Do you think that there is a correlation between strength of religious beliefs & economic hardship?

Answer 1

Yes. Desperate people look for desperate remedies and think that religion might help. Wishful thinking of course.

Answer 2

Economic hardship is generally more evident in underdeveloped ill educated and semi civilised countries. These people probably have strong religious beliefs especialy if they are roman catholics, who teach blind obedience to the church and discourage free thinking. After all, if life is miserable and short with no hope of anything better on this earth, then you would devoutly hope for a better world when you kick the bucket.
On the other hand, if you don't believe in the rotten corrupt government that oppresses you, then you are more likely to fall for the people who advocate Communism and equality for all. The problem is of course, that Communism is like any other form of government when it is in the saddle,and all notions of equality are swiftly squashed. Look at any Communist set up. Cuba is the only one that has tried to stick to the principles of Communism and considering the difficulties placed upon them I think Castro has done a pretty good job.
If a country really goes to Hell, like most African countries have that never had much in the way of an established religion, then I doubt very much that they would turn to any kind of gods apart from the ones that reside in a machette or an AK

Answer 3

Undoubtedly.
The United States of America is the often remarked exception to the general trend.

The reason for the correlation is more to be argued over:
a desperate hope of the poor and powerless,
(The opium of the masses consideration: is any hope, even possibly a false one, better than no hope at all?)
or people in developed countries making money and consumer goods their god...
Religious beliefs put aside for even worse idols?

If there's a simple clear one-size-fits-all answer I shall be very surprised.

Answer 4

When I was working in Turkey, 20 years ago, someone told me that religious music became more popular when there was a economic down turn, and pop music more popular when people felt abit better off. But I have the feeling that economic swings were more dramatic In Turkey at that time.

Answer 5

Yes, but not for the reason most commonly assumed. Once we are economically prosperous, we tend to forget God and that all of our bounty is His gift. Due to pride, we think we've done it all ourselves.

Answer 6

You should read Max Weber: protestants are the origin of capitalism.
Try here for a start: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Weber

Answer 7

Just look at any third world country that suffers from extreme poverty and corruption. Try the Philippines.
What is their god doing for them?

Answer 8

You mean Yanks with "In God we trust" and the downfall of their economy?
Interesting Q.

Answer 9

probably, that´s why Muslims flock to leave muslims countries to live in non-muslim countries.

Answer 10

No at all, it's to do with hard work and common sense.