Report: Faith Economy Worth $1.2 Trillion Per Year

The Takeaway | Sep 20, 2016

Click on the 'Listen' button above to hear this interview.

Can you put a price on religion? Think about every time you've tithed at your local church, donated to a faith-based charity like The Salvation Army or United Way, or shopped at a market with religious roots.

If you add up all the numbers, how much would it all be worth? Turns out that number is $1.2 trillion, according to a study from Georgetown University. The so-called "faith economy" is worth more than the top 10 U.S. tech companies — more than Google, Apple, Amazon combined.

Brian Grim, president of the Religious Freedom and Business Foundation and co-author of "The Socio-economic Contributions of Religion to American Society," joins The Takeaway to talk analyze the strength of the faith economy. Click on the 'Listen' button above to hear the full conversation.

Be alert for scams. WNYC never asks for nor accepts money for coverage or interviews. Anyone making such a request does not represent WNYC.

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

Your guide to voting in New York's 2026 elections for governor and Congress

A primer on the races for governor, attorney general and the congressional districts that could help determine control of the U.S. House.
Gothamist |

Gina Hinojosa Aims to Make Texas Blue Again. Plus, Reading Is Alive and Well

A Texas Democrat is running neck and neck with the Republican incumbent in the governor’s race. And a staff writer says that news of the demise of books is greatly exaggerated.
The New Yorker Radio Hour |

Claire Valdez on populism and the DSA agenda in Congress

Who’s Running This Place |

The Classroom/Technology Pipeline

Natasha Singer's new book explores how big tech became ensconced in our childrens' classrooms
On the Media |
YOU ARE ONLINE