The Protestant Ethic in Hungary

The Puritan Ethic and its Influence

Attila K. Molnár

• Publisher: Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht
• Year: 2024
• Print ISBN: 9783525540893
• eBook ISBN: 9783647540894
• Edition: 1
• Topic: Theology & Religion
• Subtopic: Christian Theology

While in the 16-17th centuries about the two thirds of the Hungarians belonged to the Reformed Church, the presence of the "spirit of capitalism" and the "protestant ethic" is rather questionable. The Calvinists did not play a different or decisive role in the capitalization process of Hungary at the end of the 19th century. The historical analysis focuses on the puritan doctrines can be found in the religiosity of Hungarian puritans and Reformed people in the 17th century. The "Hungarian Protestant ethic" differs from Weber's ideal-type in two respects: the Hungarian version is more pietistic, less activist; and it seems to have less practical influence in everyday life because of the weak religiosity. The Hungarian case does not refute Weber's thesis, but it call the attention to two important parts of historical analysis: the reinterpreting, selecting procedure in social context; and the intensity of religiosity.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title page
• Copyright
• Table of Contents
• Body
• I. The problem of the Protestant ethic
• II. The history of Puritanism in Hungary
• III. The Hungarian Puritan ethic
• IV. The Puritan ethic and this-worldly activity
• V. Calvinist religiosity in 17th century Hungary
• VI. The problem of religious and social change
• Bibliography
• Index of names