Publisher's Synopsis
This multi-reference work on Economics, Religion and Public Policy presents a thorough exploration of the profound connections between religion, economics, and governance, spanning both historical and modern contexts. The volumes examine religion's enduring influence on human development, public policy, and societal structures, offering interdisciplinary insights into its role in shaping individual and collective behaviors.Together, these volumes bridge disciplines such as sociology, philosophy, history, and economics, providing a compelling narrative of religion's resilience and its multifaceted impact on human life and society. Volume 1 explores how religion, as a blend of belief and practice, intersects with economics, culture, and public life. The book examines themes such as subjective well-being, flourishing, social norms, and the economic influence of religious entities. With diverse case studies, it highlights religion's enduring role in shaping individual choices and societal outcomes, even in a secular age.Volume 2 examines the deep connection between religion, governance, and societal dynamics. Through interdisciplinary analysis, it explores topics such as monotheism, theocracies, religious revivalism, and their effects on political and economic behavior. The book sheds light on how religion evolved alongside human cognition and culture, influencing cooperation, governance, and social stability across history and modern contexts.Volume 3 expands on earlier themes by exploring conflict, tensions between religions, and interactions between religion and nature. It incorporates global perspectives, particularly from non-Western traditions, and investigates how religion adapts to modern challenges such as capitalism, climate change, and generational shifts.