Review: Economics for Everybody

I think that since my second child was born 11 years ago - when all of our stocks began to plummet - everyone has been talking about the Economy.  It is the topic of dinner parties, small group get-togethers, and elections.  What went wrong?  Who can make it better?  Is God punishing us for wrong-doing, or is it simply out of our control?  Some preach a health-and-wealth gospel - the more you serve God, the more independently wealthy you will become (of course, this is not backed up by many real-life examples among missionaries or ministers).  Others believe servants of God must be minimalists, to avoid being tempted to serve money rather than God.

Does your high-schooler understand economics?  Do you?

I must admit that economics is not a field in which I have a strong understanding.  I know that on a personal level, we need to tithe, then save, then spend, and that we need to be responsible and to live within our means.  Economics on a national or global level, however, has been confusing to me.  Are we on our way to another Depression, or do we just need a little recession every couple of decades to balance out the inflation?

I was excited, then, to review Economics for Everybody, by R.C. Sproul, Jr., from Compass Cinema.  This series of 12 lectures on DVD or digital download explains the field of economics in terms I can understand and from a Christian Worldview.  Mr. Sproul explains that while we are not always directly rewarded or punished financially by God, it is true that a society that follows God's economic principles will, in general, prosper.  In short, God gave us principles that work, and the reason our nation has been prosperous to this point is because our forefathers followed these principles.  These principles include ideas about ownership, stewardship, and the government's role in economic policy.

In addition to watching the lectures, we also downloaded the accompanying study guide.  It is basically a comprehensive outline of the lectures, with discussion questions at the end of each one.  My 9th-grade son has completed several of the lectures, taken notes, and completed the discussion questions.  Compass Cinema recommends that if you wish to use this course for a high school credit, that you supplement it with Basic Economics, Third Edition, written by Christian economist Paul Cleveland and Clarence Carson.  After completing just a few lessons in the curriculum, I am planning to obtain that book and use this entire curriculum for a high school credit.  I believe that not enough of our students have an opportunity to take classes like this and get a firm grasp on the subject of economics.  And if they do not understand them, they will be at the mercies of others who do when they become adults.

Here is a clip from the series:

I highly recommend Economics for Everybody for any middle schooler, high schooler, or adult who desires a greater understanding of the field of economics.  The economy has such a great impact on our day-to-day lives, we owe it to ourselves to take a little bit of time to understand the principles better. Here's what you need to know: The Product:  Economics for Everybody from Compass Cinema Ages:  Middle School, High School, Adult Price:  Special Presale Offer of $29 for the DVD or the download ENDS TODAY, AUGUST 16!  After that, it will return to the regular price of $45.          Study Guide included, extra copies for additional students available for $7 in the presale ($9 regular price). Hurry and order your Economics for Everybody curriculum before these prices end! Disclaimer:  I received a free copy of the Economics for Everybody downloadable lectures and study guide in exchange for a fair review.  No other compensation was given, and all opinions are my own.