, falling in two categories. The first links are for reference, and will be seen in a stand-out color that is “clickable.” If you want further information, or a source to document a statement made in the text (especially scriptural support), clicking through to the underlying link may be helpful. The second category are links that the reader should watch/read to capture the intent of the text; these will be indicated by explicit direction to read or watch something, with the videos given a direct click from a picture (similar to what you’d see in an embedded YouTube video). While all links are subject to change, they will be updated frequently. A few words on the format: Every chapter will have an introductory Scripture section with appropriate discussion to relate it to the economic material of the chapter. This will be followed by a list of desired learning objectives; these should help guide the reader to ensure he/she is capturing the important points. Each chapter will end with a “Great Economist” history to help students understand more about the people who have created the economic science we have today. Finally, there will be summary questions for the reader to try and apply the information included in the text. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS It is not too cliché to thank Jesus Christ for all He gives; for every good and perfect gift is from above. He has given me a passion for economic and biblical truth, which I have tried to communicate in this book. My wife i s exceptionally supportive, and has sacrificed many hours of my partnership while I have worked on this text. My aspiring photographer Megan took time to take pictures for figures in the text, and all my children had to listen to much economics during too many meals to mention. Cedarville University (CU) provides an intellectual climate which highly values biblical integration; few schools would have welcomed the creation of such a text (although you can’t blame CU for the result!). Dr. Bert Wheeler painstakingly reviewed the entire text and Dr. Galen Smith “beta tested” it with students to provide feedback on its usefulness. Dr. Aaron James reviewed the text from a theological perspective; any remaining issues are undoubtedly my refusal to take all of his sound counsel. Five students in particular are to be thanked, as they suffered with not only the text but me for one semester in the initial trial: John Bennett, Lani Lear, Michael Lee, Michael Williams, and Zak Weston. They provided especially useful comments. CU’s Center for Teaching and Learning, led by Phil Schanely, has been a creative support for the book. Special thanks go to Rachael Carrington (editor), April Bennett (prototype design), Rachel Molstre (assistant graphic designer), and Melissa Johnson (assistant graphic designer). Finally, thanks are given to The Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) who provided a mini-grant to fund some of the technical implementation of the book.