It appears that there are different options of doing the economy in different Christian churches (orthodox, catholic, protestant). We would like conduct research focused on livelihood strategies of priests, who are dependent from local community on the one, and diocese on the other side.
Mr. Fikfak,
One may wish to look at Max Weber's "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism." While much criticism has been raised about this work, I think there is value in what Weber is saying. The mistake made by many is they claim Weber is showing a cause and effect while I see only a correlation that may have enhanced the environment for the development of capitalism in the USA. One must be careful of claiming historical accidents as intended cause. As the old academy saw goes, 'Correlation is not causation.'
Weber and others did not see the Catholic influence making a contribution toward capitalism's development. This may be too simply stated, because the Catholic Church developed the organizational structure that was used to develop large capitalistic organizations.
If you are looking only at clergy's strategies for survival from a material standpoint, I would think that the structure of the different faith communities would hinder. This is especially true for the Protestants, where materialism is much more accepted as a sign of election. I think this is absent in the Catholic Churches where the spiritual is more the goal, and the material is no indicator of progress. In fact, there are orders in the Catholic Church that take vows of poverty. This would tend to be quite contrary to the Protestant notions.
I wish you the best on your research. I'd be delighted to see your work.
Neal
Dear Jurij,
I agree largely to what Mr. McGregor has said. In addition, and as for the Catholic Church I consider it is important for your work, if you haven't done yet, to consider the official position of the Church on matters such as Capitalisms and the Market Economy, in the Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraphs 2401- 2463) among other official documents,
"2425 The Church has rejected the totalitarian and atheistic ideologies associated in modem times with “communism” or “socialism.” She has likewise refused to accept, in the practice of “capitalism,” individualism and the absolute primacy of the law of the marketplace over human labor. [206] Regulating the economy solely by centralized planning perverts the basis of social bonds; regulating it solely by the law of the marketplace fails social justice, for “there are many human needs which cannot be satisfied by the market.” [207] Reasonable regulation of the marketplace and economic initiatives, in keeping with a just hierarchy of values and a view to the common good, is to be commended."
My five cents
Dear Jurij,
Some of my articles deal with the proposed question.
In addition, you may consider the article "The Economic Performance of Great Religions" by Prof. Paul Fudulu.
Best,
Aurelian