The influence of religion

This is a classical piece on the influence of religion by one of the founders of sociology, Max Weber. Unlike Marx who sees religion as a tool in the hands of bourgeoisie, Weber sees religion as a foundation of economic systems. In this selection, he argues that the Protestant movement which originated in Germany during the XV century, provided the seeds of the capitalist enterprise. Notions of hard work, frugality, a constant drive for profit, not a moment to waste – pillars of capitalism – have their origins precisely in the religious movements of 600 years ago. The reading is a little dense but consider these questions to guide your thinking.

What is the idea of a “calling” and the concept of predestiny?
In the middle ages, the author argues, prayer took precedence over work (you worked a little and prayed a lot). In modern ages, work took precedence over prayer (you worked a lot and prayed when you had time). How important is this shift?
Do you agree with the author’s claim that, during the modern ages, for the first time in the history of societies, work and your duty before God were one and the same?
What is the difference between a Catholic and a Protestant? How does a Catholic know what will happen in afterlife; how can a Catholic ensure a path to Heaven? What about a Protestant?
Does contemporary capitalism need religion to thrive?

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