The Catholic ethic and the spirit of community / John E. Tropman.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Tropman, John E.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Christian ethics--Catholic authors.

Christian ethics.

Communities--Religious aspects--Catholic Church.

Communities.

Physical Description:

xxii, 290 pages ; 23 cm

Place of Publication:

Washington, D.C. : Georgetown University Press, 2002.

Summary:

Starting where Max Weber's The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism left off, John E. Tropman develops the idea that there is another religious-based ethic permeating society, a Catholic ethic. Where Weber proposed that a Protestant ethic supported the development of capitalism, Tropman argues that there is a Catholic ethic as well, and that it is more caring and community-oriented. Tropman outlines a Catholic ethic that is distinctive in its sympathy and outreach toward the poor, and in its emphasis on family and community over economic success. This book fully explores the Catholic ethic and its differing focus by using both historical and survey research. It also points to the existence of other religious-based ethics. This clearly written book, employing the tools of both sociology and religious thought, will appeal to a wide audience, including those interested in the influence of religion on politics and on social and economic behavior.

Contents:

Introduction: The Catholic Ethic: Whys and Wherefores 1

Part I The Catholic Ethic and the Spirit of Community 11

Chapter 1 The Catholic Ethic and the Protestant Ethic 13

Chapter 2 The Hidden Ethic 25

Part II Pillars of the Catholic Ethic 35

Chapter 3 Work and the Catholic Ethic: What Work Means 39

Chapter 4 Money and the Catholic Ethic: What Money Buys 45

Chapter 5 Family and the Catholic Ethic: All in the Family 52

Chapter 6 Fault-Forgiveness and the Catholic Ethic: I'm OK, You're OK 58

Chapter 7 Otherworldliness and the Catholic Ethic: Where Change and Achievement Can Really Matter 67

Chapter 8 Structural Features of the Catholic Ethic 74

Part III A Cultural and Structural History of the Catholic Ethic and Community Helping 81

Chapter 9 A Social Values Perspective on the Catholic Ethic and Community Helping 87

Chapter 10 A Social Structural Perspective on the Catholic Ethic and Community Helping 103

Part IV Expressions of the Catholic Ethic: Public Policy Opinion in Contemporary America 123

Chapter 11 Let the Numbers Do the Talking 125

Part V The Long View: Past, Present, and Future 153

Chapter 12 Applications of the Catholic Ethic Concept: Schematics and Prismatics 157

Chapter 13 The Catholic Ethic: Questions and Conclusions 175

Appendix A Theological Reflections on the Catholic Ethic / Gregory Baum 193

Appendix B The Practice of Charity: The Example of Catholic Charities USA / Thomas J. Harvey 206

Appendix C The Cadre Study 218

Appendix D Social Encyclicals of the Catholic Church / Gerhard J. Schwab 231

Appendix E Catholic Sites on the Internet 248.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 267-284) and index.

ISBN:

0878408908

OCLC:

47844855