Study finds religion continues to shape European society

An economic research study published by the Rockwool Foundation in Berlin suggests that religion continues to influence European social norms and public life despite declining church attendance. The study, titled "Religion and Economic Growth: State of Knowledge and Importance," examines how religious traditions affect various aspects of society, including education, family size, migration policies, and economic behavior.

The research was co-authored by Sascha Becker of the University of Warwick, Jared Rubin of Chapman University, and Ludger Woessmann of the University of Munich. The authors argue against the assumption that religion has become economically insignificant in secularized societies. Becker told Religion News Service that religion remains a fundamental part of social structures and continues to shape the institutions and norms used to develop public policy.