The sociologist Max Weber wrote "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism," which has become a classic. Weber traced the development of the modern economic system in northern Europe to the rise of the Protestant worldview. He quotes John Wesley's observation on a certain tension between the religion and economic growth:
"I fear, wherever riches have increased, the essence of religion has decreased in the same proportion. Therefore, I do not see how it is possible, in the nature of things, for any revival of true religion to continue long. For religion must necessarily produce both industry and frugality, and these cannot but produce riches. But as riches increase, so will pride, anger, and love of the world in all its branches."
To give you some context, Wesley taught his followers to act virtuously at home and at the workplace. This new way of living led to economic success and lifted many of the first Methodists out of poverty and into the middle class. Many of them went on to take leadership roles in society. Later in life, Wesley lamented that the new wealth and new lifestyle became a temptation for the Methodists and many lost their zeal for Christ.
Do you find evidence of the relationship described by Wesley in our contemporary society? What does Scripture say about this? Where do you see the economy and religion in our society going?
