Journal of Economic Literature
Book Reviews
2026-09-01
Barry R. Chiswick of University of Illinois at Chicago and IZA - Institute for the Study of Labor reviews “The Marketplace of Christianity” by Robert B. Ekelund, Robert F. Hebert, Robert D. Tollison,. The EconLit Abstract of the reviewed work begins “Applies the tools of economic theory to illuminate the emergence of Protestantism in the sixteenth century and to examine contemporary religion-influenced issues, including evolution and gay marriage. Discusses religion, church, and economics; the economics of religion; religious markets; religious form change--case studies; economics of the Protestant revolt; the Counter-Reformation--incumbent-firm reaction to market entry; the establishment and evolution of Protestantism; Catholicism, Protestantism, and economic performance; and the competitive revolution in Christianity. Ekelund is Professor of Economics and Edward K. and Catherine L. Lowder Eminent Scholar Emeritus, and Hebert is Russell Foundation Professor Emeritus, at Auburn University. Tollison is Professor of Economics and BB&T Senior Fellow at Clemson University. Glossary; index.”