Religion and economics: religion as capital or capital as religion

Maksimović, Marijana (2026) Religion and economics: religion as capital or capital as religion. In: Religion And Capitalism In A Global Society: Values, Identities, And Politics. Издавач The Forum for Religious Issues and the Institute of Social Sciences, Belgrade in co-organization with the Center for Empirical Research of Religion, Novi Sad., Belgrade, pp. 47-48. ISBN 978-86-7093-295-1

Text Religion-and-Capitalismm MMaksimovic, 2026.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives. Download (618kB)

Abstract

The interpretation of religion in the context of the economy points to the conclusion that religion is an older phenomenon than the phenomena of capital and capitalism. Although religion is separated from the state in most countries, it is not separated from the ways of behavior and doing business. Many religious beliefs influence how people treat money: whether with rationality (Protestantism) or frugality (Zen Buddhism). So even though capitalism is considered a secularized social system, religion still exists in it. Many scientists wrote about it, the most famous being Max Weber. In any case, the main message is taking responsibility for one’s own behavior, individual self-awareness, and awareness of kindness and solidarity. In the countries of Western Europe, the rise of religion and the rise of capitalism did not take place at the same time. The rise of religion and its dominance in those countries flourished in the Middle Ages, i.e. feudalism, and the rise of capital naturally occurred in the era of capitalism. The truth is that both sides had the idea of the well-being of the people in mind. In this research paper, the concept of religion and the concept of capital will be discussed, as well as their mutual connection. It is necessary to point out that religion is related to one country or nation.

Actions (login required)

View Item