Chapter 5: Asceticism and the Spirit of Capitalism Summary and Analysis

To understand the link between the religion of ascetic Protestantism and economics, it is necessary to look to the writings of ministerial practice. Centuries ago, the cultural status of a Christian was dependent upon several factors: his ability to take communion, the pastor and the preaching of the church. For modern man, it is difficult to understand how matters of religion could be an important factor in economics. But it was those foregoing elements that formed a nation's cultural foundation.

The writings of Richard Baxter on Puritanism provide superior reference material because of his status of a writer as well as his practicality. Although Baxter was a Presbyterian, over time he distanced himself from Calvinism. His focus was on living the moral life with the guidance of the Church...