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Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Does religious participation as a child instill a work ethic that is driven by religious training, beliefs and practices?
Researchers at the University of Georgia found that women who had attended religious services frequently (at least once a week) during childhood work about 80 additional hours per year when they are older. This effect is roughly equivalent to the impact on labor supply of an additional year of labor market experience. Among Protestant women, the effect on annual hours worked of frequent religious participation when young is almost twice that amount. Economics prof Ron Warren of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, who conducted the study along with colleague Chris Cornwell and Terry alumna Karen Tinsley, a researcher in UGA’s Housing and Demographics Research Center, speculates that religious observance when young may give women a direction or “calling” to their personal conduct as adults, including a greater focus on market work. “Religious participation in childhood may instill a work ethic that is driven by early religious training, beliefs, or practice”. {Time.com}
The bible has numerous biblical principles that when applied, can and should make a personal difference in how we live our lives on a daily basis. The Apostle Paul said that we should do: “all things as unto the Lord”. This principle teaches that our work is just an extension of our ministry to God. The idea is that believers should not look at their work as “just a job”, but something we do as if we are actually working for God. One understands and openly admits that it is the Lord who gives us the strength and knowledge to do that job; therefore we do it as unto the Lord giving him honor and glory through our work ethic. So yes, I believe there very well may be a correlation between religious participation and work ethic.
So the question for today is- does religious observance give people a direction or calling as it pertains to their work habits? Is there a greater focus on market work if one is motivated by their beliefs? Does religious participation as a child instill a work ethic that is driven by religious training, beliefs and practices?
