Religion, Wealth, and Health: Exploring the Economic Dimensions of Four Major Faiths.

Abstract

Religions shape the economic attitudes of their congregations. Thus, in a country where a particular faith dominates the economic ideas of that faith will significantly influence its economic growth and the health and well-being of its population. Using an extensive bibliographic review, this article analyses the economic impact of four major religions (Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and Buddhism) and studies the channels through which religion exerts its economic influence. Three key economic markers are correlated with religion, and results show significant differences in economic outcomes based on religion. In-depth analysis of the literature suggests that these differences have their roots not only in the specific beliefs of a given religion but also how its institutional structures foster elements essential to economic success such as trust.