Weber on Religion

Weber on 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

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

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

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

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

Acestism:

  • Abstinence, self-discipline and self-denial.

  • Live a simple life as Jesus did

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.

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

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

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