Religion and the Rise of Capitalism · Chapter
II: A Godly Discipline Versus the Religion of Trade explained
This chapter explores the complex and contradictory social philosophy of Puritanism, arguing that it contained both authoritarian collectivism and revolutionary individualism.
What happens
This chapter explores the complex and contradictory social philosophy of Puritanism, arguing that it contained both authoritarian collectivism and revolutionary individualism. While Puritanism sought to impose a rigorous godly discipline on economic life—condemning usury, extortion, and covetousness—it later became associated with capitalist individualism. The chapter traces this transformation through the teachings of figures like Ames and Baxter, and the practices of Puritan classes, showing how the same movement that aimed to cast money-changers from the temple eventually fostered an almost Utilitarian individualism.
Themes in this chapter
Puritanism and the Capitalist Spirit
The chapter examines the paradox that Puritanism, initially authoritarian and collectivist, later became a vehicle for capitalist individualism.
Conflict Between Ethics and Economics
Highlights the tension between Puritan moral teachings (against usury, covetousness) and the emerging capitalist spirit.
Transformation of Social Ethics
Traces how Puritan social theory shifted from rigorous discipline to an almost Utilitarian individualism over time.
The Role of the Church in Society
Discusses the Puritan vision of a godly discipline enforced by church censures and the classis system.
Characters to notice
- The Puritan
Central subject of the chapter; depicted as embodying both collectivist discipline and individualist liberty, with a social philosophy that evolved over time.
- Max Weber
Cited for his thesis that Calvinism in its English version was the parent of capitalism.
- Ernst Troeltsch
Mentioned as lending authority to the Weber thesis on Calvinism and capitalism.
- Dr. Cunningham
Cited as supporting the interpretation that Calvinism fostered capitalism.
- William Ames
His work 'De Conscientia' is discussed as a key Puritan manual on social ethics, advocating conservative economic practices.
- Richard Baxter
His rules of Christian morality are described as subtle and sincere but ultimately unable to take root in the capitalist spirit.
- John Calvin
Referenced for his economic teachings on interest and prices, and for the authoritarian discipline of Geneva.
- Sir Simonds D'Ewes
Example of a Puritan who ascribed a fire to divine judgment on ill-gotten gains and avoided usurious investments in his will.
Key passages
“Puritanism was the schoolmaster of the English middle classes. It heightened their virtues, sanctified, without eradicating, their convenient vices, and gave them an inexpugnable assurance that, behind virtues and vices alike, stood the majestic and inexorable laws of an omnipotent Providence, without whose foreknowledge not a hammer could beat upon the forge, not a figure could be added to the ledger.”
Puritanism educated the English middle classes, enhancing their virtues and blessing their convenient vices, while convincing them that all their actions were governed by divine laws.
Opening statement establishing Puritanism's role in shaping middle-class economic life.
“The triumph of Puritanism swept away all traces of any restriction or guidance in the employment of money.”
The victory of Puritanism removed all existing controls on how money could be used.
Quoted from a source, then challenged by the author as incomplete.
“To wish to buy cheap and to sell dear is common (as Augustine observes), but it is a common vice.”
Wanting to buy low and sell high is widespread, but it is still a sin.
Ames' teaching on prices, reflecting conservative Puritan economic ethics.
“The rules of Christian morality elaborated by Baxter were subtle and sincere. But they were like seeds carried by birds from a distant and fertile plain, and dropped upon a glacier. They were at once embalmed and sterilized in a river of ice.”
Baxter's moral teachings were well-intentioned but could not take root in the cold environment of capitalism.
Metaphor for the failure of Puritan ethics to restrain economic individualism.
