In sociologist Max Weber’s view, Calvinism’s doctrine of predestination is “unique of the utmost psychological efficacy,” developing several traits crucial to the rise of the “ capitalist spirit.” Weber argues that Calvinism’s doctrines play an outsized role in developing the modern capitalist spirit, especially through the doctrine of predestination which encourages an “austere,” individualistic, and “methodical” approach to life, conducive to capitalist enterprise. Beyond Calvinism, this doctrine went on to influence many subsequent Protestant traditions, particularly the Puritans. Living in Switzerland during the Reformation, John Calvin developed the set of doctrines known as Calvinism-most notably the doctrine of predestination, which states that all of humanity is utterly wretched and God simply chooses a small minority to grant salvation to, damning the rest as they deserve. Though the German monk Martin Luther initiated the Protestant Reformation, French theologian John Calvin arguably played an equally significant role in early Protestantism.
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