Belief in Hell Makes You More Productive
Religion and Economic Growth, Robert J. Barro and Rachel M. McCleary, Harvard University
The study analyzes the influence of religion on a country’s rate of economic growth. Barro and McCleary argue that religion affects economic performance mainly by fostering religious beliefs that influence individual traits that enhance productivity, such as honesty, work ethic, thrift and openness to strangers. The study shows that religious beliefs—notably in hell, heaven, and an after-life—tend to increase economic growth. The results also give some indication that the fear of hell is a more powerful stimulus for growth than the prospect of heaven.