---

While the staff and crew at RoR takes a break to finish up some other academic commitments, we offer you a recent panel discussion on proselytism from the folks at the Religious Freedom Project (Georgetown University). Listen to Allen Hertzke, Ani Sarkissian, Brian Grim, and Hans Ucko share their perspectives on how religious proselytism shapes modern societies. We will return soon with more fresh and tasty nuggets in the coming weeks.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

Why have faith-based organizations been ignored by the international development community for so long, and how are they starting to be integrated into efforts to improve the lives of individuals around the globe? Prof. John Rees of the University of Notre Dame in Australia provides us with a survey of the role religious groups have played in promoting economic development and social flourishing. We peer into the world of the World Bank, large international FBOs, and some grassroots efforts to see the problems and promise of foreign assistance.

We now have 225 unique episodes, all free on iTunes.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

In 19th century America, Jews disproportionately filled an important role in the US economy as peddlers and merchants who brought supplies to settlers in the westward expansion. Prof. Colleen Haight of SJSU explains the logic behind this phenomenon and links it to the economics of religion and the role that religious distinctiveness played in solving reputational problems. She also addresses the matter of hostility towards Jews and how this factored in to their chosen profession.

Visit us on Facebook and Twitter for regular updates.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

While economic historians have long been interested in the rise of craft guilds during the medieval era, Prof. Gary Richardson documents their surprising origins in confessional organizations and the role that religious ritual, practice, and prayer played in their maintenance. None of this should have come as a surprise, though, as the primary documents from these guilds is saturated with religious discussion. We review how religion helped to enhance cooperation and coordination among professional groups, maintain a level of quality, and what happened when the Black Death came to visit England.

Know somebody interested in religion? Let them know about us by emailing them our website link. Thanks!

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

Is religious liberty good for business? Brian Grim, president of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, explains why rights of conscience are good for commercial businesses and how individual enterprises can be encouraged to support basic human rights. We discuss the creation and role of his organization as well as some specific instances where businesses around the globe — from Brazil to Indonesia to Europe — have helped create a more peaceful and spiritually pluralistic environment.

Join us on Facebook for regular updates and nifty photos related to our topics.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

Why do strict churches that demand much of their members, including seemingly irrational sacrifices and stigmatizing behaviors, perform so well in the religious marketplace? Prof. Larry Iannaccone of Chapman University discusses the economic logic behind sacrifice and stigma and what studying the organizational requirements of churches can tell us about society more generally. We also discuss the growing field of “economics of religion.”

Join us on our Facebook Fan Page or Twitter for weekly updates on the program.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

What was the function and rationale of the Oracle of Delphi? And how does its operation help us understand the Temple of Shiloh, the role of the Vatican in the Middle Ages, and the physical location of Washington, DC and Sacramento, CA? Prof. Colleen Haight applies some basic economic principles to understand why the Delphic Oracle was so important to ancient Greek civilization and how it relates to so many other historical and contemporary phenomenon. Being both fun and informative, this is an instant Research on Religion classic!

We are free on iTunes! Please tell a friend.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

Prof. Charles North discusses his research linking religion to the rule of law and economic development. We survey the literature on religion and economic growth, and then chat about North’s findings wherein Protestantism, Catholicism, and Hinduism were statistically linked to higher support for “rule of law” and lower levels of corruption. We discuss some of the potential causal reasons for this connection, which takes us back to medieval Europe and the rise of canon law.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

In a “simul-podcast” with the Euvoluntary Exchange blog, Samuel Wilson interviews Tony about whether, and to what extent, religion connects with the new economic concept of “euvoluntary exchange” (EE). Samuel describes what EE is and then our conversation ranges over a wide array of topics including whether children have a real choice in choosing their faith and

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

Just in time for the April 15th holiday, we take up the topic of administrative pitfalls for churches and clergy, including the complexity of taxation, charitable giving, and a variety of liability issues. Richard Hammar, a lawyer and accountant who specializes in church law and taxation, helps explain a number of these complex issues. A great podcast for clergy and members of congregations who might not know all the legal complexities facing religious organizations.

Please forgive the slight audio distortion occurring mostly when the guest begins a segment.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---