Defending the Free Market

The Moral Case for a Free Economy

By: Rev. Robert Sirico

Narrated by: Mike Chamberlain

The Left has seized on our economic troubles as an excuse to “blame the rich guy” and paint a picture of capitalism and the free market as selfish, greedy, and cruel. Democrats in Congress and Occupy protesters across the country assert that the free market is not only unforgiving, it’s morally corrupt. According to President Obama and his allies, only by allowing the government to heavily control and regulate business and redistribute wealth can we ensure fairness and compassion.

Exactly the opposite is true, says Father Robert Sirico in his thought-provoking book Defending the Free Market: The Moral Case for a Free Economy. Father Sirico argues that a free economy actually promotes charity, selflessness, and kindness. In Defending the Free Market, he shows why free-market capitalism is not only the best way to ensure individual success and national prosperity but also the surest route to a moral and socially just society. Father Sirico shows why we can’t have freedom without a free economy, why the best way to help the poor is to a start a business, why charity works - but welfare doesn’t, and how he himself converted from being a leftist colleague of Jane Fonda and Tom Hayden to recognizing the merits of a free economy.

In this heated presidential election year, the Left will argue that capitalism may produce winners, but it is cruel and unfair. Yet as Sirico proves here, capitalism does not simply provide opportunity for material success - it ensures a more ethical and moral society as well.

Reverend Robert A. Sirico has been active in public-policy affairs for more than 30 years and cofounded the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty in 1990. He regularly lectures both in America and around the world, and his writings have appeared in such publications as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, National Review, and London Financial Times.

©2012 Robert Sirico (P)2012 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Critic reviews

" Defending the Free Market addresses the morality of entrepreneurship from the point of view of a sophisticated economist who is also an inspiring theologian, leading us on a journey to the free and virtuous society, animated by human creativity in the image of the Creator." (George Gilder, New York Times best-selling author of Wealth and Poverty)

"I’ve been doing financial counseling and education for over two decades, and one thing that has always stood out to me is how much money is connected to every part of our lives, from relationships to politics to ministry. Money is never just about money; it’s always just part of the issue. That’s why I appreciate Father Robert Sirico’s ministry. Sure, he talks about money, but he also shows how all of these different aspects of our lives interact with and impact each other." (Dave Ramsey, New York Times best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio show host)

"I’ve been eagerly anticipating such a book from Father Sirico for a long time. The man has delivered magnificently. Defending the Free Market does more than the title suggests. It celebrates the miracle of freedom and points a lost generation back to the free and virtuous society.” (Lawrence Kudlow, anchor of CNBC’s The Kudlow Report)

Excellent

This is a timely book about the importance of capitalism and why it is still relevant. Worth reading or listening to!

well written and timely

This is a perfect example of why evangelicals shouldn't shy away from catholic authors. Not that our theological disagreements are trivial, but what unites us in christendom in how we live and act in communion with our brothers and sisters in humanity, dwarfs our differences.
This isn't a " how to" as much as it is an attempt to reveal what lies at the core of free society.
( for a rhetorical feild guide check out greg gutfeilds how to be right; the art of being persuasively correct)
Freedom is rooted in Christian ideals. History and its great minds attest to this. Though I already love the works of F A Hayek, Ludwig VonMises, and Augustine, its invigorating to hear how they have impacted others and I learn more about existence just by contrasting their emphatic points from my own.
This was poignant and relevant to our current cultural milieu- though most things timeless are.

Educational and informative

Whether you agree or disagree it with the founding principles of this book they are worth considering. There are insights that may give more effective answers to national/global problems than most of what has been tried. I did not agree with 100% but I thought it was an excellent book.

good listen

this book breaks down why a free market is that way to go and so much more I found my self saying through listen to this book

Visionary, demands consideration

A fantastic listen. Sirico not only demonstrates the flawed nature of many of the arguments advocated by socialism and other government interventionist positions, he clearly illustrates through his own transformation and many other varied interesting stories why the free market and capitalism is superior in every way. Of course Sirico argues for a true form of capitalism restricted by moral law, which proves a constant theme throughout. Apparently not content with the traditional arguments of greater prosperity for all Sirico convincingly demonstrates why a true form of capitalism (as opposed to cronyism) is the truly moral form of governance.

Info even a novice understands

Every chapter hit with information that even a beginner in economics can understand. An easy walk through the hows and whys of markets.

Very well put together

Well organized and well written account of reality of economics, morality, and overall well being of people

AWESOME audiobook

This is a must listen An excellent book explaining the difference between Socialism and a free market Economy . The reading is clear and concise. It was well started and expressed masterfully. I have completely enjoyed Defending a Free Market and would encourage every American to invest their time in it.

The Free Market is only way for a free society to prosper

Father Sirico truly understand the freedom we have in the free market economy, all other economies, slaves, the people thank you sir, for your great insights

Couldn’t finish it

I couldn’t get past the “My grandfather came here with two cents in his pocket” bit. I’m understanding this is the American dream success story, but it’s not the story of this century. Quite frankly, a child with candy in his pocket and a YouTube channel can make it big in America. I would’ve liked to have finished, but the tired old rehashed tale of our grandparents parents just had no appeal for me.