Barkley Rosser writes:  
>I would note that Timur Kuran distinguishes   
between "religious economics" and "the economics  
of religion."  The former involves trying to  
formulate a doctrine of economics that is   
consistent with a particular religious viewpoint,  
e.g. Islamic economics.  The latter supposedly  
scientifically studies the impact of religious  
conduct or affiliation on economic behavior, e.g.  
do religious believers CHEAT LESS ON THEIR TAXES  
than non-religious believers?>  
  
(Emphasis mine)  
  
  
Please note that "cheating" on taxes is a religious concept, itself. It  
presumes that the regressive and counterproductive tax system established by  
a corrupt Congress, its elections financed by rentiers of great wealth, is  
moral; and subverting it is immoral, whether done by overtaxed penniless  
proletarians or those who already benefit most from corruption. Religion,  
historically, has helped in such dilemmas by establishing that there is  
another morality than that established by a biased and corrupted state. The  
state, meantime, does its best to coopt religion and use it to sway the  
electorate.  
  
A stimulating writer on the interface of religion and economics is John  
Henry. His book on J.B. Clark includes his earlier article, "God and the  
Marginal Product".  
  
A good modern writer preaching the applied social gospel is activist Susan  
Pace Hamill, Law Professor in Alabama.  
  
Henry comes at this as a Marxist; Hamill as a devout Christian. Each has  
something of value for us.  
  
Mason Gaffney