ethics plays a vital role in shaping human thinking and strengthening a sense of belonging to humanity as a whole. however, the concept of ethics differs across regions, historical periods, and cultures. because of these differences, it became necessary to establish a universal framework that treats ethics as a fundamental human value. this need led to the emergence of the concept of the universal declaration of human rights.
the essence of protestantism, as described by sociologist max weber in his book the protestant ethic and the spirit of capitalism, lies in its ability to transform organized worldly work into a moral and religious duty. this approach emphasizes discipline, self-control, and austerity. in this system, economic success is viewed as the result of diligence and discipline rather than a simple pursuit of material wealth.
according to this ethic, any honorable profession, when regarded as a divine calling, must be carried out with seriousness and consistency. work should not be treated merely as a source of income or entertainment. worldly asceticism encourages believers to earn their living through rational and organized means while avoiding extravagance, luxury, and showy consumption. profits are expected to be reinvested rather than wasted on temporary pleasures.
in traditionally calvinist cities such as geneva, zurich, and amsterdam, strict moral values were enforced. extravagance was discouraged, time and labor were carefully organized, and public behavior was closely monitored. disciplined commerce, saving, and commitment to work, crafts, and trade were promoted, and fear of god was linked to professional responsibility. as a result, the hardworking and disciplined merchant or banker became a respected moral ideal.
this culture led to the widespread use of diaries, careful bookkeeping, and strict respect for contracts, alongside a relatively simple domestic lifestyle. england and the united states adopted these values early through the puritans, who celebrated the idea of the “self-made man” who achieved success through hard work, discipline, and frugality.
however, this does not mean that these ethical values were adopted only by protestants. one major criticism of max weber is that he exaggerated the role of protestantism while minimizing other important factors. forms of modern capitalism also emerged in catholic regions such as italy and france before the spread of calvinism. this challenges the idea of an exclusive connection between protestantism and capitalism.
these values are not unique to protestantism. similar ethical principles can be found in catholicism, judaism, islam, and confucianism. in all these traditions, the ultimate goal of morality is to cultivate a noble individual who serves as a positive example for family and society.
in these belief systems, morality is not merely theoretical. it is a practical project that emphasizes education and daily behavior, linking personal virtue with social harmony and good governance.
islam differs from protestantism in several important ways, although some thinkers argue that islam aligns more closely with protestantism than with catholicism in certain aspects. in protestantism, good character and righteous actions are considered evidence of true faith. in islam, faith requires not only belief in the heart but also the performance of specific daily and seasonal religious practices. these acts of worship are conditions for salvation and entry into paradise on the day of judgment. belief alone is not sufficient; it must be accompanied by adherence to defined principles and proper religious practice at the prescribed times and places.