Economists who measure and comment on growth generally ignore the political and social forces that have a heavy bearing on the economy.
A century ago Max Weber, a founder of sociology observed that the ldblquote Protestant work ethic
dblquote was what made northern Europe and America rich.
rn
rnThe Protestant work ethic emphasized thrift and willingness to work hard.rnDebate on the Protestant work ethic is firm ground for any sociologist but thin ice for an economist.rn
rnBut like most social and political factors the influence of religious belief and observance is thought to have an important bearing on economic growth.rn
rnReligion, a personal choice in many countries, helps promote positive values like honesty that generates trust and openness to strangers, which could lead to openness to trade and immigration.rn
rnHowever economists have fought shy of researching the ldblquote casual relationship dblquote between the belief in God and economic growth.rn
rnA thorough study