Theology has consequences. We forget that at our peril.
The chancellor of Reformed Theological Seminary's key point can be summarized here:
“Ignoring political-correctness in favor of the obvious, Ferguson appeals to his readers to see that the remarkable civilization called the West is just so because of what he refers to as ‘six killer apps’ (using a computer metaphor). These apps are fundamental common commitments—a worldview, if you will—which has brought about the greatest advances in human history and the greatest opportunities for men to live free, happy lives. These ‘killer apps,’ according to Niall Ferguson, are ‘competition, science, property rights, medicine, the consumer society, and the work ethic’ (p. 13)– specifically, the Protestant work ethic that came as a result of this reformation in the 16th century. Ferguson describes this sixth application of Western civilization as ‘the glue of the dynamic’ (p. 13) that allows the other features to work. Yet Ferguson also observes that, ‘the Protestant ethic of thrift that one seemed so central to the Western project has all but vanished.’ (p. 17) I believe the Ferguson is absolutely spot on. He is spot on because Jesus Christ declared; ‘you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.’ We don’t have to look any further than here, in John chapter eight, to uncover the roots of the present Euro-Anglo-American debt quandary.”
Historiography is not the study of history. It is history writing (which used to be called “history”) or writing about history. As implied by the suffix “graphy.”
I’ve had enough of Max Weber’s crap. Somebody tell these suposed experts and professionals modern capitalism started in Catholic Italy.
Ooh, I can tell I’m going to enjoy this article...
This hits everyone, rich and poor alike.
Ping to read later.
These “killer apps,” according to Niall Ferguson, are “competition, science, property rights, medicine, the consumer society, and the work ethic” (p. 13)– specifically, the Protestant work ethic that came as a result of this reformation in the 16th century. Ferguson describes this sixth application of Western civilization as “the glue of the dynamic” (p. 13) that allows the other features to work.
First off, thank you for posting this.
I personally disagree that it is the “Protestant Work Ethic” or any work ethic that is the glue that holds these things together. I think it is Private Property, that is the glue. Even the Communists know this, as this is one of the things that they need to destroy before their dream of a “perfect world” can come true.
People work harder and longer when they know that they will reap the fruits of their labors. Look at Entrepreneurs, Farmers or the English Colonists at Jamestown and Plymouth.
In the case of the colonists the colonies were originally started up on the premise that everyone works and everyone shares in the fruits of their labors. They almost failed as colonies in their first year because of that. The next year they were allowed to claim land for themselves as long as the common area was worked first. Once they, (the colonists), knew that they could and would get the benefits from their own land the colonies became successful.
The same holds true today for entrepreneurs, they work nearly insane hours and sacrifice nearly all to achieve their dreams. Why? In the hope of course of reaping the benefits from all their hard labor.
I suppose I could go on, but I hope you now understand where I am coming from, Property Rights are the reason that the “west” is more successful in comparison to other cultures that don’t have the same appreciation for property rights.