Beliefs in Society: Religion & Social Change

What was Max Weber’s contribution to religious social change?

The Protestant Ethnic - interested in capitalism developing the same time as the Reformation.

Describe the Reformation.

Radical religious changes led by Martin Luther who criticise Priests and the wealth of the Catholic Church.

What social change did the Reformation bring about?

Weakening of Kings (Protestants answer only to God).

Industrialisation.

Greater equality for citizens.

What were the 3 key features over the Protestant movement?

1. Anxiety about heaven- Protestants cannot be absolved by confession.

2. Asceticism- self discipline and avoiding indulgences.

3. “intensely worldy activity”- Protestants become outward by converting people/charity. Catholics look inwards like nuns and monks.

What are the examples of Protestant Movement?

Calvinism.

Religious Society of Friends (Quakers)

What is Calvinism?

New Testament is historical fact.

“Predestination” and “Providence”

God is active in our lives.

Eve’s actions created a sinful humanity.

Traditional, asceticism practices.

What are Quakers?

Core belief: absolute equality of all people.

Non-dogmatic.

Pacifism.

Usually vegetarians and Teetotalists.

“Priesthood of all believers”

How does Protestantism lead to capitalism?

The Protestant Ethnic of not spending (asceticism) but rather reinvesting led to the development of capitalism.

Give examples of Protestants investing in others rather than themselves.

Cadbury.

Elizabeth Fry.

Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF).

Describe Bournville and anxiety getting into heaven.

Cadbury (1820s) was a quaker.

Teetotalist so no pubs in village, absolved from sin.

Housing with large garden and 2 days off.

What quote is used to describe Max Weber?

“arguing with the ghost of Marx”

What was Weber’s view on capitalism?

Capitalism is present, not automatically exploitative. E.g Cadbury was the best of capitalism.

Evaluate Weber’s theory.

Eisenstadt: Capitalism predates the reformation. Developed a lot in Roman Empire. Must be other values to kickstart it.

What are other arguments that religion is a force for social change?

Gustavo Gutierrez- preferential option.

Liberation Theology- love thy neighbour.

Other Marxist views that religion is a force for social change?

Gramsci- counter hegemony

Althusser- Early Christians opposed the structure of the Roman Empire.

Fundamentalism- Singleton (2011)

What is fundamentalism?

Sometimes violent interpretation of faith. Could be argued to bring about social change & conserve an older way of life.

What does Singleton (a fundamentalist) argue?

Some people interpretation of Islam are used to promote radical social change.

E.g Al Qaeda claimed 9/11 was a response to American airbases in Saudi Arabia which is considered sacred.

Evaluate fundamentalism.

Religion is a conservative force rather than a conservative force. Key idea to return to a more traditional way of life.

Lawrence Wright- Fundamental Islamic terrorists motivated by resistance to social change in early 20th century.

New religious movements.

Update laterz.