Catholicism, Protestantism, and Capitalism

This work has the dubious distinction of having convinced many well-meaning Catholics to become socialists. It consists in a collation of warmed-over Aristotle, economic misunderstanding and historical fairytale, all put together to justify the state interfering in every aspect of your (economic) life. Did you know Capitalism was really identical to Communism? That you shouldn't be allowed to sell anything below what it cost you to buy/produce it (whatever that is supposed to mean)? That the state should not allow you to take out a loan or buy insurance, let alone advertise your business. If you are willing to believe this kind of nonsense, by all means, go ahead and buy this, and I pray sincerely that you never end up in government. This classic work is an exhaustive philosophical, historical, and religious look at the relationship between Catholic and Protestant religious doctrine and both the historical and ideological growth of capitalism. Starting with a definition of capitalism, Fanfani examines how that definition squares with Catholic and Protestant teaching. He then looks at the historical development of the capitalistic mindset or mentality, and examines the growth of the mindset historically in light of both the Protestant and Catholic doctrine on economic life. This text will be of interest to all students of economic thought, philosophy, and Catholic or Christian studies.
One of the most scholarly and comprehensive treatments of the antagonism between Catholic doctrine and the capitalist spirit. Table of Contents 7 Preface 9 Foreword 29 Introduction 39 I. THE TERMS OF THE PROBLEM 49 II. THE ESSENCE OF CAPITALISM 55 III. INSTRUMENTS OF CAPITALISM 69 IV. THE STATE AND CAPITALISM 92 V. CATHOLICISM AND CAPITALISM 108 VI. THE RISE OF CAPITALISM 129 VII. PROTESTANTISM AND CAPITALISM 142 Table of Contents......Page 7 Preface......Page 9 Foreword......Page 29 Introduction......Page 39 I. THE TERMS OF THE PROBLEM......Page 49 II. THE ESSENCE OF CAPITALISM......Page 55 III. INSTRUMENTS OF CAPITALISM......Page 69 IV. THE STATE AND CAPITALISM......Page 92 V. CATHOLICISM AND CAPITALISM......Page 108 VI. THE RISE OF CAPITALISM......Page 129 VII. PROTESTANTISM AND CAPITALISM......Page 142 By Amintore Fanfani ; [foreword By Charles M.a. Clark ; Introduction By Giorgio Campanini]. The First English Translation Of The Work Was Published In May, 1935 By Sheed & Ward, London; That Translation Has Formed The Basis Of The Present Edition--t.p. Verso. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 158-187).