ABSTRACT
At first sight, it is perhaps puzzling why Max Weber’s Protestant Ethic essay has stimulated so much debate in sociology. Ascetic Protestantism created an ethos compatible with modern rational capitalism and did not stand in conflict with capitalist business methods and practices. The spirit of capitalism, which had its roots in ascetic Protestantism, stimulated and promoted a distinctively European type of economic development. Weber begins his essay by making the preliminary observation that certain religious affiliations have frequently been associated with success in business and with ownership of capital resources. In striking contrast to Catholic teaching the ascetic Protestant could not fall back upon ideas of atonement and remission of sin through confession and penance, good works or giving to the church. Weber’s thesis has inspired a flood of words and many criticisms. Many of his critics have failed to understand his point and have criticised him for or have cited evidence against things he did not claim.
