Religion and Social Change Flashcards
How does Weber argue that religion is a force of social change?
Calvinism values wealth and the persuit of profit which leads to a capitalist society
What is the spirit of capitalism?
Persuing profit for it’s own sake rather than for consumption
What are the main Calvinsit beliefs?
Predestination: God has already selected which souls are to be saved.
Salvation panic: People don’t know if they have been selected to be saved
Wealth and sucess is taken as a sign they are in God’s favour
Any money they earn goes back into the business as they value an ascetic lifestyle
What is a salvation panic?
Calvinists panic as they don’t know if they have been saved or if they are going to hell
What is an ascetic lifestyle?
A life without luxury goods where they can devote themselves to God
Why has capitalism failed in some developed countries?
Lack of a beleif system that favours material wealth
How do Marxists critisize Weber?
They argue that he overestimates the role of ideas and underestimates economic factors
How does Tawny critisize Weber?
Technology caused capitalism and the ruling class used Calvinism to legitimise their persuit of economic growth
What are the two examples of religion being used in social protest?
American civil rights movement
New Christian Right
Who comments on religion being used in social protest?
Bruce
How does Bruce describe the role of the church in the civil rights movement?
Provided meeting places and sanctury
Hyms were a source of unity
Shame whites into changing the law based on shared christian values
Beleifs provide motivation
How does Bruce argue that churches are equipped to contribute to social change?
They can take the moral high ground
They give focus at times of life crisis so people take refuge in the cause
Respected on both sides of the conflict
Why have the New Christian Right been unsucessful in their social protest?
Bruce argues that there is little widespread support as their values are not in line with wider society
What kind of sociologist is Bloch?
Marxist
How does Bloch argue that religion can inspire social change?
It gives people hope and a vision of a better world so they are more able to see social issues and are inspired to change them
