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Max Weber Protestants

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The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism

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Max Weber through his book The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism seeks to give a vivid picture on the religious dogmas contribution to the proliferation of capitalism in the modern society. In essence, Weber argues that the Protestants doctrines facilitated the rise of new social order that was heavily capitalistic. He highlights the use of religion to impose and develop the common standards in the society. Religion is exposed as a driver to the economic model adopted in the modern civilized society. For instance, Weber notes that;
"Now naturally the whole ascetic literature of almost all denominations is saturated within the idea that faithful labor, even at low wages, on the part of those whom life offers no other opportunities, is highly pleasing to God. In his respect Protestant Asceticism added in itself nothing new. But it not only deepened this idea most powerfully, it also created the force which was alone decisive for its effectiveness: the psychological sanction of it through the conception of this labour as a calling, as the best, often in the last analysis the only means of attaining certainty of grace. ... The treatment of labour as a calling became as characteristics of the modern worker as the corresponding attitude towards acquisition of the businessman." (Weber, & Parsons, 2005,p 121).
In the quoted section of the book, Weber seeks to clear understanding on the way religion has been used to drive forward the ideas of the capitalists. Religious doctrines drove the Protestants towards capitalism and imposed to them the expected ethical standards. Through quoting specific section of the Bible, the proponents for the capitalism were able to achieve their goals. The Protestants Asceticism sought to bring self-discipline and adherence to the

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