what is ascetic protestantism

Asceticism in the Protestant cults is a strong force and acts to perpetuate the interests of the ruling class and their system of exploitation. The ideal of God the Protestant holds dispenses His grace to those he sees fit to and withholds it from others.

Full Answer

Is Protestantism better than Catholicism?

Yes, it is better than Catholicism. The Catholic Church does not adhere to sola scriptura, while much of Protestantism does. This is actually the root of Martin Luther's Protestant reformation. Scripture is the infallible word of God while the Pope, cardinals, bishops and priests are sinful men whose communication with God is illusory.

What are the drawbacks of living an ascetic life?

These are various disadvantages which I found in living the ascetic lifestyle:

• Struggles. Constant struggles with the urges and passions in which one needs to deny and restrain for he to achieve his ascetic ideals. ...
• Various criticism from the general population make one ponder again an again about the functionality of asceticism in one’s life, therefore leading him to a struggle not only with impulses ...
• Actual romantic love

What are the beliefs of Protestantism?

• Sola Scriptura ("Scripture alone"): The Bible alone is the sole authority for all matters of faith, life, and doctrine.
• Sola Fide ("faith alone"): Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ alone.
• Sola Gratia ("grace alone"): Salvation is by the grace of God alone.

More items...

Does Protestantism lead to atheism?

Protestantism carries with it and promotes a body of thinking that is at odds with the traditional western theistic worldview and ultimately inconsistent. It doesn't "lead" to atheism but rather creates a scenario where people would be led to modernity (the ideological movement) and classical liberalism.

What does ascetic mean in sociology?

Definition of Asceticism (noun) The doctrine that a highly spiritual state can be achieved by hard work, sobriety, and the renunciation of worldly pleasures.

What is asceticism according to Max Weber?

Asceticism is one of the main beliefs identified by Weber regarding Calvinism which encouraged followers to lead a frugal lifestyle without indulging in life's pleasures. This aided capitalism to grow as it encouraged making money and reinvesting it in their businesses.

What is this worldly asceticism?

Inner-worldly asceticism was characterized by Max Weber in Economy and Society as the concentration of human behavior upon activities leading to salvation within the context of the everyday world.

What is Weber's Protestant Ethic thesis?

In his terms, Weber's thesis, as originally expounded in The Protestant Ethic (1930), proposes that an 'inner' relationship or 'intimate'1 connection, (elective) 'affinity', and 'strong congruence' exists between ascetic Protestantism, notably Calvinism as its prototype, and the spirit of modern capitalism.

What is asceticism ethics?

Asceticism involves deliberately acting in ways that involve self-denial for the sake of positively cultivating one's moral character, where 'self-denial' is understood as resisting (or not submitting to) internal pressures to act in a ways that commonly lead to cognitive or sensual pleasure, or at least the absence of ...

What is the major argument in the Protestant ethic?

Max Weber's The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism is a study of the relationship between the ethics of ascetic Protestantism and the emergence of the spirit of modern capitalism. Weber argues that the religious ideas of groups such as the Calvinists played a role in creating the capitalistic spirit.

How did Protestant ethic lead to capitalism?

In the book, Weber wrote that capitalism in Northern Europe evolved when the Protestant (particularly Calvinist) ethic influenced large numbers of people to engage in work in the secular world, developing their own enterprises and engaging in trade and the accumulation of wealth for investment.

How is The Protestant Ethic different from the traditional attitude towards work?

The Protestant work ethic is more than a cultural norm that places a positive moral value on doing a good job. Based on a belief that work has intrinsic value for its own sake, it represents a value system that contributes to the experience of meaningfulness whilst performing work.

Did Weber believe in Calvinism?

The focus of Weber's study was that religion was an engine of social change. Weber identified features of the Calvinist protestant religion which he argued had the unintended consequence of playing a major role in kick-starting capitalism. Calvinism was a protestant religious movement from the 16th century.

What did Max Weber believe?

Max Weber is famous for his thesis that the “Protestant ethic” (the supposedly Protestant values of hard work, thrift, efficiency, and orderliness) contributed to the economic success of Protestant groups in the early stages of European capitalism.

What are the Protestant principles?

The purpose of this article is first of all to define the principle and then locate and explain its main tenets: justification through faith; refusal to leave the boundary; resistance of dogma; support for theological development; and rooting authority in Grace.

Where did the Protestant ethic come from?

The phrase was initially coined in 1904–1905 by Max Weber in his book The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. Weber asserted that Protestant ethics and values along with the Calvinist doctrine of asceticism and predestination enabled the rise and spread of capitalism.

What is asceticism in simple words?

1 : practicing strict self-denial as a measure of personal and especially spiritual discipline an ascetic monk an ascetic diet. 2 : austere in appearance, manner, or attitude.

What does asceticism mean in the Bible?

Asceticism is defined as personal, aiming at self-effacement before the divine, and encompasses strict chastity. Saldarini, Anthony J. “Asceticism and the Gospel of Matthew.” In Asceticism and the New Testament.

Is asceticism practiced today?

Asceticism has been historically observed in many religious traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Stoicism and Pythagoreanism and contemporary practices continue amongst some religious followers.

What is asceticism in Buddhism?

Asceticism consists of practices of self-discipline undertaken voluntarily in order to achieve a higher state of being. Buddhism has an interesting, rather ambivalent relation to asceticism. It is a movement that places the principle of moderation among the key doctrines of the tradition.

Why did Sufism grow?

Sufism grew as a mystical, somewhat hidden tradition in the mainstream Sunni and Shia Islam, state Eric Hanson and Karen Armstrong, likely in reaction to "the growing worldliness of Umayyad and Abassid societies". Acceptance of asceticism emerged in Sufism slowly because it was contrary to the sunnah, states Nile Green, and early Sufis condemned "ascetic practices as unnecessary public displays of what amounted to false piety". The ascetic Sufis were hunted and persecuted both by Sunni and Shia rulers, in various centuries.

What did Francis of Assisi practice?

In Christianity, Francis of Assisi and his followers practiced extreme acts of asceticism. Asceticism ( / əˈsɛtɪsɪzəm /; from the Greek: ἄσκησις áskesis, "exercise, training") is a lifestyle characterized by abstinence from sensual pleasures, often for the purpose of pursuing spiritual goals.

What is the meaning of "asceticism" in Arabic?

The Arabic word for asceticism is zuhd ( Zuhd in Islam ). The Islamic prophet Muhammad and his followers practiced asceticism. However, contemporary mainstream Islam has not had a tradition of asceticism, but its Sufi groups – have cherished an ascetic tradition for many centuries. Islamic literary sources and historians report that during the early Muslim conquests of the Middle East and North Africa (7th–10th centuries CE), some of the Muslim warriors guarding the frontier settlements were also ascetics; numerous historical accounts also report of some Christian monks that apostatized from Christianity, converted to Islam and joined the jihad, as well as of many Muslim warriors that repudiated Islam, converted to Christianity and became Christian monks. Monasticism is forbidden in Islam.

What are the practices of asceticism?

The natural ascetic practices have included simple living, begging, fasting and ethical practices such as humility, compassion, meditation, patience and prayer. Evidence of extreme asceticism in Christianity appear in 2nd-century texts and thereafter, in both Eastern Orthodox Christian and Western Christian traditions, such as the practice of chaining the body to rocks, eating only grass, praying seated on a pillar in the elements for decades such as by the monk Simeon Stylites, solitary confinement inside a cell, abandoning personal hygiene and adopting lifestyle of a beast, self-inflicted pain and voluntary suffering. Such ascetic practices were linked to the Christian concepts of sin and redemption.

What religions practice asceticism?

Asceticism has been historically observed in many religious traditions, including Buddhism, Jainism, Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, ...

Where did asceticism originate?

According to Richard Finn, much of early Christian asceticism has been traced to Judaism, but not to traditions within Greek asceticism. Some of the ascetic thoughts in Christianity nevertheless, Finn states, have roots in Greek moral thought. Virtuous living is not possible when an individual is craving bodily pleasures with desire and passion. Morality is not seen in the ancient theology as a balancing act between right and wrong, but a form of spiritual transformation, where the simple is sufficient, the bliss is within, the frugal is plenty.

Does asceticism lie in walking staff?

Asceticism doesn't lie in ascetic robes, or in walking staff, nor in the ashes. Asceticism doesn't lie in the earring, nor in the shaven head, nor blowing a conch. Asceticism lies in remaining pure amidst impurities. Asceticism doesn't lie in mere words; He is an ascetic who treats everyone alike.

Access Options

You can be signed in via any or all of the methods shown below at the same time.

Abstract

This is a review essay of the volume of the Max Weber Gesamtausgabe which contains the version of Die protestantische Ethik und der “Geist” des Kapitalismus that was published in the Archiv für Sozialwissenschaft und Sozialpolitik in 1904-1905. This volume also contains the major criticisms of Weber’s work and his replies.

What was the Reformation's view on asceticism?

With the advent of the modern era, especially with the Reformation, a radical critique of asceticism as it was conceived in the Middle Ages can be found. However, Luther’s doc trine of justification, which denied the worthiness of human efforts to obtain salvation, did not lead to ethical and moral indifference. The Reformation promoted a new understanding of asceticism, which changed from physical discipline and was manifested in the workplace, married life, respect for parents, and the undertaking of political responsibilities, obviously alongside prayer and meditation on the Bible. Max Weber (1958) discusses Protestant ethics in terms of this worldly asceticism and considers modern capitalism as an expression of the Puritan Calvinist mentality.

What is the role of asceticism in the Protestant world?

Analyzing the role of asceticism in the Protestant sphere, Jean Seguy (1972) highlights that it is not necessarily connected to work ethics but can assume other modes of expression, such as giving up tobacco or alcohol, a particular way of dressing, the adornment of a place of worship, or decoration of one’s home. Se´guy’s observations, integrating Weber’s interpretive scheme, still leave open the inquiry on the role of asceticism in the modern world.

What was the role of asceticism in the Middle Ages?

Asceticism in this period became further refined, developing new methods designed to perfect the exercises of the spiritual life. Among these a special place was devoted to mental prayers, which included the continual repetition of simple prayer formulas such as the rosary or brief invocations to the saints. Together with the repetition of oral formulas were repeated exterior acts of veneration, such as genuflection, often practiced with a deep penitential spirit, and the use of the hair shirt and other means of mortification.

What is the difference between asceticism and mysticism?

Max Weber contrasts asceticism and mysticism, specifying that the former considers salvation as the result of human actions in the world, while the latter refers to a particular state of enlightenment, which is reached only by a few select people through contemplation.

What did the founding fathers of sociology show interest in?

The founding fathers of sociology showed great interest in both asceticism and mysticism, above all particular forms of religious cohesion that developed from these two experiences throughout the centuries. Interest in these issues remains alive even in the con temporary world, and sociologists find it not only within new religious experiences but also in connection with different fields such as caring for the body or political activism.

What is the significance of asceticism?

Aside from the combination of physical and intellectual exercises, which have always had their own social relevance, asceticism refers to the complex relationship between nature and culture, as well as to the classic religious relationship between faith and reason; such aspects are the fruit of a continual and dynamic negotiation that develops within concrete social and cultural contexts.

What is the meaning of asceticism?

The concept of asceticism shows the unity of efforts through which an individual desires to progress in his moral, religious, and spiritual life. The original meaning of the term refers to any exercise, physical, intellectual, or moral, practiced with method and rigor, in hopes of self-improvement and progress. Notwithstanding the great flexibility that characterizes the application of asceticism, the concept always alludes to a search for perfection based on the submission of the body to the spirit, recalling the symbolic distinction between exterior and interior life.

What does the word "evangelisch" mean?

The German word evangelisch means Protestant, and is different from the German evangelikal, which refers to churches shaped by Evangelicalism. The English word evangelical usually refers to evangelical Protestant churches, and therefore to a certain part of Protestantism rather than to Protestantism as a whole.

What are some examples of Christian movements?

There are also Christian movements which cross denominational lines and even branches, and cannot be classified on the same level previously mentioned forms. Evangelicalism is a prominent example. Some of those movements are active exclusively within Protestantism, some are Christian-wide. Transdenominational movements are sometimes capable of affecting parts of the Catholic Church, such as does it the Charismatic Movement, which aims to incorporate beliefs and practices similar to Pentecostals into the various branches of Christianity. Neo-charismatic churches are sometimes regarded as a subgroup of the Charismatic Movement. Both are put under a common label of Charismatic Christianity (so-called Renewalists ), along with Pentecostals. Nondenominational churches and various house churches often adopt, or are akin to one of these movements.

How did Protestantism influence science?

The Merton Thesis has two separate parts: Firstly, it presents a theory that science changes due to an accumulation of observations and improvement in experimental technique and methodology; secondly, it puts forward the argument that the popularity of science in 17th-century England and the religious demography of the Royal Society (English scientists of that time were predominantly Puritans or other Protestants) can be explained by a correlation between Protestantism and the scientific values. Merton focused on English Puritanism and German Pietism as having been responsible for the development of the scientific revolution of the 17th and 18th centuries. He explained that the connection between religious affiliation and interest in science was the result of a significant synergy between the ascetic Protestant values and those of modern science. Protestant values encouraged scientific research by allowing science to identify God's influence on the world— his creation—and thus providing a religious justification for scientific research.

How did Calvin strengthen his democratic approach?

Calvin strengthened this basically democratic approach by including elected laymen ( church elders, presbyters) in his representative church government. The Huguenots added regional synods and a national synod, whose members were elected by the congregations, to Calvin's system of church self-government.

What church commemorates the protestation?

Memorial Church (finished and consecrated 1904) in Speyer commemorates the Protestation.

Why did the Anabaptists reject baptism?

Anabaptists required that baptismal candidates be able to make their own confessions of faith and so rejected baptism of infants. The early members of this movement did not accept the name Anabaptist, claiming that since infant baptism was unscriptural and null and void, the baptizing of believers was not a re-baptism but in fact their first real baptism. As a result of their views on the nature of baptism and other issues, Anabaptists were heavily persecuted during the 16th century and into the 17th by both Magisterial Protestants and Catholics. While most Anabaptists adhered to a literal interpretation of the Sermon on the Mount, which precluded taking oaths, participating in military actions, and participating in civil government, some who practiced re-baptism felt otherwise. They were thus technically Anabaptists, even though conservative Amish, Mennonites, and Hutterites and some historians tend to consider them as outside of true Anabaptism. Anabaptist reformers of the Radical Reformation are divided into Radical and the so-called Second Front. Some important Radical Reformation theologians were John of Leiden, Thomas Müntzer, Kaspar Schwenkfeld, Sebastian Franck, Menno Simons. Second Front Reformers included Hans Denck, Conrad Grebel, Balthasar Hubmaier and Felix Manz. Many Anabaptists today still use the Ausbund, which is the oldest hymnal still in continuous use.

What is the essence of the gospel?

Evangelicalism, or evangelical Protestantism, is a worldwide, transdenominational movement which maintains that the essence of the gospel consists in the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ 's atonement.

What is the difference between asceticism and monasticism?

In general, asceticism is the practice of strict self-denial as a means of attaining a higher spiritual plane. Monasticism is the state of being secluded from the world in order to fulfill religious vows. While most monks are ascetic, ascetics do not have to be monks. Asceticism comes from the Greek word askesis, meaning "exercise, training, ...

What is the purpose of asceticism and monasticism?

Answer. Asceticism and monasticism are two religious disciplines designed to de-emphasize the pleasures of the world so the practitioner can concentrate on the spiritual life. Both asceticism and monasticism have been adopted by worshipers of various faiths.

What is asceticism associated with?

Asceticism is usually associated with monks, priests, and yogis. The voluntary Nazarite vow could be seen as a mild form of asceticism.

What is monasticism based on?

Christian monasticism is based on an extreme interpretation of Jesus’ teachings on perfection ( Matthew 5:48 ), celibacy ( Matthew 19:10-12 ), and poverty ( Matthew 19:16-22 ). Monks and nuns attempt to control their environment and surround themselves with like-minded devotees. Many followers of Eastern religions also practice monasticism, ...

What does the Bible say about asceticism?

Followers of Christ are told to deny self ( Luke 9:23 ), but asceticism takes this command to an extreme. The Bible never suggests that a Christian should purposely seek out discomfort or pain. On the contrary, God has richly blessed us “with everything for our enjoyment” ( 1 Timothy 6:17 ).

Why do ascetics practice self denial?

In many cases, the ascetic practices self-denial in order to earn God’s favor or somehow purge himself from sin. This shows a misunderstanding of grace; no amount of austerity can earn salvation or merit God’s love ( Ephesians 2:8-9 ).

Is asceticism the same as stoicism?

Asceticism is not to be confused with Stoicism. Stoics believed that holiness can reside only in the spiritual realm, and all physical matter is evil. Ascetics do not necessarily believe that the flesh is evil, but they do go to great lengths to deny the flesh in order to transform the mind or “free” the spirit.

How does Weber relate asceticism to capitalism?

In this chapter, Weber attempts to connect asceticism with the modern capitalistic spirit. His first describes how the Puritan ethic encouraged hard work and the pursuit of profit. These claims are closely linked to Weber's observations until now. These ascetic Protestants were looking for signs of their own salvation, and their concept of the calling made them look for those signs in worldly achievements. Spending their money on luxuries was disrespectful to God, and they were expected to pour any profits back into their callings. These values are all closely linked to the capitalistic ethic, and Weber does a good job of drawing out the sources of these values. However, the next connection Weber makes is more troubling. Weber says that from this ethic, a system of capitalism emerged that no longer required ascetic values to sustain itself. These values became the capitalist spirit, and now we are all forced to follow them. However, Weber does not tell the story of how the capitalist system emerged, and by what mechanism ascetic Puritan values were replaced by something else. This suggests a gap in Weber's theoretical model. Do you consider this to be a serious gap, or is its content suggested in other parts of his work (such as Chapter 2, on the spirit of capitalism)?

What is the conclusion of Weber's study?

In conclusion, Weber mentions some of the areas that a more complete study would have to explore. First, one would have to explore the impact of ascetic rationalism on other areas of life, and its historical development would have to be more rigorously traced.

What was the psychological effect of Asceticism?

It had the psychological effect of freeing the acquisition if goods from traditionalist ethics' inhibitions. Asceticism also condemned dishonesty and impulsive greed. The pursuit of wealth in itself was bad, but attaining it as the result of one's labor was a sign of God's blessing.

Did wealth have a secularizing effect?

It is true that once attained, wealth had a secularizing effect. In fact, we see that the full economic effects of these religious movements actually came after the peak of religious enthusiasm. "The religious roots died out slowly, giving way to utilitarian worldliness.".

Overview

Religions

Etymology and meaning

Sociological and psychological views

Nietzsche's and Epicurus' view

See also

Further reading

External links