종교개혁과 자본주의 정신 : 막스 베버의 관점과 기독교적 의미

Abstract

This paper analyzes Max Weber’s book, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, aiming to connect up with teachings of Protestant ethic in terms of contemporary industrial culture. As the book shows, Weber’s study focuses above all on the origins of modern capitalism. He wants to affirm internal intimacy of Protestant ethic and the modern capitalism. Weber’s method of study is to identify key drivers of the modern capitalist economic system. Weber helped to analyze the built-in factors that can be perceived as the influence of religious culture in the spirit of modern capitalism.BR This paper proceeds as follows. Exploration of the economic situation in Europe before the Reformation period is followed by introductory statement. Then we will examine at the economic view of the Reformers, Luther and Calvin. This paper then analyze Weber’s work centering on selective affinity between Protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism. Here I will argue critical evaluations of Weber’s proposition. Weber’s argument aroused critical responses. The point of criticism can be summarized in two dimensions: First is the origin and nature of the capitalist mind. Second is the view that Weber’s sociological method of religion criticized and overcome Marxist historical materialism and presented psychological elements of historical development phenomenon through empirical studies. This paper will asses how persuasive these two critics are.BR In conclusion, this paper will discuss as to Weber’s proposition is still valid. In relation to the social role and function of religion, this paper will try to explore what Weber’s thesis means to Korean churches.