Spirituality, religion and the functioning of the economy

ABSTRACTThis article describes the background to, and focus of, a new and extensive research program being undertaken at the Corvinus Institute for Advanced Studies of the Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary. Entitled the Economy and Religion Program, it aims to explore and study the multiple roles that religion and spirituality play in the functioning of the economy. It focuses on the contemporary issues of capitalism in relation to ethics and morality; ecology and sustainability; and social inequality and cultural diversity. It is intended to foster a spirit of open dialogue that seeks collaboration across disciplines, cultures and faith traditions.