In a new study Brian J. Grim says that, while China’s economic success may be under threat from a recent rash of government actions to impose its supremacy over culture – in particular, religion – Chinese Christians may be a special source of economic growth.
In The Modern Chinese Secret to Sustainable Economic Growth: Religious Freedom and Diversity, Grim, formerly of Pew Research, now president of the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation, argues there are close connections between faith, freedom and business.
“The freedom to have faith is an unrecognized power to the economy, including an ally in the fight against corruption,” he says.
“Perhaps just as China has radically deregulated its economy with successful outcomes, further deregulation of religion may be one way to help keep China’s economic miracle alive.”