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Utility and the Unseen: Modelling the Determinants of Church Growth in Rural India

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  • Perkins, O.

Abstract

Using a novel rational choice framework, this paper examines the causal effects of pastors on church growth in rural India. Utilising high-quality primary survey data from 559 Indian pastors, the analysis employs instrumental variable and multivariate regression techniques. This is the first economics paper focused outside the West to find evidence that the attributes of religious leaders help determine religious switching and the first to show a higher emphasis on supernatural experiences from religious leaders can cause faster church growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Perkins, O., 2026. "Utility and the Unseen: Modelling the Determinants of Church Growth in Rural India," Cambridge Working Papers in Economics 2602, Faculty of Economics, University of Cambridge.
    • Handle: RePEc:cam:camdae:2602
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Cavalcanti, Tiago & Iyer, Sriya & Rauh, Christopher & Roerig, Christian & Vaziri, Maryam, 2022. "A City of God: Afterlife Beliefs and Job Support in Brazil," CEPR Discussion Papers 17719, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    2. Hanson, Gordon H. & Xiang, Chong, 2013. "Exporting Christianity: Governance and doctrine in the globalization of US denominations," Journal of International Economics, Elsevier, vol. 91(2), pages 301-320.
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