The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism · Chapter
III: Luther’s Conception of the Calling explained
This chapter examines Martin Luther's development of the concept of the 'calling' (Beruf), which, while elevating worldly work to a religious duty, remained traditionalistic and did not directly foster the spirit of capitalism.
What happens
This chapter examines Martin Luther's development of the concept of the 'calling' (Beruf), which, while elevating worldly work to a religious duty, remained traditionalistic and did not directly foster the spirit of capitalism. Weber argues that Luther's interpretation, rooted in Pauline indifference and later in a providential view, emphasized acceptance of one's station rather than rational acquisition. The chapter also clarifies that the Reformation's cultural consequences were largely unintended, and that Luther's economic views were backward compared to late Scholasticism. The focus shifts to Calvinism and Puritan sects as the more significant sources of the Protestant ethic.
Themes in this chapter
The Calling and Duty
Luther's concept of the calling as a divine ordinance, emphasizing acceptance of one's station, is central to this chapter.
Economic Traditionalism vs. Modern Capitalism
Luther's economic traditionalism, rooted in Pauline indifference and later providence, contrasts with the spirit of modern capitalism.
Cultural Impact of Religion
The chapter discusses how religious forces, particularly the Reformation, influenced the development of modern culture, often in unintended ways.
Characters to notice
- Martin Luther
Developed the concept of the calling, but his interpretation remained traditionalistic, emphasizing acceptance of one's divinely appointed station.
- Max Weber
Author of the study, analyzing the relationship between Protestant ethics and the spirit of capitalism, and clarifying the unintended consequences of the Reformation.
- Blaise Pascal
Contrasted with Luther; Pascal's contemplative hatred of worldly activity is cited as a contrast to the Protestant moral justification of work.
- Jacob Fugger
Mentioned as a representative of great merchants criticized by Luther, though Weber notes this criticism is not evidence of traditionalism.
- Oliver Cromwell
Cited for his letter to the Long Parliament, showing a capitalistic line of thought despite his Puritanism.
- St. Paul
His eschatological indifference to worldly activity influenced Luther's early view of the calling.
- Johannes Tauler
German mystic whose equalization of religious and worldly occupations anticipated Luther's idea of the calling, though Lutheranism later stepped back.
- Menno Simons
Mentioned as one of the religious reformers whose focus was on salvation of the soul, not ethical reform.
Key passages
“The salvation of the soul and that alone was the centre of their life and work.”
The sole focus of the reformers' lives and work was the salvation of the soul.
Weber emphasizes that religious motives, not ethical reform, drove the reformers.
“The cultural consequences of the Reformation were to a great extent, perhaps in the particular aspects with which we are dealing predominantly, unforeseen and even unwished for results of the labours of the reformers.”
The Reformation's cultural effects were largely unintended and even unwanted by the reformers themselves.
Weber highlights the unintended nature of the Reformation's impact on culture.
“The individual should remain once and for all in the station and calling in which God had placed him, and should restrain his worldly activity within the limits imposed by his established station in life.”
A person should stay in the role and job God assigned and limit worldly actions to that station.
This encapsulates Luther's traditionalistic view of the calling.
