Culture | Money and faith

God™: an ageing product outperforms expectations 

An economist tries to explain religion

A close up of "The creation of Adam" painted in the Sistine chapel. Adam is handing God a one dollar bill
Illustration: Carl Godfrey

God gets mixed reviews on Amazon. This is perhaps surprising. His marketing campaign (now in its third millennium) has been strong. His slogans (“God is Great!”) are positive. And indeed many shoppers effuse. “Wonderful!” reads one five-star review beneath His best-known work, the Bible. “Beautiful,” says another. “Amen,” adds another satisfied customer.

This article appeared in the Culture section of the print edition under the headline “God™”

From the May 18th 2024 edition

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