종교변동 관련 이론에 비추어 본 종교와 경제 발전의 관계 연구

Abstract

Concerns about the relation of economy and religion started from the time secularization became the issue in the sociology of religion. The theory presupposed the decline of religion as well as the religious believers, but the recent surveys show that religious populations in Korea surpass the half of total population, showing roughly ‘steady increase’. Although religious people increased in spite of the economical crisis, and accordingly religion looks irrelevant to economical circumstances, nevertheless, putting all the surveys together minute decline appeared at times of financial hardships. The privatization theory of religion in 1960s stemmed from the recognition that the powers of public and social influence have been weakened in comparison with what they were. What is important is that the diminishing role of religion in the public sphere did not necessarily refer to receding of individuals' religious belief. The previous research shows that worship service attendance at established religion is negative to economic development, but for given levels of church attendance economic growth rises when certain religious beliefs increase. Survey data in Korea imply the fact that about half to 60% among total religious adherents are making sincere and active participation in the economic activities. Koreans have, however, another religious traits of belief favoring this-worldly blessing besides salvation in the next world, and it is not certain whether or not the belief can equally promote active and sincere economical activities. According to the rational choice theory that religious belief and practice are largely determined by the market conditions, the religious needs depend upon richness and diversity of religious products. What is most highlighted by the theory is new religions, which provide various complementary spiritual things created through commercial works and achieve material prosperity called as ‘spiritual economics’. Religion as dependent variable may be in some degree influenced by economical conditions, but as independent variable it is sure to help economical development.