ipl-logo

Protestantism Vs Capitalism

703 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Essay on capitalism and Protestant theory

Capitalism is an economic system in which nation’s trade is depended on individuals, or private business, rather than by state. This economic system started to evolve in sixteenth century, in Europe. Netherlands and England are the places which are considered as the birthplaces of capitalism. So the question is, why where this two countries first to develop this system, and not other European countries? The answer to this question can’t be one issue only, but the main factor is, that they where Protestants. Protestantism played a huge role in development of capitalism, because of their beliefs (predestination), and encouragement of materialistic things.
Protestantism is branch of Christianity which also, like capitalism developed in sixteenth …show more content…

Predestination in Protestantism means that there are only few chosen persons and others are damned. No human can change if he or she is elect. "stressing the absolute sovereignty of God’s will, held that only those whom God specifically elects are saved, that this election is irresistible, and that man can do nothing to effect this salvation." (Columbia Encyclopedia, p. 428) This is a pretty pessimistic view of the world, but it creates “pessimistically disillusioned type of individualism”. They understood that nothing could save them if they were not elected by God. This made Protestants more rational in there thinking. They became more separated from church because they understood that church could not really save them. This kind of thinking on one hand would greatly enhance the spread of capitalism, because this economic system is founded on rationalism. without something extra the fact that there is no escape could lead to a complete lack of motivation, but Protestants, after realizing that they can only get as much as God wants them to get, …show more content…

Catholic’s believe that a person should not strive towards accumulation of wealth, “How hard it is for those who have riches to enter the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." (Luke 18:24-25). This certainly could not benefit in spread of capitalism, because capitalism is all about accumulation of wealth. On the other hand Protestant church has radically different relationship with wealth. They not only allow the gain of money, but they encourage people to do so. For them gain of wealth is associated with been the elected ones. This fact could greatly enhance the spread of

Show More
Related

Ap Euro Dbq Protestant Reformation

332 Words | 2 Pages

The Protestant Reformation had a huge impact in all Europe in the sixteen century, but which ones were the factors that lead to it? It is very important to highlight that the European Christianity was falling into a noticeable corruption of its popes and some other high position members. Robbery, and even warriors were among of some factors that took the Cristian Church to a declining path. One of these examples was the Pope Julius II, which one won the nickname “the warrior pope” because he led armies against people. Furthermore, the church was not the only factor promoting this reformation, some other social changes were occurring with the masses in Europe; many of the peasants were being free especially in the western Europe.

Read More

Summary Of William T Cavanaugh's Being Consumed

1404 Words | 6 Pages

William T Cavanaugh (2008), wrote Being Consumed: Economics and Christian Desire which is a philosophical book, which focus on four (4) economic life matters that addresses the consumer culture within society. These four economic life matters are free market, consumerism, globalization and economic scarcity. In order for this topic to be discussed on a theological point of view, the author draws the reader’s attention to human life, the ends of life in God. The key question in every process is whether or not the transaction contributes to the flourishing of each person involved. In order to address these questions the author points to concrete examples of alternative economic practices in which Christians participate-: business, co-operatives, credit union, practices of consumption which marks the vision for Christian economic life.

Read More

How Did Andrew Carnegie Wrote 'Wealth'?

886 Words | 4 Pages

The ‘Gospel of Wealth’ is “…obedience to which is destined some day to solve the problem of the Rich and the Poor, and to bring ‘”Peace on earth, among men Good-Will.’” 4. What does this document reveal about the particular society and period in question? What does the document reveal about the impact of big business on the U.S. in the 19th

Read More

Andrew Carnegie's The Gospel Of Wealth

1193 Words | 5 Pages

“The Gospel of Wealth” was written by Andrew Carnegie discusses the expansion era of industries post civil war, a time that produced extremely large wealth for many business at the time. Andrew Carnegie, was one of the top guys in the industry, he created an industry that made Carnegie very successful at the time. Carnegie thought that it was important for wealthy people to distribute their wealth throughout the society so communities in need will receive help. In the Gospel of Wealth he believes that the conditions of society have radically changed over the years, and it was certain that some people would become quite important and wealthy. He believes that the change that is occurring should be looked at a positive perspective and not in

Read More

Dbq Essay On The Protestant Reformation

1277 Words | 6 Pages

Since the Protestants advocated for secularism, countries either supported the Catholic church or were against it. One Protestant doctrine was Sola Scriptura and Sola Fide, which was Latin for scripture alone and faith alone. This idea can be seen when Martin Luther stated “A Christian is free & independent in every respect, a bondservant to none”. Luther did not see the Catholic church as Christian and wished to return Christianity to its original form. As a result of this, he was denounced by the church as he threatened their economic and political power.

Read More

Socialism In Upton Sinclair's The Jungle

1082 Words | 5 Pages

While it can be agreed upon that Jesus resented the qualities and attributes of those that are wealthy and love riches, it is apparent that He is not opposed to wealth as a whole. Wealth, in most cases, is a product of hard work and labor, which is often admired in the Bible. Jesus spoke of the importance of working for your deserved pay, something that is very relevant in a capitalist society. He commanded His disciples, “ ‘Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves.

Read More

How Did Martin Luther King Jr King Change The World

329 Words | 2 Pages

To define the meaning of the word hero would be someone who is selfless and courageous. There is no one alive right now who is as heroic as one of the most courageous Civil Rights Leader. The most courageous person is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. he was a man who wanted change in the world. Dr. King has a lot of the heroic characteristics he was a selfless man and a man who was showed no fear in the public eye.

Read More

Carnegie Conwell And Alger Advocates Of Wealth For All

1696 Words | 7 Pages

Carnegie, Conwell, and Alger Advocates of Wealth for All During the late nineteenth century, a form of Social Darwinism emerged called the Gospel of Wealth also known as the Success Gospel. Social Darwinism is “Herbert Spencer’s adaptation of Charles Darwin’s concepts of natural selection and “survival of the fittest” as it applies to human society” (Nash p. 417). Social Darwinists believed that the social order was the product of the natural selection of the individuals that were best suited for the existing living conditions. These individuals were white, Anglo-Saxon, wealthy men.

Read More

Protestant Reformation In The 1500's

574 Words | 3 Pages

The ideas of the Protestant reformation of the 1500’s had been in the minds of peasants for years because of the corruption of the Roman Catholic Church. Many people felt the clergy (church members) had taken advantage of the people, by becoming wealthy while the people were poor and hungry. There was also a rising sense of nationalism in Europe, that combined with the anger of the economic and political demands made by the Church, further angered the people. The church was spending money in many ways. The Pope was competing for political power in Italy, and had to fight off invasions from other countries.

Read More

How Did The Protestant Reformation Affect Western Civilization

461 Words | 2 Pages

When the Protestant Reformation occurred, it had a large effect on western civilization. The Protestant Reformation was the 16th century when Martin Luther wanted to increase life and develop the right way within the churches. The Protestant Reformation changed life for people for Europe by the changes with religion, gender, and class. In Europe, there was a lot of religions fighting for the chances of succeeding and having all the power.

Read More

David Landes Revolution In Time

211 Words | 1 Pages

Prior to the emergence of capitalism in 14th century Europe, all social relations were mediated by varying, unrelated, social formations and systems, such as trade, religion, families and tradition. Given the previous fact, a ubiquitous question is voiced amongst various economic thinkers, including David Landes in Revolution in Time, what was the primary mechanism behind Western Europe’s transformation from an isolated cesspool of backward thinking and traditional practice, into the engine of global commerce? Landes claims the driving force of capitalism was the revolution in time. In his solution, Landes is concerned with the historical origin of the interest in time-measurement, which he asserts led to the invention of the clock, more importantly

Read More

Protestant Reformation: Corruption Of The Roman Catholic Church

280 Words | 2 Pages

Protestant Reformation  Protestant Reformation was a European Christian movement. This movement, led by Martin Luther reformed the Roman Catholic Church practices and begin Protestantism. The reformation started because of the corruption of Roman Catholic Church.   The corruption that begin the protestant reformation was phony relics and indulgences. The church priests would sell these relics to poor people knowing that they were fake and build on lies only to make money for the church.

Read More

Hinduism And Confucianism Analysis

1451 Words | 6 Pages

Spending their wealth on luxurious items was seen to be disrespectful to God and as a result people expected to pour their earnings into their callings. This has close ties with the capitalist ethic. From this ethic, according to Weber, a system of capitalism emerged that no longer required ascetic values to sustain itself. These became the capitalist spirit. Working hard and worshiping, activities held in high regards by Protestants contributed to what we seen in contemporary society as being the capitalist ethic.

Read More

Would God Work By Capitalism Or Marxist Socialism?

809 Words | 4 Pages

Although Marxism, especially in its Communist form, has been negatively perceived throughout history, liberation theologians, Gustavo Gutierrez and Leonardo Boff, have imagined God’s kingdom offers a preferential option for the poor by way of Neo-Marxist ideals. The corruption of Capitalism has provided lavish wealth for the middle and upper classes within the United States while enslaving the lower classes, and also the Latin and South American countries from which the U.S. obtains its imports. Gutierrez, witnessing this systemic abuse, cried out against Capitalism, calling for equality for all and a utopia where the lowest classes are the priority. Ultimately, Gutierrez and other liberation theologians acknowledge the Reformed understanding of God’s kingdom that is both present, but also still to come.

Read More

Rise Of Capitalism Essay

2521 Words | 11 Pages

Even in its place of origin, the Great Britain, capitalism was still very much a minority affair, and this was much more so in the less-developed capitalisms of the other European nations. How does the capitalism interacted with its pre-capitalist environment in the course of developing from its minority status in the nineteenth century to its overwhelmingly majority status in the second half of the twentieth century? Here there are two conceptually distinguishable processes at work which in practice merge into one (Beaud, A History of Capitalism: 1500-2000). one, the capitalist system has strong tendency to expand internally as the individual capital compete with each other to lower costs and take over larger shares of markets already incorporated into the circuits of capital. This of course requires additional capital investment which is typically financed out of profits plus whatever pre-capitalist receivers of rent and interest choose to channel into these new ways of

Read More

More about Protestantism Vs Capitalism

Related Topics

Open Document