Economic theories Applied to the study of religion

towards a new paradigm?

Abstract

Inrecent years, the application o f econom ic m odels to the study of religious phenom ena has led to the development of a new interpretative paradigm in North American sociology of religion. In addition to the explicit utilization o f econom ic concepts, the model includes prem ises derived from the theory o f rational choice and focuses m ore attention on the supply of religion than the dem and. This article outlines the main ideas in the new paradigm provided by Rodney Stark, Laurence Iannaccone, and Roger Finke and highlights its more positive elements. Finally, the article suggests to what extent the paradigm can be improved in light of contemporary developments in the study of religion.