OP-ED: "Want More Growth in China? Have Faith," by Rob Moll, Wall Street Journal, 8 August 2008, p. W9.

Fascinating op-ed.

One of the most important dissenting voices in China today belongs to Peter Zhao, a Communist Party member and adviser to the Chinese Central Committee. Mr. Zhao is among a group of Chinese intellectuals who look to the West to find the key to economic success. Mr. Zhao in particular believes that Christianity and the ethical system based upon its teachings are the reason that Western countries dominate the global economy. "The strong U.S. economy is just on the surface," he says. "The backbone is the moral foundation."

Big subject for Great Powers: our competitive religious landscape is a huge asset in economic terms, allowing for a demand-led religious environment—as in, ask and you shall receive . . . the religion you need most right now given your age, circumstances, economic trajectory, whatever.

It is THE social and economic and political lubricant.

Hitchens will never get that.