"Aquinas and the Market is a pleasant surprise, because it takes both economics and theology very seriously. There are probably not many scholars who have doctorates in economics (Harvard) and theology (Notre Dame) and even fewer who can write an academic book that is almost entirely free of academic jargon. It is readable without versimplifying the subject matter. Sensible and profound at the same time, Mary Hirschfeld’s work may be in a class of its own. [...] If there is one shortcoming of this work, it is a neglect of the mediating ground between theology and economics, i.e. politics. [...] Hirschfeld the economist is aware of the costs as well as the benefits of modernity. Her theological training has given her the language and concepts to address these concerns. A convert’s faith makes her realistic about what may be possible here on earth and what is not. It is very rare to see such common sense and deep learning in one place."

"In brief, my opinion is that any scholar interested in topics at the intersection of religion and economics should have this book on their shelves. I recommend it wholeheartedly. In my review, I will first summarize her key arguments, and then go into one specific area where I think her claims can be challenged. [...] To recap: the problem with orthodox economics is it often fools its practitioners into making unexamined value judgments. Hirschfeld contends that this is due to economists taking the economic way of thinking too seriously. But perhaps the problem is that economists do not take the economic way of thinking seriously enough! [...] Hirschfeld’s volume is an excellent contribution to this literature, and one that was much needed. If economists and theologians come to understand each other better because of her work, the book will have performed a great service. Of course we should not overlook the more obvious benefit of the volume: it says much that is true."