by Hans Eisenbeis
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- Religious Americans have put the economic crisis at the top of their prayers. In October 2008, the Christian devotional magazine Guideposts surveyed 2,500 readers. It asked them “What are you praying for these days?” The most common answer was “financial relief” followed distantly by “the United States and our leaders.”
- And 15% of respondents said they’re praying for a new job. Together with those praying for financial relief, half of all Guideposts readers are talking to God about personal money worries.
- Christians have more options than ever for worldly financial counseling. Many churches and faith communities today offer religious financial counseling, especially as it relates to family stress.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- The emotional stress of economic trouble can send even the most agnostic consumer looking for a Higher Power.
- Religious impulses are amplified by tough times. Church attendance surges in the wake of national tragedies and crises. That’s because people feel out of control, and they return to stabilizing traditions and beliefs.
RESOURCES
