Final answer:
Religion impacts economics by dictating practices like usury and influencing industries based on dietary laws. Its cultural impact is pronounced, shaping societal norms and identities. The role of religion in culture is substantial as it forms the foundational values and norms of society.
Step-by-step explanation:
Religion significantly impacts government, economics, and culture due to its pervasive and influential nature. In economics, religious beliefs can dictate financial practices, such as the historical condemnation of usury, which influenced the banking industry. For instance, Jews, with fewer religious restrictions on lending, became prominent in banking when Christians largely refrained due to doctrine. This role in economics can extend to industries like viticulture and agriculture, with religious dietary laws affecting market supply and demand, as seen with the scarcity of pig farming in Israel or the largely vegetarian practices in parts of the Hindu-dominated India.
When examining the cultural impact, religious practices and holidays can shape societal norms, which are observed even by those who do not follow the faith, indicating a profound influence on daily life. Government policies can also be deeply intertwined with religious values, which can lead to laws that reflect religious beliefs. The extent of this impact varies, but culture may be affected the most because it shapes individual identities, social interactions, and community festivities that resonate throughout all aspects of life. Overall, while religion affects each sphere differently, its role in culture is perhaps the most deeply felt as it often forms the foundational values and norms of a society.