Does Adam Smith’s economic framework rely on an underlying theological structure that has been overlooked by secular interpretations? Paul Oslington, a scholar specializing in the intersection of economics and theology, examines the intellectual history of Smith’s work to argue that his moral and economic systems are inseparable from his theological commitments. By analyzing primary texts and historical context, the author challenges the traditional view of Smith as a purely secular Enlightenment thinker.

Scholars in the field of economic history recognize this work as a significant contribution to the ongoing debate regarding the religious foundations of classical economics. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which requires a foundational understanding of both economic theory and theological discourse.