Many times, the interaction between religion and economy is seen as only a junction of policy and belief. Still, the subtleties of how faith shapes policies and economic systems call more research. Examining how these interactions show themselves in different settings and what consequences they have for policy-making in the modern world, this paper explores the complex interplay between religious beliefs and economic systems. Understanding the Framework Individual behaviors, social conventions, and institutional systems controlling economic relationships are often shaped by religious beliefs. From the ethical standards driving corporate behavior to the fundamental values guiding government policies, faith has a significant and ubiquitous influence on economics. First of all, one should understand that different religions give different ideals top priority. … Continue reading “The Intersection of Economics and Faith: How Religious Beliefs Shape Economic Policies”
Category: Religion
An Atheist Reads The Bible: Talking Out Its Ass
In my last post I skipped over one of the most bizarre stories in the Bible (though I’m saying this so often it’s starting to lose meaning). Considering the last post dealt with genocide, I didn’t want to confuse the theme and I ran out of space. But I felt this story is too good to ignore (the title alone is worth it) so I figure I might as well write a post about it. So the story begins in chapter 22 of the Book of Numbers when Balak, the King of the Moabites, noticed that the Israelites were exterminating everyone they came across. Not wanting to be wiped off the face of the Earth, Balak does the only thing … Continue reading “An Atheist Reads The Bible: Talking Out Its Ass”
Were The Biblical Prophecies Fulfilled?
A common argument made by Christians is that the Bible contains prophecies that it would be impossible for any ordinary human to know and must have come from God. These claimed fulfilled prophesises are supposedly undeniable proof that the Bible is the word of God. “Unique among all books ever written, the Bible accurately foretells specific events-in detail-many years, sometimes centuries, before they occur. Approximately 2500 prophecies appear in the pages of the Bible, about 2000 of which already have been fulfilled to the letter—no errors.” This is seen as irrefutable proof in the truth of the Bible and of God and it is claimed that “the odds for all these prophecies having been fulfilled by chance without error is … Continue reading “Were The Biblical Prophecies Fulfilled?”
Religion As A Cause Of War In Ireland
In my last post I argued that religion was a major cause of war. Now I want to discuss this in an Irish context. In fact the history of Ireland is basically the history of Protestants and Catholics warring among each other. There are numerous incidents where Catholics or Protestants were killed solely because of their religion. There is a serious problem in separating actions based on religion from those based on nationality. In fact Daniel O’Connell went as far as to claim that being Catholic and being Irish was the one thing. This presents a serious problem in decoding conflict and classifying them as nationalist or religious wars. Some even argue that class was the driving force, with the … Continue reading “Religion As A Cause Of War In Ireland”
Religion As A Cause Of War
I would argue that a major cause of most (but not all) wars is religion. Religion divides people into separate groups and tells them that they are incompatible with each other. It provides justification for the killing of others and the promise of reward for martyrs. There are numerous examples of religious wars. Some of the main ones include the Crusades, Yugoslavia, Iraq, Afghanistan, The War On Terror, The Thirty Year War, Northern Ireland and the numerous religious wars of England and France (which culminated in the Saint Bartholomew Day Massacre). A frequent justification for the British, French, Spanish, Portuguese etc, (which led to horrendous massacres) empires was so that the natives could be converted to Christianity. Religions claim they … Continue reading “Religion As A Cause Of War”
Why Did God Not Stop The Holocaust?
Last month I visited Auschwitz and it left a strong impression on me. I was shocked at the brutality of it. The mass slaughter that went on there revolted me. It was disturbing to know that it could go on for so long without anyone stopping it. Why did God not stop it? Over six million Jews were murdered by the Nazis. Most of them probably prayed to God asking him to save their lives. Why did he refuse? Think about it. Think long and hard. Think of the gas chambers. Think of how the Jews were led in there. Think of when they realised they weren’t showers. When they realised they were going to die. Think about how they … Continue reading “Why Did God Not Stop The Holocaust?”