Christianity as an economic good?

 Chris Giles, the FT’s Economics Editor writes “Laurence Iannaccone of George Mason University, author of a comprehensive survey of the economics of religion, has his tongue nowhere near his cheek as he cites the premise that “individuals allocate their time and goods among religious and secular commodities so as to maximise lifetime and afterlife utility.”

Upon reading this I couldn’t help but feel that sometimes, whilst the ex poste data may justify both the study and applicability of economics to the practise fo religion – in some areas there should also be boundaries. Giles goes on to qualify his musings in a well rounded and thoughtful article, it is simply that for most (even economists!) the cost benefit effect of church attendance is far from their minds when contemplating both our Maker and our role in the World.He makes a very interesting point, saying that in societies where the fear of Hell is strong, economic performance is higher (fear of Hell encouraging more trust and less cheating – adding to productivity of energy expended!). Again, however, one may be best directed to study both religious and literary texts for more divine insight – I recommend James Joyce’s “Portrait of the artist as a young man” for filling the reader’s soul with the fear of eternal damnation….I only recently discovered a blood link to the Jesuits – now there’s something to think about…..