Paul Seabright, a Professor of Economics at the University of Toulouse, discusses the surprising similarities between religions and businesses. He reveals how religious organizations accumulate wealth and power through competitive strategies, comparing their community functions to modern platforms. The conversation dives into the financial dynamics of tithing versus taxation and the political influence of religious movements, including the rise of Christian nationalism. Seabright also explores the dual role of faith in fostering community and personal growth while addressing deep-rooted issues in institutional structures.
01:36:02
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
Religion as a Platform
Religions are platforms connecting people through shared interactions with invisible spirits.
These platforms facilitate various activities, from individual meditation to large-scale events.
insights INSIGHT
Tithing and Choice
Religious tithing, like taxes, involves individual choice within a larger system.
People make calculated decisions about their contributions, balancing personal needs with community obligations.
insights INSIGHT
Cooperation and Transparency
Game theory experiments show people cooperate when they believe others are also contributing fairly.
Transparency and accountability encourage prosocial behavior, even among those inclined to cheat.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Published in 1776, 'The Wealth of Nations' is Adam Smith's magnum opus that laid the groundwork for modern economics. The book critiques mercantilist economic theories and introduces the concept of the 'invisible hand,' which describes how individual self-interest leads to societal benefit. It emphasizes the division of labor, the accumulation of capital, and the importance of free markets. Smith argues that a nation's wealth is not measured by its gold and silver reserves but by the stream of goods and services it produces. The book also outlines the core functions of government, such as maintaining defense, enforcing civil law, and promoting education, while advocating for limited government intervention in market activities.
Power Worshippers
Inside the Evangelical Right's War on Democracy
Katherine Stewart
Catherine Stewart's "Power Worshippers" examines the rise of Christian nationalism in the United States, focusing on the influence of evangelical Christians within the political sphere. The book explores the beliefs and motivations of these individuals and groups, and how their worldview shapes their political actions. Stewart analyzes the strategies and tactics employed to advance their agenda, highlighting the interplay between religious faith and political power. The book offers a critical perspective on the implications of Christian nationalism for American democracy. "Power Worshippers" provides valuable insights into a significant and growing force in American politics.
Christianity's American Fate
How Religion Became More Conservative, Society More Secular
David A. Hollinger
Truth: What It Is, How to Find It, Why It Matters
Michael Shermer
Jews, Judaism, and Success
Robert Eisen
In *Jews, Judaism, and Success*, Robert Eisen argues that Jewish success in modern Western society can be attributed to the values instilled by Rabbinic Judaism, such as autonomy, freedom of thought, worldliness, and education. These values, rooted in the Talmud, have a longer history in Jewish culture than in Western culture, preparing Jews to thrive in modern society. The book provides insights into how these values have shaped Jewish achievements across various fields.
How We Believe
The Search for God in an Age of Science
Michael Shermer
In 'How We Believe', Michael Shermer delves into the reasons behind widespread religious beliefs, even in the face of scientific skepticism. He examines the psychological, evolutionary, and cultural factors that contribute to belief systems, offering insights into how humans seek meaning and understanding in the universe. The book updates previous research with the latest findings from psychiatry, neuroscience, and philosophy.
The Divine Economy: How Religions Compete for Wealth, Power, and People
Religion in the twenty-first century is alive and well across the world, despite its apparent decline in North America and parts of Europe. Vigorous competition between and within religious movements has led to their accumulating great power and wealth. Religions in many traditions have honed their competitive strategies over thousands of years. Today, they are big business; like businesses, they must recruit, raise funds, disburse budgets, manage facilities, organize transportation, motivate employees, and get their message out.
Economist Paul Seabright argues that religious movements are a special kind of business: they are platforms, bringing together communities of members who seek many different things from one another—spiritual fulfilment, friendship and marriage networks, even business opportunities. Their function as platforms is what has allowed religions to consolidate and wield power, which can be used for good and for harm.
Paul Seabright is a Professor of Economics in the Industrial Economics Institute and Toulouse School of Economics at the University of Toulouse, France. His new book is The Divine Economy: How Religions Compete for Wealth, Power, and People.
The Michael Shermer Show 
