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Religious Organizations

Author

Listed:
  • Gilat Levy

    (LSE)

  • Ronny Razin

    (LSE)

Abstract

We propose a model of religious organizations which relies on the ability of such organi-zations and personal utility shocks. We show how religious organizations arise endogenously and characterize their features. Specifically, we find that members of the religious organization share similar beliefs and are more likely to cooperate with one another in social interactions. We identify a "spiritual" as well as a "material" payoff for members of the religious organization. Our results explain and shed light on empirical phenomena such as the effects of secularization and economic development on religious beliefs and participation, the relation between the size of the religion and the intensity of its members’ beliefs, religious segregation and religious conflicts.

Suggested Citation

  • Gilat Levy & Ronny Razin, 2010. "Religious Organizations," Working Papers 2010.53, Fondazione Eni Enrico Mattei.
    • Handle: RePEc:fem:femwpa:2010.53
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Economics of Religion; Religion; Organizations; Beliefs;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L30 - Industrial Organization - - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise - - - General
    • D71 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Social Choice; Clubs; Committees; Associations

    NEP fields

    This paper has been announced in the following NEP Reports:

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