The Image of God and the Economics of Exchange

Abstract

An economic system of voluntary exchange is the economic system best suited for human beings created in the image of God. Voluntary exchange allows human beings to more fully develop their ability to think, choose, and engage in peaceful relationships. This paper is a discussion of the theology of the image of God. The substantialist view, the relational view, and the royal view are discussed in relation to the economics of voluntary exchange as opposed to involuntary exchange.