1. Max Weber

2. Background Info Born April 21,1864 Died June 14, 1920
His parents were Protestants
Based theories on Karl Marx’s findings and theories
Many of his studies had to deal with religion

3. Other-Worldly Mysticism
Religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Shintoism
Believes you can escape the world not physically, but mentally
Goal is to endure life trials by detachment
Can separate from pain and hunger of their bodies, therefore salvation is achieved

4. Inner-Worldly Asceticism
Believe that its not the world, but our own temptations and doubts that causes suffering
World and body can be disciplined to suppress temptation, and even defeat it
Salvation lies in living while disciplining body to avoid excess pain and pleasure

5. Weber’s Theories
Once fully operational, either classification of religion would affect people’s attitudes about the world, resulting in different behavior
When many share same outlook it affects development and nature of other institutions in that society

6. Protestant Ethics Thesis
Religion and economic impulses are contradictory
Religious impulse is to escape suffering, and suffering is tied to phys. Conditions
Economic impulse to meet phys. needs
Religion ignores phys. Needs, the economy embraces them