Religion and Economy: Spirited Economies, and Circulations of Religion

Thinking across a wide array of global religions and cultural traditions, this course will enable students to observe, and evaluate the interconnections between religion and the economy. We will use anthropological and sociological perspectives to learn how different religions enculturate people into embracing distinctive kinds of 'moral economies.' These moral economies can run the gamut from capitalism and high-finance, to high-risk get-rich-quick schemes, or to concerted acts charity, philanthropy, and almsgiving, or even to projects of wealth distribution. How are different religions—from Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and even Shamanism—embedded within different economic forms? How do these religions, give a moral, ritual, and spiritual shape to material realities?