---

While we are still on a short sabbatical, please enjoy this popular “blast from the past.”

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 ]

---

When a congregation splits from a denomination, what becomes of the church property? More specifically, how have US state courts wrestled with the issue of religious property disputes while trying to preserve the autonomy of church doctrine? Prof. Michael McConnell (Stanford Law School) answers these questions in historical context. He notes how judicial decisions have changed from the traditional “English Rule” favoring hierarchical denominations over congregations, to perspectives that are less intrusive into the internal doctrine and organization of a faith, nothing that there is still a great deal of ambiguity in the law. He argues for an approach known as “strict neutral principles.”

Visit us on Facebook and/or Twitter for more updates on upcoming episodes.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

How does a Christian economist approach the religious charge of helping one’s neighbor? We talk with Art Carden about the relationship between Christian ethics and economic growth. The podcast starts out with a dose of good news in these troubling times, and we try to figure out why the past two centuries have been truly unique in human history. While a good portion of our discussion relates to economic history, we dip into the issue of how Christian ethics can assist or retard economic growth. Prof. Carden reminds us that economic growth is about getting the institutions right and getting the rhetoric right; it is the latter theme where Christian theologians and followers can make a big difference.

Join the Research on Religion “online revolution” by visiting our Facebook Fan Page and telling your friends about this great free resource.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

Battles over property rights are one of the hottest topics in religious liberty litigation today. ADF lawyer Jordan Lorence discusses four current cases involving the ability of churches to rent public school space in New York City, an overdue tax bill for a church that is supposedly tax exempt, the size of signs advertising worship services, and a minimum acreage requirement for a small congregation.

Help us reach 500 fans on our Facebook Page by June! Click the Facebook logo in the right hand column and stay up-to-date with upcoming episodes.

[ 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 very special “simul-podcast,” Russ Roberts of EconTalk interviews Tony about the economics of religion and religious liberty. This interview is broadcast both on our website and over at EconTalk (www.econtalk.org). This is extra special for Tony given that it was EconTalk that inspired the creation of this show and he is a big fan of Prof. Robert’s work. We discuss the origins of religious liberty as well as some additional observations about the economics of religion.

For new visitors, please consider “liking” our Facebook Fan Page for weekly updates on our show. The link can be found on the column to the right or search “Research on Religion with Anthony Gill” on Facebook.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---

How does a Christian economist approach the religious charge of helping one’s neighbor? We talk with Art Carden about the relationship between Christian ethics and economic growth. The podcast starts out with a dose of good news in these troubling times, and we try to figure out why the past two centuries have been truly unique in human history. While a good portion of our discussion relates to economic history, we dip into the issue of how Christian ethics can assist or retard economic growth. Prof. Carden reminds us that economic growth is about getting the institutions right and getting the rhetoric right; it is the latter theme where Christian theologians and followers can make a big difference.

Join the Research on Religion “online revolution” by visiting our Facebook Fan Page and telling your friends about this great free resource.

[ READ THE FULL ARTICLE ]

---