First Things Editor R.R. Reno and Acton Institute President Father Robert Sirico Debate Free Markets and the Church

On Tuesday, November 7, The King’s College will sponsor a debate on the topic, “Should the Church rethink the merits of free markets?” The two speakers are R.R. Reno, editor of the prestigious journal First Things, and Father Robert Sirico, co-founder and president of the world-renowned Acton Institute. The debate will be moderated by The King’s College president Gregory Alan Thornbury.

The debate will delve into the vital, and increasingly relevant, question of whether Western Christianity is compatible with classical liberalism, specifically in the area of economics.

Recently the matter has come under scrutiny by notable writers and leaders, including R.R. Reno, who have voiced concern that free markets may not in fact be entirely congruent with a Christian society. Reno seeks to think beyond the modern dichotomy of capitalism v. socialism, and counts himself as a skeptic of the liberal project classically understood.

Father Robert Sirico brings to the discussion the Acton Institute’s decades of research into the relationships between wealth and poverty. From his position as a champion of free market economics, Father Sirico believes that economic liberalism, moored in religious conviction, is consonant with Christian teachings and is crucial to the promotion of true human flourishing.

The debate is the brainchild of The King’s College board member Nathan Bond, co-founder and owner (with his wife Anna) of the Rifle Paper Co. He, along with President Thornbury, hope to bring some focus to this highly relevant question, and look forward eagerly to the debate itself and to the discussion they hope it will prompt among King’s students, faculty, and other attendees.

The debate take place at 6:30 in the evening on November 7, at the Princeton Club. Tickets are required.