A Model of Religion and Death
33 Pages Posted: 31 Aug 2014 Last revised: 15 Jul 2015
Date Written: August 15, 2014
Abstract
This paper provides a rationale for several empirical findings regarding religion. The main one is between religion and the fear of death. Some empirical evidence indicates moderately religious individuals fear death more than either atheists or extremely religious individuals. The model also explains the positive relationship often found between religious activity (e.g. church attendance) and age. It also provides an explanation of the positive relationship between education and religious activity despite a negative relationship between education and religious belief.
Keywords: Fear, Death, Anxiety, Religion
JEL Classification: Z12
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation