Defending the Free Market, by Robert Sirico

Whenever the Left needs a clergyman to provide a religious defense of leftist ideas, they never have to look far.  Leftist pastors and priests will line up around the block to spout their liberal ideas cloaked in religious garb.  But when seeking a thoughtful, Christian defense of the free market, the list is pretty short, and at the top of that very short list is Rev. Robert Sirico, president of the Acton Institute.

At long last, alumni of Acton's programs, fans of Father Sirico's appearances on talk shows and congressional hearings, and those lucky enough to have heard him speak publicly around the world, have a compendium of many of his personal stories and economic and political ideas in print.  As one who was deeply impacted by Acton's programs as a seminarian, who worked for Acton for four years, and who continues to follow their work closely, I was delighted to read Father Sirico's book, Defending the Free Market: The Moral Case for a Free Economy.

Many of the stories and illustrations in Defending the Free Market were so familiar to me that I could almost hear Father Sirico's voice as I read.  His insights into economic issues are as compelling as ever, even more so given his extensive sourcing and illustrations.  I have heard Father Sirico said he is a polemicist, not a scholar.  That may be true, and the brief chapters herein are not scholarly articles.  But as he covers a variety of important topics, including health care, charity, equality, and capitalism, he provides plenty of fodder for those looking to start a debate or do further scholarly research.

Even more than a reflection of his pointed analysis, Defending the Free Market showcases Father Sirico's giftedness as a communicator.  I challenge even the most hardened socialist to give Father Sirico an honest reading; his mind may not be changed, but at least he will understand and appreciate Father Sirico's reasoning.

Above all, Father Sirico is a pastor.  Economics is, after all, about people.  Economic systems can be measured by the good they do for people.  Economic freedom is not about wealth for its own sake, but we must point to the "undeniable fact that a free economy is the way to prosperity."  Preach on, Father Sirico!  And thanks for finally putting all of these ideas in one terrific volume.