Weber on Religion

What did Weber say about religion?

• Weber argued that the role of religion was to fulfil the needs of individuals- both socially and psychologically

• Religion allowed people to justify their experiences- both positive and negative

• This belief was part of an individual’s worldview and dependent upon their position in society

What is the protestant work ethic?

• Weber argued that Protestantism aided the development of capitalism by promoting certain values

• Focusing on the rise of Protestantism in Europe around the time of the Industrial Revolution, Weber identified key aspects of Calvinism that allowed capitalism to thrive

  • Outlined in The Protestant Work Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism

What are the key features of Calvinism?

• Protestantism was fatalistic- God decided the fate of individuals

• Those who worked hard were seen as virtuous and this was an attempt to prove to others they were chosen

• Development of a work ethic; Calvinists were more self-disciplined, focusing on modesty and being fiscally astute

What is predestination?

• God has predetermined which souls will be saved

• The individual can do nothing to change this salvation anxiety - not knowing if heaven or hell awaits

What is divine transcendence?

• God is so immortal and great that no human can claim to know his will (including priests).

• This gives rise to loneliness.

• This combined with predestination created what Weber refers to as salvation panic

What is Acestism?

• Abstinence, self-discipline and self-denial.

• Live a simple life as Jesus did

What is the idea of vocation or calling?

• In other words asceticism, a calling to serve God (Monks) used to be the only calling

• Weber believed that Calvinism introduced this world asceticism.

• We work to glorify God’s name and we do this through mythological work in society (as a religious duty)

• Idleness is a sin, no luxury, long working hours

• Performed 2 functions:

  1. Allowed Calvinists to cope with their salvation panic

  2. Reinforced the gains of more wealth. The spirit of modern capitalism.

What is religion as a force for change?

• Compared to other regions, areas dominated by Protestantism thrived economically

• Catholicism, for example, was focused on charity rather than investment

• Protestant work ethic formed the basis of meritocracy and the pursuit of profit- foundations of the American Dream

What is religious leadership?

• Religious authority takes different forms

  • Charismatic authority- Based upon the characteristics

  • Traditional authority- Based upon maintaining the traditions and values of religion

  • Rational authority- Guidance offered through rules and regulations- teaching from religious ministers

What is the evaluation of Weber?

• Not all nations with large protestant populations industrialised rapidly

• Colonialism and the slave trade were seen as a bigger driver of economic growth according to Frank

• Weber was criticised for applying Protestantism to fit his thesis and rejecting elements that did not prove his ideas

• Highly influential in the development of new ideas about the purpose of religion and the role religion played in social changes