While many believe religion has little to offer in America, a new report says that religion contributes more to the U.S. economy than Facebook, Google, Apple and Amazon combined.
According to a report in the Interdisciplinary Journal of Research on Religion, "religion in the United States today contributes a combined $1.2 trillion to our economy and society."
Faith-based enterprises like churches, charities, and gospel artists make some $378 billion, most of which comes from tithes and offerings. But faith businesses like Hobby-Lobby and Chick-fil-A also contribute billions.
To put it in perspective, if American religion was its own nation, it would be the 15th largest economy in the world.
"Congregations, faith-based businesses, institutions and faith-based charities strengthen our economy, build communities and families, and lift people up in times of need in a way that no other institution or government does," the report says.
The report comes in a time when there are continual efforts to push religion out of American society.
Brian Grim, president of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, argues this report shows that religion has a bigger impact than Americans once thought.
"Do we need to know (religion's socio-economic value) in order to appreciate the value of faith? Of course not," he told Deseret News. "But in an age where fewer people are raised in religious congregations, we need to show a more balanced perspective on faith than might come through in daily headlines."
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