In this episode, Ryan Keating, a PhD student at Cambridge University and pastor in North Cyprus, engages with Professor Sriya Iyer, a pioneer in the field of economics of religion. They discuss the role of religion in mental health, the impact of religious communities on public welfare, and how economic theories can help understand religious interactions. Their dialogue explores the intersection of religion and economics, offering valuable perspectives for policymakers and faith leaders alike.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:32 Exploring the Economics of Religion

03:31 Religion, Mental Health, and Wellbeing

06:13 Faith Communities and Economic Perspectives

11:08 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

Resources mentioned

• SCORE | Religion and Economic Development programme, reported at interfaith.cam.ac.uk: Exploring religion and economic development.

• Iyer’s research on religion, mental health and wellbeing, reported at interfaith.cam.ac.uk Research news: “Religion may have helped during COVID”.

• Sriya Iyer, 2018, The economics of religion in India (Harvard University Press).