Weber calvanism

Weber’s key idea

That religion acts as an engine for social change.

What is Calvinism and what did Weber argue

Calvinism is a protestant Christian belief that Weber agues is the reason for capitalism.

Key factors of Calvanism

• Predestination - the idea that God has already decided the fate of our souls before birth. You could only go to heaven if you were apart of the ‘elect’.

• Divine transcendent - concept that God is fundamentally different from, superior to, and exists independently from human.

• Ascetism - This refers to abstinence (going without), self-discipline and self-denial. For example, Monks rejecting luxury items, wearing simple clothes etc.

Define salvation panic 

Weber argues this is a feeling of ‘unprecedented loneliness’, panic and alienation due to a result of predestination. Therefore, this led to Calvinist to actively look for a sign that they were among the elect. They increasingly came to see success as a sign and therefore threw themselves into work.

How did Calvinist beliefs contribute to the development of capitalism?

Calvinist beliefs, particularly the emphasis on asceticism and the idea that individuals should live purposefully and follow a "calling," encouraged hard work and discipline. Calvinists often found success in business because of these values. However, rather than spending their profits on luxury or indulgence, they typically reinvested their earnings back into their enterprises. This cycle of earning and reinvesting laid the foundation for capitalist values and the modern capitalist spirit.

Evaluate Weber

1. Weber's View: Weber acknowledged that Calvinism was not the only cause of capitalism, but he believed it played an important role.

2. Criticism of Weber vs. Marx: Weber is seen as challenging Marx’s idea that religion reflects economic conditions, by arguing instead that religious beliefs (like Calvinism) could drive economic change. ‘Debate with the ghost of Marx’!

3. Tawney: Tawney believed capitalism influenced Protestantism as much as Protestantism influenced capitalism, with rational thinking (not fear of damnation) aligning the two.

4. Geographical Counterpoint: Critics highlight regions like Scotland, where Calvinism was strong but capitalism did not flourish, suggesting other factors were at play.

5. Theological Critique: Some argue that Weber misunderstood Calvinism and other religions, making his interpretation theologically flawed.