Weber's Theory Of Religion Analysis

The Weberian argument states that the fear of eternal damnation has led to the rationalization process of hard work and asceticism; the capitalist ethos. Often, the idea of eternal suffering can also lead to multiple irrational behaviors. History attests to the countless number of human atrocities that have been committed in the name of religion. From the Buddhist Burma to the Islamic State, religion has often been used as a driving force for irrational and senseless actions, that somehow still revolve around salvation. In the sociological tradition of the relationship between the economic/social structure of society and religious beliefs, it is important to speak of the theological ethic and the spirit of business. The Islamic State militants, …show more content…
The fixed set of rules and structural hierarchy of authority do support this theory. This mystical process in Weber’s theory has been criticized by many academics and critics alike for a variety of reasons. Some academics would argue that the religious development grew out of the economic development: the United States of America became an economic force, not because of religion like Weber claims, but because the United States owned its natural resources to dominate, economically. Furthermore, despite it being called ‘the Protestant Ethic,’ Weber focus a great deal on Calvinism instead of Protestantism as a whole. Besides, the majority of today’s Calvinists are living in Socialist societies rather than capitalist ones. However, it is fair to point out that Weber’s analysis in The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism is not presented as a ‘description’ of reality. According to Weber, it is a proposed supposition, which can be of great aid to help us deconstruct history and re-construct a more concrete depiction of historical concepts. The sins of Adam and Eve could not only be expunged through exhausting toil but through the continued strive for the individual and collective process of the betterment of society. This uncertainty can lead to new theoretical horizons and not an end in itself. If it was not for Weber’s work, there would not be a comparison between a religious ethic and capitalism. Therefore, to assess a particular issue, even partially, serves the purpose of seeking answers to certain empirical questions. In various sections of the social sciences, the recombination of certain events and social phenomena can be constructive. However, the process of investigating can result in a misrepresentation and/or misinterpretation of certain factors. For Weber, it was the concept of the calling and some parts of Benjamin