Religion and Economic Cooperation and Competition

Abstract

Abstract The chapter discusses the role of cooperation and competition in the economic teachings of different world religions. Cooperation is important because goods and services are produced by different networks in various parts of the world. Competition must be fair as well. Religious beliefs where Big Gods attend to the actors in the market are the best guarantee of fair behaviour. Confucianism is based on traditions; in Buddhism, the belief of rebirth influences fair market behaviour. Monotheistic religions are based on an Almighty God. Christian social thought, especially the Catholic papal social encyclicals present clear guidelines for actors in the market, both as regards competition and cooperation. In Judaism, tzeddakah, and, in Islam, the zakat are characteristic features of moral conduct. Both are obligatory actions of solidarity strengthening cooperation in society. Competition is encouraged by most of these religions, even as they acknowledge a role for state supervision in controlling it.