Economic Origins of Roman Christianity
“Economic Origins of Roman Christianity takes readers on a sweeping tour of a millennium, introducing us to Saint Paul as entrepreneur, the Nicaean Council as product strategy, and Charlemagne and Pope Leo III as masters of vertical integration. Using economic models, the authors narrate a history of religion that adds a new dimension to our typical view of the political, military, and theological origins of Christianity. There is much here for economists to ponder and enough storytelling to keep history buffs going.”
“By applying fundamental economic principles, Ekelund and Tollison shed light on the often mysterious ecclesiastical practices of the Roman Catholic Church as well as its weakening grip as an institutional monopoly in the marketplace of religions. Economic Origins of Roman Christianity will have wide ramifications for economists, sociologists, and political scientists concerned with economic development, the roots of religious plurality, and institutional change.”
CHAPTER 1. Roman Christianity: An Evolving Monopoly
Introduction
Aspiring to Monopoly
A Word on Method
The Roman Church as a High Medieval Monopoly
Plan of the Book
CHAPTER 2. Religion, History, and Social Science
Introduction
Adam Smith and Max Weber
Contemporary Theoretical Approaches to the Demand for Religion
Monopoly, Rationality, History, and Religion
Conclusion: Economics and Religious Behavior
CHAPTER 3. Economics of Religious Belief
Introduction
Nature of the Religious Good
Demands and Contracts for the Religious Good
Conclusion: Focus on First Millennium Christianity
CHAPTER 4. Entrepreneurship, Networking, and the Success of Early Christianity
Introduction
Economic Analysis and Early Christianity
Entrepreneurship: Proselytizing the New Religion
Network-Consumption Externalities and Credence Issues
The Adoption of Christianity: The Role of Saint Paul
Conclusion
CHAPTER 5. Constantine and Rome’s Acceptance of Christianity
Introduction
A Theory of the Adoption and Cartelization of Christianity by Rome
Roman Acceptance of Christianity: Economic Factors
The Critical Role of Constantine and the March to Cartelization
Conclusion
CHAPTER 6. The Drive to Church Monopoly Power: Constantine to Charlemagne
Introduction
Economic Theory and Christianity in the Ninth–Twelfth Centuries
Constantine through Justinian and Gregory I: Centuries of Competition and Consolidation
The Frankish Kingdoms, Charlemagne, and the Rescue of the Roman Papacy
Conclusion: The Roman Church circa the Early Ninth Century
CHAPTER 7. Roman Christian Monopoly in the Early Medieval Period
Introduction: The Bumpy Road to Monopoly
After Charlemagne: Breakdowns, Conflict, and Invasions
Competition with Byzantium and the “Great Schism”
Roman Church Monopoly Solidifies
Conclusion
CHAPTER 8. Conclusion: The Roman Church Monopoly Triumphant
Introduction
How the Church Reached Monopoly Status
Roman Monopoly Processes and Market Entry
Does the Economics of Early Christianity Relate to Contemporary Religion?
Notes
References
Index
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