Gonna Party Like It’s 1995
The Summary
“The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism” by Max Weber and “Evangelicalism and Capitalism” by Dr. Jason Clark explore the relationship between religion and the rise of modern capitalism. Weber’s book focuses on the historical and cultural factors that led to the development of capitalism in Europe. At the same time, Clark’s work examines the role of evangelicalism in shaping the modern form of capitalism in the United States.
In the first part of Weber’s book, he overviews the historical and cultural factors that led to the rise of capitalism in Europe. Weber identifies four key factors, including the development of a rational, calculative mindset, the growth of the market economy, the rise of Protestantism, particularly Calvinism, and the development of new forms of organization. Weber argues that capitalism is a unique economic system characterized by rationality, efficiency, and the pursuit of profit.
In the second part of his book, Weber examines the relationship between the Protestant work ethic and the development of capitalism. He argues that Protestantism, particularly the Calvinist strain, emphasized the value of hard work, discipline, and thrift. This ethic encouraged individuals to invest their money in productive enterprises rather than wasting it on luxury goods or idle pursuits.
In “Evangelicalism and Capitalism,” Dr. Clark examines the relationship between evangelicalism and capitalism in the United States. He argues that evangelicals have played a crucial role in developing the modern capitalist system. He identifies several key themes in evangelical teaching that have supported the development of this form of capitalism, including the belief in the innate goodness of human nature, the emphasis on personal responsibility, and the importance of the free market.
Both Weber and Clark analyze the cultural and religious factors that support the development of capitalism, highlighting the importance of individualism, hard work, and the pursuit of profit in the modern capitalist system. However, they differ in their emphasis on the role of Protestantism. While Weber focuses on the historical and cultural factors that led to the development of capitalism in Europe, Clark examines the role of evangelicalism in shaping the modern form of capitalism in the United States.
My Takeaway This Week
I want to use the rest of my space talking about something Weber said that has stuck with me.
In Weber’s “The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism,” he wrote that “work was no longer seen as either degrading or as a punishment for sin, but rather as a calling or vocation that
should be undertaken for the glory of God.[1]” It seems like Dr. Clark also picked up on this when he said, “This focus and attention on the station and calling of life of the individual, drew out a new emphasis on providence.[2]” It was the Calvinist belief in the importance of personal responsibility and the concept of the calling or vocation that further reinforced the idea that work was no longer simply a means of earning a living but a way to serve God and fulfill one’s duty. This attitude towards work not only helped to create a new work ethic but also supported the rise of modern capitalism by encouraging individuals to invest in productive enterprises and accumulate wealth.
As I was wrapping my mind around this, I did some digging and came across the book Religion and the Transformation of Capitalism: Comparative Approaches. Though written back in 95, it still speaks with relevance today. In the book, David Bromley (one of the contributors) said, “Throughout American history material success has been a preeminent cultural goal that has structured both institutional arrangements and the lives of individual Americans. One important source of cultural underpinning for pursuit of economic success emanates from what social historians term the Gospel of Prosperity. The Gospel asserts that America has a special covenant with God— that in return for obeying his mandates and creating a Christian nation that will eventually carry His message and the American way of life to the entire world, God will raise up America as His most favoured people. The Gospel of Prosperity, which has taken a number of forms through American history, assumed its modern form in the post-Civil War period when individual prosperity came to be viewed as the reward for personal virtue and integrity[3]“. I still feel like this is a big part of the Evangelical identity today that I would love to explore but I’ve already gone over my word count.
[1] Weber, M. (1970). In The Protestant Ethic and the spirit of capitalism, p. 56 Unwin.
[2] Jason Paul Clark, “Evangelicalism and Capitalism: A Reparative Account and Diagnosis of Pathogeneses in the Relationship,” Faculty Publications – Portland Seminary (June 2018), https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1131&context=gfes.
[3] Religion and the Transformation of Capitalism : Comparative Approaches, edited by Richard H. Roberts, Taylor & Francis Group, 1995. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/georgefox/detail.action?docID=179888.
7 responses to “Gonna Party Like It’s 1995”
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Hey Daron,
Thank you for highlighting the Prosperity Gospel as an extreme form of the influence of our American cultural value of monetary acquisition with Protestantism. I wonder what some of the Spiritual practices we can do to mitigate the less extreme forms of Captitalism influencing our faith.
Thank you for your post Daron!
David,
Great question. I think two Spiritual practices that can help mitigate the less extreme form of Capitalism would be the practice of thankfulness and the practice of giving. It’s hard (for me) to fall into the trap when I am thankful. when I am not thankful I can easily drift towards a more extreme version.
Awesome post, Daron. I agree with all of it and especially that the gospel of prosperity has taken on many forms. Is there a right or wrong way? I’m not sure. I think awareness and balance are crucial, and so are our intentions. I’m right there with you in your response to David. I think giving plays a huge role in self-regulation and a spiritual/capitalistic mindset. Thanks for the words, my friend.
Daron,
Great summary of Weber and Clark. The highlights you made between calling, vocation and The Gospel of Prosperity made me consider the ways that we assume and validate how God is working in our life. This is the question of assurance that was at the forefront from the Reformers and those who lived out their faith in this new perspective, yet it is no different from us. It is a tempting and often understandable to see causation between virtue and reward. So, how do we know we are doing what God is calling us to do in our vocations? Is that even the right question to ask?
I agree with your thoughts about the blessing. I am curious on where you would like to explore. If you could would you touch on it just a little bit.
Deron,
Great job!
I need to make a dead stop when I am close to my word count!! We can only say so much! thumbs up
Daron…
I feel like you could go on and on with this topic! Great job! What religious and cultural factors do you think have contributed to the rise of modern capitalism, and how are they reflected in our everyday life?