One last thing...

'God is good for the economy'. Paola Sapienza on the people's opium.

Marco Visscher | April 2003 issue

Do religious people buy more?

'That was not the exact topic of our research, but people who are brought up to be religious differ in their attitude with respect to the state and market. It has become apparent through our studies that religious people have more trust in the market and competition than non-believers. Churchgoers are more inclined to think that hard work will make your life better. That is a very different view from atheists who think that success is a result of luck.'

Aren't they less enthusiastic about women working?

'That is right. They are less tolerant. But on the other hand Christians have more trust in other people. This creates the conditions for a successful market economy. Big companies cannot function well without trust either. Muslims and Buddhists also have a strong trust in people. Hindus are different. Their caste system is based on differences. Unequal incomes, for example, are self-evident. This vision undermines the economic potential for trust.'

What are the attitudes of religious people towards the government?

'They have more trust in government than non-believers, probably because they are used to hierarchy due to their religious conviction. This means that believers are highly obedient of the law. They are less likely to cheat the tax authorities, and will dutifully pay for a bus ticket.'

If religion is so good for the economy, should the government not stimulate it?

'I would not go that far. Religion is favourable with respect to the market and more positive results for the economy, but our research is not meant to be a recommendation.'

Which religion is the best for the economy?

'That is difficult to say. Muslims distrust the market and competition, but have a lot of trust in each other. That is also worth something, is not it? Christians, in any case, go the farthest in their ideas about the success of the market and competition.'

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