Religion and Society Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Religion and Society - Essay Example This led to the conclusion that Protestantism in Europe helped to shape capitalism thereby having a profound effect on economic systems across Europe. I hold the opinion that religion and economy are closely linked and both have a major contribution in the society. Religion affects how people relate with each other and themselves, thereby having a huge impact on the views, opinions and beliefs of individuals with regard to other activities that they are engaged in within their societies. These opinions, worldviews and beliefs are then transferred in business where people exchange goods and services using recognized media of exchange. Religious values such as love, respect, trust hard work and other doctrines such as salvation, sin and predestination also shape how people view ownership, use and disposal of property (Johnstone, 2007). Religion encourages people to be diligent and take care of the surroundings in a way that pleases the Supreme Being, through hard work. Max Weber, realizing the influence of religion on individuals sought to analyze how such influence affected how individuals perceived the economy and business in general. In his theory, Max Weber attempts to elucidate the emergence of Europe and its uniqueness as a dominant economic force globally. Protestantism forms the core of his theory on the origins of capitalism as a major economic model. Capitalism emerged in the 17th century; concurrently with the Protestant reformation, that was taking place in Europe (Johnstone, 2007). During this time, religion was very important to most people and had a lot of influence in their actions and ways of thinking. According to Weber, capitalism began from religion and not from any technological developments that had started springing in the society at the time. Calvinist religions in Germany in particular were very fundamental in shaping the economic system in Germany and across Europe. Weber believed that the work ethic of