Virtues and Exchange: A Biblical Reframing of Adam Smith’s Vision of Marketplace Ethics

Abstract

This paper explores ways in which Christian business educators can integrate Adam Smith’s views on marketplace ethics into a biblical framework. Often Smith’s thoughts on self-interest are highlighted without reference to his insights regarding the role of virtue in commercial life. After outlining two dominant interpretations of Smith, his ideas are integrated with a biblical conception of commercial life as stewardship. The goal of this integration is to aid Christian business faculty in their continued efforts to go beyond career preparation in their courses to include the higher telos of Christ-like character.