From Sacred to Secular: The Rationalization of Christian Theology
This paper outlines the transition in thought from what has been called the "monastic ideal" to the current stages of "rational capitalism". It treats the way in which the transition from sacred to secular thought systems (especially since the Protestant Reformation) has led to t...
| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Electronic Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Wiley-Blackwell
[1971]
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| In: |
Journal for the scientific study of religion
Year: 1971, Volume: 10, Issue: 1, Pages: 1-9 |
| Further subjects: | B
Protestant Ethics
B Secular ethics B Morality B Popes B Churches B Sin B Capitalism |
| Online Access: |
Volltext (Resolving-System) Volltext (doi) |
| Summary: | This paper outlines the transition in thought from what has been called the "monastic ideal" to the current stages of "rational capitalism". It treats the way in which the transition from sacred to secular thought systems (especially since the Protestant Reformation) has led to the establishment of an unforeseen dilemma, i.e., a trend toward a moral society of amoral members. This condition has been brought about in some ways intentionally and in other ways inadvertently, by eliminating magic from the world in the form of the societal members' acceptance of and preoccupation with papal infallibility, religious ritual, sin, and salvation. The above had the consequence of rationalizing society and allowing for greater predictability and economic gain. Many of the stages in this transition, the sum total of which now constitutes the social and theological dilemma noted above, often resulted in spite of and contrary to the avowed intentions of their unwitting creators. The paper treats the question of how these "latent" functions managed to "manifest" themselves. There is something in the air of the modern world: a defiance of authority, a contagious irresponsibility, a kind of moral delinquency, no longer restrained by religious or ethical faith. And these attitudes are now threatening not only personal serenity but also public order in many parts of the world. |
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| ISSN: | 1468-5906 |
| Contains: | Enthalten in: Journal for the scientific study of religion
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| Persistent identifiers: | DOI: 10.2307/1385312 |