Introduction

The object of this book is to trace some strands in the development of religious thought on social and economic questions in the period which saw the transition from medieval to modern theories of social organization. It does not carry the subject beyond the beginning of the eighteenth century, and it makes no pretense of dealing with the history either of economic theory or of economic practice, except in so far as theory and practice were related to changes in religious opinion. In reality, however, the connection between them was intimate and vital. The revolutions, at once religious, political and social, which herald the transition from the medieval to the modern world, were hardly less decisive for the economic character of the new civilization than for its ecclesiastical organization and religious doctrines. The economic categories of modern society have their roots in the economic expansion and social convulsions which accompanied the age of the Renaissance and the Reformation.

This book traces some strands in the development of religious thinking about social and economic questions. It covers the period when medieval theories of social organization gave way to modern ones. It does not take the subject beyond the beginning of the eighteenth century. Nor does it claim to cover the history of economic theory or practice, except where they were connected to changes in religious opinion. In reality, however, the connection between them was close and vital. Religious, political, and social revolutions together marked the transition from the medieval to the modern world. They were hardly less decisive for the economic character of the new civilization than for its church organization and religious doctrines. The economic categories of modern society have their roots in the economic expansion and social upheavals of the Renaissance and the Reformation.

The history of religious thought on questions of social ethics is a topic which has been treated in England by the late Dr. Cunningham, by Sir William Ashley, whose essay on The Canonist Doctrine first interested me in the subject, by Mr. G. G. Coulton, Mr. H. G. Wood, and Mr. G. O’Brien. But it is no reflection on their work to say that the most important contributions of recent years have come from continental students, in particular Troeltsch, Choisy, Sombart, Brentano, Levy and, above all, Max Weber, whose celebrated essay on Die Protestantische Ethik und der Geist des Kapitalismus gave a new turn to the discussion. No one can work, on however humble a scale, in the same field, without being conscious of the heavy obligation under which these scholars have laid him. While I have not always been able to accept their conclusions, I am glad to have this opportunity of expressing my indebtedness to them. I regret that Mr. Coulton’s The Mediæval Village appeared too late for me to make use of its abundant stores of learning and insight.

In England, several scholars have written about the history of religious thought on social ethics. They include the late Dr. Cunningham and Sir William Ashley. Ashley’s essay on The Canonist Doctrine first interested me in the subject. Others include Mr. G. G. Coulton, Mr. H. G. Wood, and Mr. G. O’Brien. But it is no criticism of their work to say that the most important recent contributions have come from continental scholars. In particular, these include Troeltsch, Choisy, Sombart, Brentano, Levy and, above all, Max Weber. Weber’s celebrated essay on Die Protestantische Ethik und der Geist des Kapitalismus gave the discussion a new direction. Anyone working in the same field, however modestly, must recognize how much they owe these scholars. Although I have not always been able to accept their conclusions, I am glad to acknowledge my debt to them. I regret that Mr. Coulton’s The Mediæval Village appeared too late for me to draw on its abundant learning and insight.

It only remains for me to thank the friends whose assistance has enabled me to make this book somewhat less imperfect than it would otherwise have been. Mr. J. L. Hammond, Dr. E. Power, and Mr. A. P. Wadsworth have been kind enough to read, and to improve, the manuscript. Professor J. E. Neale, in addition to reading the proofs, has helped me most generously throughout with advice and criticism. I am deeply indebted both to Miss Bulkley, who has undertaken the thankless task of correcting the proofs and making an index, and to the London School of Economics and the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial Fund for enabling me to make use of her services. My obligation to the help given by my wife is beyond acknowledgment.

All that remains is to thank the friends who have helped make this book somewhat less imperfect than it would otherwise have been. Mr. J. L. Hammond, Dr. E. Power, and Mr. A. P. Wadsworth kindly read and improved the manuscript. Professor J. E. Neale read the proofs and has also helped me most generously throughout with advice and criticism. I am deeply grateful to Miss Bulkley for taking on the thankless task of correcting the proofs and making an index. I am also deeply grateful to the London School of Economics and the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial Fund for making her services available to me. The help my wife has given me is beyond acknowledgment.

R. H. Tawney.

R. H. Tawney.