Publisher's Synopsis
Based on years of scholarly research, this book reveals a Catholic Ethic that parallels the more well–known Protestant Ethic. John E. Tropman presents an insightful analysis of the deeply ingrained attitudes Americans have about money and work, and their view of people who have neither. Tropman offers a fresh perspective of the Protestant Ethic by contrasting it with the newly identified Catholic charity ethic. He outlines the key features that distinguish the Catholic Ethic from its Protestant counterpart including how the two ethics value money and work, family and community, and the individual. The Protestant Ethic which was first articulated by sociologist Max Weber is rooted in the values of work, wealth, and achievement while the Catholic Ethic is firmly based on long standing traditions and beliefs of sharing. Given the fundamental differences of the two ethics, the Catholic Ethic has a stronger value base for providing assistance to others, especially the poor and the disadvantaged. With the Protestant Ethic′s emphasis on achievement and self–reliance, charitable acts become fraught with concern, worry, and hesitancy.
