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A model of religion and death

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  • Pyne, Derek Arnold

Abstract

This paper provides a rationale for several empirical findings regarding religion. The main one is between religion and the fear of death. Some empirical evidence indicates moderately religious individuals fear death more than either atheists or extremely religious individuals. The model also explains the positive relationship often found between religious activity (e.g. church attendance) and age. It also provides an explanation of the positive relationship between education and religious activity despite a negative relationship between education and religious belief.

Suggested Citation

  • Pyne, Derek Arnold, 2010. "A model of religion and death," Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics (formerly The Journal of Socio-Economics), Elsevier, vol. 39(1), pages 46-54, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:soceco:v:39:y:2010:i:1:p:46-54
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    Cited by:

    1. Pyne, Derek, 2013. "An afterlife capital model of religious choice," Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization, Elsevier, vol. 92(C), pages 32-44.
    2. Tere M. García-Muñoz, 2009. "Incentives in Religious Performance: a Stochastic Dominance Approach," ThE Papers 09/10, Department of Economic Theory and Economic History of the University of Granada..

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Fear Death Anxiety Religion;

    JEL classification:

    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion

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