Rob Tatum is passionate about the role economics can play in the liberal arts, as well as the complementarity between teaching and research in the liberal-arts environment. His traditional teaching and research concerns international and development macroeconomics. In recent years, he has begun exploring a new area of scholarship crossing the disciplinary boundaries of economics and theology.
This paper critiques neoclassical economic growth firstly through the lens of John Maynard Keynes... more This paper critiques neoclassical economic growth firstly through the lens of John Maynard Keynes and John Stuart Mill and secondly through the theology of Oliver O'Donovan. Each indicate a role for 'looking forward' to a kind of eschaton, though with different perspectives on limits, and O'Donovan adds a dimension of 'looking back' at our stewardship responsibilities. In this manner, a theological critique of economic growth has the property that Watkin (2022) outlines of a richer multidimensionality.
On the choir director’s stand, in the church of economists and policymakers, like a singly worn p... more On the choir director’s stand, in the church of economists and policymakers, like a singly worn page of “Amazing Grace” in an otherwise untouched hymnal, is the anthem of economic growth. This song once had great life, but the tempo of GDP growth has slowed. Due in part to the slowing tempo, economic growth alone is insufficient for solving the myriad of ills present in contemporary society. Fortunately, the anthem of economic growth is just one page in the hymnal yet to be fully explored. Other pages from the hymnal can find their roots in a wider set of higher-order principles for the economy that could be derived from the Bible. These higher-order principles would likely concern work, rest, debt, stewardship, poverty, integrity, and our relationship to others and would support human flourishing if utilized. Consequently, this paper argues for the development and use of biblically-derived higher-order principles as guides for both defining economic goals and exploring ways to achieve them.
Once dominant, theology has not played any significant role in mainstream economics discourse for... more Once dominant, theology has not played any significant role in mainstream economics discourse for more than a century. Yet, the economics discipline has much to gain by devoting more scholarly attention to theology‐informed economics inquiry that is neither the reserve of economists who believe in the divine nor limited to a single religion. Illustrations regarding economic inequality, work, debt, and trade suggest that theological considerations can yield both better positive and normative economic analysis. For the rich and varied questions of economics though, a narrative analogous to the biblical story of the fall of man makes clear that theology cannot be the sole source of economic understanding, but that theological insights can complement our understanding of economics through other means.
For the interdisciplinary field of theological economics to grow and flourish, four questions mus... more For the interdisciplinary field of theological economics to grow and flourish, four questions must be answered. First, whose theology and scholarship are relevant? Second, to what ends may theological economics be undertaken? Third, does theology support its own use and application in economics? Fourth, what code of conduct should theological economics scholars follow? These questions arise precisely because theology may place its own bounds on how it can be utilized in economics. However, each religion's theology or theologies may answer these questions differently. Accordingly, this paper seeks to answer these questions from a Christian theological perspective.
This paper explores the need for theology-oriented economic policymaking, as well as its possible... more This paper explores the need for theology-oriented economic policymaking, as well as its possible sacred and secular ends. To facilitate this exploration, America's Social Gospel movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries is examined as a historical case of theology-oriented economic policymaking. True to form, its policies were oriented by theology and supported by economic analysis, while seeking to reform the economic system, rather than replace it. Arguably, a driving force in the Social Gospel movement's policy successes was the postmillennial eschatological views held by many of its adherents. As postmillennialism is not widely shared and unlikely to sustain a movement, this paper considers eschatological concepts of proleptic anticipation and memento mori to exemplify ways in which theology can presently inform and sustain economic policymaking toward worthwhile ends.
Farmers on the economic frontier often do not have clear titles to their land. Therefore, using a... more Farmers on the economic frontier often do not have clear titles to their land. Therefore, using an infinite-horizon representative agent model calibrated with data for the Brazilian Amazon, this paper analyzes how improved property rights influence the frontier farmer's investment in the land, as well as the farmer's consumption and debt. Three channels through which property rights affect these variables are identified in the analysis. Two involve the expenditure the farmer incurs to defend the land claim, and the third involves the interest rate premium the farmer faces when borrowing without a clear title to the land. Variants of the model allow for labor to defend the land claim and for endogenous property rights. The findings suggest a need and direction for further, empirical research, particularly with regard to informal institutional arrangements, measures of property rights and the means by which they are defended.
Journal of International Trade and Economic Development, Feb 18, 2010
This paper examines the impact of capital import liberalization on the balance of payments when p... more This paper examines the impact of capital import liberalization on the balance of payments when protection takes the form of a quota and when it takes the form of a tariff. Since tariff liberalization affects tax revenues, the analysis of tariff liberalization allows for a fiscal imbalance and a mechanism by which the fiscal imbalance is covered, namely an inflation tax. The analysis shows that the economy experiences a series of balance of payments deficits following trade liberalization, but an open capital account reduces the magnitude of these deficits.
Previous research has examined a number of factors affecting student learning and academic perfor... more Previous research has examined a number of factors affecting student learning and academic performance, including attendance, prior GPA, and college entrance exam scores. This study seeks to expand the literature utilizing a data set for introductory macroeconomics classes at a public liberal arts college. The study introduces an important new variable to determine the role of class scheduling on student performance: the distribution of class time per week. Linear regression models yield anticipated directional results, with six of nine selected variables yielding statistically significant results and 57.3% of the variation in exam scores explained by the selected variables.
The Journal of International Trade & Economic Development, 2005
Imperfectly credible trade liberalization can lead to balance of payment deterioration and a subs... more Imperfectly credible trade liberalization can lead to balance of payment deterioration and a subsequent reversal of the reform. Therefore, this paper examines whether the likelihood of policy reversal depends on the rate of tariff reduction or the degree of labour mobility. The analysis shows that transitory unemployment increases the likelihood of policy reversal. Furthermore, a gradual reduction in the tariff rate is found to extend the life of the liberalization episode, but does not necessarily increase the likelihood of sustained liberalization.
Economists have long contended that globalization generates massive gains in efficiency, output, ... more Economists have long contended that globalization generates massive gains in efficiency, output, choice, and agency around those choices. Yet, for a broad swath of the public, the economic case for globalization may not be viewed as decisive as it once was. Forces favoring populism and nationalism are on the rise. An ally for economics in providing foundational support for globalization can nonetheless be found in theology. The theological case for globalization is grounded in our shared humanity and complements the economic case. However, theology also provides a basis for the reform of economic globalization that may be at odds with contemporary economic and political practices. Accordingly, this paper explores how theology not only gives foundational support for economic globalization, but also serves as a basis for its reform.
An economics course is developed that utilizes writings from major thinkers across the ages to ex... more An economics course is developed that utilizes writings from major thinkers across the ages to explore the question: Can the good life be lived in both moral and material terms? The ques on-driven course brings economics, philosophy, religion, and classics into dialogue on matters of contemporary importance. This paper illustrates how such a course can help students broaden their literacy, develop a wider skill set, as well as navigate moral questions and interdisciplinary issues. It also illustrates how such a course can better serve diverse students and provide a diversity of thoughts, worldviews, and epistemologies.
This paper critiques neoclassical economic growth firstly through the lens of John Maynard Keynes... more This paper critiques neoclassical economic growth firstly through the lens of John Maynard Keynes and John Stuart Mill and secondly through the theology of Oliver O'Donovan. Each indicate a role for 'looking forward' to a kind of eschaton, though with different perspectives on limits, and O'Donovan adds a dimension of 'looking back' at our stewardship responsibilities. In this manner, a theological critique of economic growth has the property that Watkin (2022) outlines of a richer multidimensionality.
On the choir director’s stand, in the church of economists and policymakers, like a singly worn p... more On the choir director’s stand, in the church of economists and policymakers, like a singly worn page of “Amazing Grace” in an otherwise untouched hymnal, is the anthem of economic growth. This song once had great life, but the tempo of GDP growth has slowed. Due in part to the slowing tempo, economic growth alone is insufficient for solving the myriad of ills present in contemporary society. Fortunately, the anthem of economic growth is just one page in the hymnal yet to be fully explored. Other pages from the hymnal can find their roots in a wider set of higher-order principles for the economy that could be derived from the Bible. These higher-order principles would likely concern work, rest, debt, stewardship, poverty, integrity, and our relationship to others and would support human flourishing if utilized. Consequently, this paper argues for the development and use of biblically-derived higher-order principles as guides for both defining economic goals and exploring ways to achieve them.
Once dominant, theology has not played any significant role in mainstream economics discourse for... more Once dominant, theology has not played any significant role in mainstream economics discourse for more than a century. Yet, the economics discipline has much to gain by devoting more scholarly attention to theology‐informed economics inquiry that is neither the reserve of economists who believe in the divine nor limited to a single religion. Illustrations regarding economic inequality, work, debt, and trade suggest that theological considerations can yield both better positive and normative economic analysis. For the rich and varied questions of economics though, a narrative analogous to the biblical story of the fall of man makes clear that theology cannot be the sole source of economic understanding, but that theological insights can complement our understanding of economics through other means.
For the interdisciplinary field of theological economics to grow and flourish, four questions mus... more For the interdisciplinary field of theological economics to grow and flourish, four questions must be answered. First, whose theology and scholarship are relevant? Second, to what ends may theological economics be undertaken? Third, does theology support its own use and application in economics? Fourth, what code of conduct should theological economics scholars follow? These questions arise precisely because theology may place its own bounds on how it can be utilized in economics. However, each religion's theology or theologies may answer these questions differently. Accordingly, this paper seeks to answer these questions from a Christian theological perspective.
This paper explores the need for theology-oriented economic policymaking, as well as its possible... more This paper explores the need for theology-oriented economic policymaking, as well as its possible sacred and secular ends. To facilitate this exploration, America's Social Gospel movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries is examined as a historical case of theology-oriented economic policymaking. True to form, its policies were oriented by theology and supported by economic analysis, while seeking to reform the economic system, rather than replace it. Arguably, a driving force in the Social Gospel movement's policy successes was the postmillennial eschatological views held by many of its adherents. As postmillennialism is not widely shared and unlikely to sustain a movement, this paper considers eschatological concepts of proleptic anticipation and memento mori to exemplify ways in which theology can presently inform and sustain economic policymaking toward worthwhile ends.
Farmers on the economic frontier often do not have clear titles to their land. Therefore, using a... more Farmers on the economic frontier often do not have clear titles to their land. Therefore, using an infinite-horizon representative agent model calibrated with data for the Brazilian Amazon, this paper analyzes how improved property rights influence the frontier farmer's investment in the land, as well as the farmer's consumption and debt. Three channels through which property rights affect these variables are identified in the analysis. Two involve the expenditure the farmer incurs to defend the land claim, and the third involves the interest rate premium the farmer faces when borrowing without a clear title to the land. Variants of the model allow for labor to defend the land claim and for endogenous property rights. The findings suggest a need and direction for further, empirical research, particularly with regard to informal institutional arrangements, measures of property rights and the means by which they are defended.
Journal of International Trade and Economic Development, Feb 18, 2010
This paper examines the impact of capital import liberalization on the balance of payments when p... more This paper examines the impact of capital import liberalization on the balance of payments when protection takes the form of a quota and when it takes the form of a tariff. Since tariff liberalization affects tax revenues, the analysis of tariff liberalization allows for a fiscal imbalance and a mechanism by which the fiscal imbalance is covered, namely an inflation tax. The analysis shows that the economy experiences a series of balance of payments deficits following trade liberalization, but an open capital account reduces the magnitude of these deficits.
Previous research has examined a number of factors affecting student learning and academic perfor... more Previous research has examined a number of factors affecting student learning and academic performance, including attendance, prior GPA, and college entrance exam scores. This study seeks to expand the literature utilizing a data set for introductory macroeconomics classes at a public liberal arts college. The study introduces an important new variable to determine the role of class scheduling on student performance: the distribution of class time per week. Linear regression models yield anticipated directional results, with six of nine selected variables yielding statistically significant results and 57.3% of the variation in exam scores explained by the selected variables.
The Journal of International Trade & Economic Development, 2005
Imperfectly credible trade liberalization can lead to balance of payment deterioration and a subs... more Imperfectly credible trade liberalization can lead to balance of payment deterioration and a subsequent reversal of the reform. Therefore, this paper examines whether the likelihood of policy reversal depends on the rate of tariff reduction or the degree of labour mobility. The analysis shows that transitory unemployment increases the likelihood of policy reversal. Furthermore, a gradual reduction in the tariff rate is found to extend the life of the liberalization episode, but does not necessarily increase the likelihood of sustained liberalization.
Economists have long contended that globalization generates massive gains in efficiency, output, ... more Economists have long contended that globalization generates massive gains in efficiency, output, choice, and agency around those choices. Yet, for a broad swath of the public, the economic case for globalization may not be viewed as decisive as it once was. Forces favoring populism and nationalism are on the rise. An ally for economics in providing foundational support for globalization can nonetheless be found in theology. The theological case for globalization is grounded in our shared humanity and complements the economic case. However, theology also provides a basis for the reform of economic globalization that may be at odds with contemporary economic and political practices. Accordingly, this paper explores how theology not only gives foundational support for economic globalization, but also serves as a basis for its reform.
An economics course is developed that utilizes writings from major thinkers across the ages to ex... more An economics course is developed that utilizes writings from major thinkers across the ages to explore the question: Can the good life be lived in both moral and material terms? The ques on-driven course brings economics, philosophy, religion, and classics into dialogue on matters of contemporary importance. This paper illustrates how such a course can help students broaden their literacy, develop a wider skill set, as well as navigate moral questions and interdisciplinary issues. It also illustrates how such a course can better serve diverse students and provide a diversity of thoughts, worldviews, and epistemologies.
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