Programs & Research

Global Studies of Religion

 

Director of Global Studies
 

Rodney Stark
Director of Global Studies

Just as the Program on Historical Studies pursues religion across time, this program pursues it across space. What is the state of religion around the globe? Where is it stronger, where weaker? What are the trends? What difference does it make? And what about religious effects? Are religious people happier, more generous, and more law-abiding? Are the results the same for all religions? Does religion influence economic development and does economic development influence religion? These and dozens of similar important questions will be addressed through ISR’s partnership with the Gallup Organization which allows ISR scholars access to Gallup’s annual surveys of 162 nations. One product of this collaboration will be an annual report on the Religious and Spiritual State of the World.

Surveys of Religion

International Studies