The Effects of Theology on Church Attendance Pubblico

Abstract

This thesis seeks to understand why individuals decide to attend particular churches,

dividing individuals by theology and observing how individuals with different theology respond

to certain characteristics of churches. Using Azzi & Ehrenberg’s utility theory of religiosity and

Iannaccone’s club theory of religion as lenses, this paper analyzes data from a sample of

churches in the United States to determine what factors lead to church attendance. This study has

found that liberal churchgoers fit the utility theory of religiosity best, while conservative

churches fit the club theory of religion best. Most factors affect church attendance in the same

direction across theologies. Long-tenured pastors are good for attendance, while long services

are bad for attendance. This thesis hopes to open a new interest within the field of economic

study of religion in how theology affects individuals’ decisions.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................................1

DATA AND METHODOLOGY...........................................................................................................4

RESULTS..........................................................................................................................................8

ROBUSTNESS................................................................................................................................15

LIMITATIONS................................................................................................................................19

CONCLUSIONS..............................................................................................................................20

REFERENCES.................................................................................................................................22

APPENDIX.....................................................................................................................................23

About this Honors Thesis

Rights statement

• Permission granted by the author to include this thesis or dissertation in this repository. All rights reserved by the author. Please contact the author for information regarding the reproduction and use of this thesis or dissertation.

School	Emory College
Department	Mathematics and Economics
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Religion, General Economics, General
Parola chiave	Religiosity Economics Theology Church
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Blake Allison, Emory University
Committee Members	Louise Pratt, Emory University Mike Carr, Emory University

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