I don't know if it is unorthodox for an economics professor, but it's clearly inspired by the work of Max Weber.
It's honestly the sort of argument I'd expect from the sociologist in this race, not the economist. I don't mean that in a disparaging way at all--I have a higher opinion of sociology than of economics as an academic discipline, overall--but it's just not the sort of theory I'd expect to see come from an economics department.
It is coming from a theological seminary in this case 
Randolph Macon College has a good religious studies program and is institutionally affiliated with the United Methodist Church, but it is not a theological seminary - it's a liberal arts college. When I visited there as a prospective student I got the impression of a beautiful campus with great professors, and students who were world-class experts in the consumption of booze. There isn't generally a strong religious emphasis unless you seek it out.
Brat has a degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. I think ag is saying that those views are rooted in his religious education and not as much his economics education.
