Faithonomics: Religion and the Free Market - Hardcover

Brekke, Torkel

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1849046360 ISBN 13: 9781849046367

Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd, 2016

Synopsis

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About this title

About the Author:

Torkel Brekke is Deputy Director and Research Professor at the Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO). He is also a research theme leader at the Centre for Research on Extremism (C-REX) at the University of Oslo and works part time for the liberal think tank Civita.

Review:

"At a time when debate about religion is often dominated by talk of clashing ideologies, Faithonomics offers a refreshing set of tools for liberals to defend religious freedom." - The Financial Times

"[Brekke] has enthusiastically and provocatively adopted an economic perspective on religion." -- Times Higher Education

'This book challenges the notion that communities of faith are static and insular, and views religion as part of the interactions within complex societies. Using economic models to describe the competition of ideas in the multicultural marketplace, it presents a thesis that readers will find both startling and controversial, but difficult to ignore. This may become one of the most discussed books in religion in our time.' --Mark Juergensmeyer, Professor, Global and International Studies, University of California, Santa Barbara, and co-author of God in the Tumult of the Global Square

"A provocative and compelling book, not only about religion in the US but about religion universally. Brekke makes a good case for looking at religion as a commodity best left to the free market, the better to pacify violence associated with religion and to ensure quality in the provision of spiritual guidance to adherents/consumers. Clearly and concisely written, this is an important contribution to our understanding of how government and religion intersect." -- David True, Chair, Philosophy and Religion Department Assistant Professor of Religion, Wilson College, PA and co-editor of Political Theology

"Provocative and unconventional, this engaging book challenges dominant assumptions about religion as a public good in modern life, asserting that government involvement in religious markets produces negative consequences for society. Critical, yet accessible, Faithonomics offers an economic prescription for the proper role of religion in public life to redefine the jurisdictional limits of religion and state, in order to cultivate a more peaceful understanding of moral citizenship." - Chad E. Seales, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, The University of Texas at Austin

'The magic and brilliance of Brekke's Faithonomics is that little by little, the author breaks down the reader's reflex resistance to his argument (who, after all, intuitively thinks about their religious faith in economic terms?). By the end of this elegantly written book, he actually manages to sell it!'--Aakash Singh, Professor of Political Science and Philosophy, JNU University (New Delhi) and LUISS University (Rome)

"Vibrant examples and the absence of unnecessary jargon make the book accessible to a wide audience of scholars, students, and policy wonks. Both supporters and critics will find Faithonomics to be rich in ideas and deserving of thoughtful consideration." Sociology of Religion

About this edition

• Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
• Publication date: 2016
• ISBN 10: 1849046360
• ISBN 13: 9781849046367
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256