ABSTRACT
The economy – and economics – together undoubtedly constitute one of the most dominant forces in contemporary society. When one seeks a paradigmatic or exemplary economist to engage with through the lens of Emil Brunner's theological anthropology, the late economist Gary S. Becker, with his economic approach to human behaviour is an evident choice. This chapter presents this encounter using the evolving concept of “human capital” as an anthropological link between the two authors. It discusses the anthropological implications of the “human capital” paradigm in (neoclassical) economics with the ambition to improving the understanding of the role of human beings in economic growth and progress. While fundamental differences arise, there is a surprising amount of agreement between theological anthropology and economics, in particular with regard to the importance of an economy that delivers and works.
