The Impact of Doctrines of Salvation and Damnation on Economic Behavior and Social Welfare in Christian and Non-Christian Societies

Salome Gabriel

MPRA Paper from University Library of Munich, Germany

Abstract: The research focuses on the impact of selected world religions on economic life, specifically examining beliefs, concepts, and attitudes toward work ethic, temperance, and honesty. While recognizing that different motivations may be at play, the study argues that no single religion yields greater economic development benefits than others. Additionally, historical experience suggests that world religions, by their longevity, may contribute to economic outcomes, such as charitable practices, which can be linked to economic success. For instance, the Protestant work ethic emphasizes frugality, hard work, and wealth accumulation, which contrasts with universal charity. Building on Tawney's insights, this study examines the paradox within religious values — a paradox that Wesley addressed in his success with his Methodist parishioners, who earned middle-class respectability. The paper explores how individuals struggle to reconcile their behavior with salvation benefits, investigating how religious beliefs influence communal actions and economic behavior. Moreover, the study aims to bridge theoretical explanation and practical application by examining the association between religious motivations—rooted in salvific merit or demerit—and pragmatic outcomes. Ultimately, the research seeks to deepen understanding of how salvific theology shapes economic behavior across faith traditions and provides a unique perspective on the socio-economic effects of faith-based motivations.

Keywords: Salvation; religion; economic; work (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Z12 Z13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024-10-15
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-his
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