Thanks for watching. Obviously the history of the modern world is extremely complicated, but I don't think we can discount the influence of Protestantism from the dramatic transformation it has gone through. Please consider supporting the channel if you can: brianholdsworth.ca/help
I am just glad I found your channel and you definitely know what you’re talking about I would say this and maybe this could be another video idea in itself but because society is so secularized anyway maybe part of it is a confusion on what leisure is especially in the secular society where leisure ends up in doing bad things drugs alcohol and other inappropriate things so maybe a video idea could be what proper leisure is just a thought
I think it is ironic because Protestantism's Sola Fide rhetoric also seemed to down play the importance of good works for our salvation. Also, Catholic monasteries emphasized hard work among the monks. They would be hard at work copying or maintaining manuscripts or doing many chores. By keeping themselves occupied they avoid temptations to sin. I have heard some people argue that Max Weber was wrong. That he had a Pro-Protestant, Anti-Catholic bias. That the reasons for the economic differences between Protestant countries and Catholic countries had nothing to do with their religious differences, but other factors.
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." Matthew 6:28-29
I was raised Protestant with harsh anti-Catholic views. Protestantism led to atheism. (just saying Christ saved me and then go on living as nothing changes felt plastic). After 9 years of atheism, I awoke one day to the strongest voice of the Holy Spirit in me telling me to to Catholic Church. Long story short, myself and family have been TLM Catholics for years now and the Catholic life of sanctification and theosis bring so much fulfillment and understanding to my life.
@ that’s both true and untrue. He has allowed FSSP to continue with Catholicism. And it is truly sad he wants normie Catholics to be stuck with terrible liturgy. This is a chastisement to the church. But Christ has assured us the remnant of true believers will be victorious.
@@duaneadams5210 He actually has even given the SSPX additional faculties. And it looks like he may grant them new bishops. I think he wants the default rite to be the NO, which may be why he’s cracking down on indult TLM. But I don’t think he’ll touch the FSSP, ICK or SSPX. I could be wrong but currently I believe he will not go there just as he doesn’t mess with the other rites of the Church.
Was hoping you might bring up Tolkien, and you did! Thank you! I used to be a workaholic. Was using it to escape anxiety. And then I got sick and for the past few years God has been teaching me (via Tolkien and other books like Tuck Everlasting) the sacred value of rest and being able to rest in God. Saw your video the other day talking about whether you should keep the channel. My vote is yes! You should keep it going if possible. I like being able to study religions from both their clergy and their passionate and educated layman. You're a liberal arts homeschooler? That makes so much sense! You, Bishop Barron, Jordan Peterson, Pastor Jeff, Larry Arnn. You're all liberal arts. So cool.
Thank you for putting into words feelings I've had for years now. You put this much better than I've ever been able to, and in a very accessible way. I appreciate your work very much.
I felt this during my last years of high school. My time from elementary to junior high were some of the best years of my time at school. So many events and amazing programs that felt amazing to participate. I remember the number of times I served as an altar boy during feast days and special masses. But things changed when I was in senior high. So many of the events that used to be more prominent were reduced and the teachers became more strict. I don't know why but probably because the leaders changed but the new ones in charge experimented and increase the school work. I have no iead why.
The distinction between idleness and leisure is profound, yet barely known today. Work/careers are indeed important, and care should be undertaken so they're done well, but duties to community, family, the self, and God serve greater ends, don't they?
This resonates with me. I feel like I lost the best (physical) years of my life in university and working. I hated work but I was good at it, and guilted into by my Protestant parents who think if you aren’t busy, or making work for yourself, you’re basically good for nothing. If I was between jobs for a more than 2 weeks I basically got shunned by my family for being “lazy”. When I got on salary with a demanding company I worked 12-16 hour days on a regular basis, only technically paid for 8. I converted to Catholicism and seeing all this now and how much of my life was wasted. It’s too bad. It’s good to be honest toward your employer and give them the respect due for wages but I went overboard with it.
The government takes half a day off your work income if you are in poverty, but over a full day's of your income is taken before you look if you are even barely out of poverty.
In my country we we get a long education from a young age, and from then on we work a lot. Now most of the population have backpain, and we have stopped reproducing, more or less. We're slowly dying out, it seems. I hardly have time for my own child.
It's very hard to put family etc. first in the modern workplace with its constant demand for more, and "burnout" is common. The frustrating thing is that most businesses, especially big ones, are very inefficiently run and a lot of the time and effort spent is wasted. Especially pernicious is "presentism" when people do long (but largely non-productive) hours to impress superiors.
Finally I’ve been waiting for this topic to be discussed! Nobody really talks about it, but I think it’s very important. Thank you so much and God bless!
Hi all! I think Brian made some good points about prioritizing things that ought to be very important for us like family, friends, community etc. however I'm not entirely in agreement about 9-5 being a bad thing as this was a significant victory for unions in the late 19th and early 20th century as workers were often doing a lot more hours and their jobs tended to be considerably more laborious than the average person today alongside far less job security. If anything, the modern problems are an attempt to overturn or circumvent both the letter and spirit of these laws in order to increase profits, there are, however, examples of small victories across the Anglosphere such as New Zealand banning zero hour contracts, France making it illegal for employers to contact their employees about work outside of working hours as well as making it illegal for people to work more than six days a week. We shouldn't romanticize the past either as those people working in the fields had far fewer securities and support than we do. There's still a long way to go for sure but let's not forget the positive gains we've experienced in the last century.
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ" Colossians 3:23-24. God gave us work because we need it. Glorifying God is our purpose, and we do that through work and loving those around us. While you may do good work defending the faith, and I appreciate that, but you cannot wag your finger and sneer at Protestants for everything you perceive to be wrong with the world. If you truly want Protestants to become Catholics then looking down on us will not accomplish that. God bless.
Although we do work more hours in terms of labor, we still work less than anyone else in history because we have technology to replace most work. We have microwaves to prepare meals in minutes. The promise technology would reasonably be that we can labor less and have more time for leisure. Although we have more time for leisure, it is less satisfying than the work done to keep the home in order. The invention of the cotton gin would have rationally decreased the demand for slavery as the machine could replace the labor done by many slaves. Rather because of man's avarice the cotton gin increased demand for slave labor to increase profits. Nothing other than the Catholic Church can temper the vices which rule society these last few centuries.
The basic truth is that if not for avaricious men of business we could work 20 hour weeks and live fine lives. Frankly most people with "laptop jobs" only work 20 hours a week and spend the other 20 hours doing nonsense to fill the time.
Thank you for making this video, Brian. It's so sad how our modern world misunderstands both labor and leisure. And civilization is falling apart as a result.
Time to pray is essential if we want to be close to God. I always feel that the devil is behind everyone's busy-ness. Too many people are too busy to pray and evaluate their lives. They keep grinding and running the rat race.
Very underrated topic! I would be interested in seeing more prominent thoughtful Catholics give their own thoughts and brainstorm how we should or could conduct ourselves in life, regardless of the many assumptions we live by.
Potty work ethic eats up our time. Juicy usuary eats up our money. Time is money, money is time. But I want the water that will never leave me thirsty.
The use of Luke 10:38 is reasonable but I think it's two very different conversations. What Luther said was to elevate the work the people of all levels do to progress the kingdom. Martha was rebuked because she didn't see how much more valuable it is to focus on the Lord than to focus on the work of day to day. Luther isn't calling for more Martha's but is calling for more Mary's who maintain that focus on the Lord, even in work. Luther isn't telling you to "keep working" but instead saying, "in the work you do, honor your Lord, as it is just as important as a priest's work, if you do what you do with Jesus and furthering his kingdom as the center of your work, and your heart." and if you truly do this, you should take breaks, and you should rest in the Sabbath, our Lord Jesus Christ. The fact Martha didn't take the opportunity to is telling of not just protestants but all peoples from all levels of life.
100%. I get that no Catholic is going to take the time to read Luther's Large Catechism, but it just so clearly contradicts what Luther is accused of doing.
@williampeters9838 putting the blame on protestantism just feels so strawmaning, when the problem is much more a human problem with our sinful nature and tendency to put daily work above Christ, dulling his rightful center place in everything we do. I hope people see this point, and that I only posted with love for my brother's in Christ with this. Thanks for being one who understood my point.
I've actually been searching for a good commentary on the proper place, kind and amount of leisure we should have. I found good discussion on this hard to find so this video was greatly appreciated. I would like to hear more on the topic of leisure and even more in the Catholic context. Thanks very much
I don't know, man. Sounds great but the reality is without that work ethic we would still be living in very poor conditions. Yes they had a lot of time off in the middle ages but they also had virtually no surplus to trade or store, thus little reason for other trades such as medicine or science to develop, plus they were always one failed crop away from starvation. Should be no surprise that Catholic countries have historically lagged behind Protestant ones in health, food security, and other quality of life measures.
Look at crime, poverty,happiness surveys, chronic disease, and lifespan in America compared to Spain, Italy, France, Austria etc. somehow those Catholic countries do better, in terms of quality of life (I should add education, too, definitely), but because the CEOs and celebrities are doing good, Americans are eager to see misery among the poor and the increasingly vanishing middle class in society. Strange values.
I admit I don't have scriptural evidence for this but, I've always loved the idea that many forms of 'work' can be high callings from God. Especially with the arts, but even science and the more industrious things can be beautiful. I understand your point though, that we must not elevate them to communion with God. I suspect many have been lead to think there is a dichotomy between this work ethic and sloth, which is why so many refuse change.
I do not think time allocation is always an exact measure for love. We go to work FOR our families. Itis not ourfault that the modern evonomy runs on 40hrs a week, 50 weeks a year work cycles. Believe me, if I could work 24 hrs a week and still afford all of life’s mecessities for my family, I would.
I really appreciate that your willingness to publicly explore big ideas as you formulate them. Sharing these theories and encouraging discussing them here is an important step. Thank you.
I agree with much of this, but I reject the idea that we work longer or harder than people in the past. 40 hours a week to earn all you need is not a lot.
At least among the younger generations in the workforce now, the 40 hour week to get a decent life is now a myth. It doesn't even cover a frugal life in a one bedroom apartment (in Canada anyway). And yet people wonder why the birthrate is falling...
Also, this video, ironically, just unlocked the final piece of the puzzle that I needed to surpass my 4 months artistic blockade. Thanks Brian, you are doing indeed, a great good in the Internet. Please Keep posting videos.
We live in a DARK world, but Jesus Christ is the LIGHT of the world. His disciples are little lights reflecting His glory. The closer we get to God the brighter our light will shine. As Christians we have a real desire to follow the teachings of the Bible. It's very important to remember that we can't earn our way to Heaven. Salvation is a FREE gift by grace through faith. Let's never forget that the precious BLOOD of Jesus Christ cleans us from ALL sin which means there is NOTHING that can be added to improve the one time FINISHED redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Hebrews 10:10-14 & Ephesians 2:8-9.
Interesting thought. Need bit of contemplation but at first glace, the modern work dilemma is likely a combination multiple factors. For example, East Asian culture with little influence of Protestantism, has a work ethic influenced by eastern philosophy that promotes values of self cultivation, persistence, etc. Having said that, it is an excellent food for thought. Keeping the Lord's day as Holy should absolutely be the summit of the week. I love what the CCC says about human work as a means of sanctification and participating in carrying our own crosses daily.
Sunday in Spain is eating together. People set up long tables in their garage and the entire family gets together. Up to 20-25 people. Everyone owns a gas burner ring for the paella pan, and it's set up in the garage. It's a bit overwhelming at first. A lot of noise. I find it tiring tbh. I am from a reserved family.
*I didn't choose to go to school, I had to. I don't choose to go to work, I have to. I don't choose to go to church, I have to. But I do choose to spend time with my children. Try to understand rich guy, most of us don't get a choice.*
I agree.There is a burden of maintaining life - not dying of exposure to the elements, not ill due to lack of healthy food, etc. In "front-line" /"essential"/minimum wage job income, a 40-hr work week in one job is a gift. Working 2 or 3 jobs .. is something nobody does just to avoid leisure, or prove possible moral superiority. And giving status to "lower" "profane" jobs is/was NOT a BAD THING. On the front lines, we don't get as many choices as those starting from a different level of resources.
Before the Protestant Reformation people did a lot more to take care ofvtheir needs. They made their own clothes and soap. They grew their own food. We would need to go back to that to some extent. I know my employer would not pay me enough to even buy my groceries if we only worked until their dailey goal was met. It does sound nice, though.
I am conflicted on this. If I don't work hard enough, nothing in my house gets done. And I have to engage in more work to improve on my artistic abilities.
Is the Claim True? Historical and Cultural Nuance: While Protestant teachings influenced work ethics in some regions, attributing modern work habits entirely to Protestantism oversimplifies history. Other factors, such as industrialization, capitalism, and globalization, also played significant roles in shaping modern work patterns. In Catholic-majority countries, hard work has also been deeply ingrained, albeit sometimes with different cultural expressions. For example, Catholic social teaching emphasizes the dignity of work and workers’ rights. Regional Differences: Protestant-majority countries like the United States, the UK, and Germany have historically demonstrated strong work ethics. However, Catholic-majority countries like Italy, Spain, and France also have rich traditions of labor and work ethics, even if cultural attitudes toward work-life balance differ. Modern Realities: Today, work habits are shaped less by religion and more by economic systems, cultural expectations, and governmental policies. For example, countries like Japan and South Korea, which are not predominantly Christian, have some of the world’s most demanding work cultures. Conclusion The idea that "people work more because of Protestants" has some historical merit, particularly when considering the influence of the Protestant work ethic on Western economic development. However, it is an oversimplification to attribute modern work habits solely to Protestantism, as they are shaped by a complex interplay of religion, culture, economics, and globalization. If a Catholic makes this claim, it might reflect an acknowledgment of Protestantism's influence on shaping cultural attitudes toward work but risks ignoring the broader historical and cultural contributions of Catholicism and other traditions.
I believe you are completely underappreciating that Protestants created Capitalism and created the entire modern globalized economy. Japanese people wouldn't work to the bone if not demanded to make money with Western Protestant nations. Before the influence of Protestantism by The Netherlands the country of Japan didn't even have a market economy.
But aren’t the other factors you mention direct consequences of Protestantism? And Japan and Korea only got their current work culture after extensive contact with the West, no?
@@Quekksilber You’re partially correct-Protestantism influenced capitalism and industrialization, which shaped global work cultures. However, those systems also drew on broader factors like technological innovation and colonialism, where Catholic nations played key roles. For Japan and Korea, Western contact introduced modern capitalism, but their extreme work ethics stem more from Confucian values and local traditions than Protestant influence. Western ideas adapted to existing cultural frameworks rather than completely replacing them.
(unhurried) If i was to describe the son of God unhurried, he worked to death, not once taking his eyes off the father. But in no way rushed the process. In that, fulfilling the father's will and becoming the spotless lamb. To be absolutely real and transparent, it is not the work that kills it is the greed and / or idolatry. Loved the video. My favorite book is ecclesiastes. The book really hammers down the point you're getting at.
Friend, if you live within a capitalist society where money is what is used to pay for electricity, water, transport... Unless you smash capitalism you are a cog in the machine. God bless you brother. Saludos from Marian Spain, where people still own land and grow stuff, thank God.
Worst part is I know people who will cry “socialist” at this. I’m an Anglican who is very sympathetic to the points you’ve made. God bless you and your work
I resigned from my job because I felt I never had the time to pray enough. I begged for a sabbatical for at least three months...but that was never a part of company policy. So I left.
Work to sustain schooling, food and households for kids. Probably to material excess. But the work is for the excess rather than the work for many. But yes not religion at the peak.
This principle seems like it was better understood until recently (the change appears like it is partway undergone) in Latino and Mediterranean cultures, which were, of course, dominated by Catholicism with little Protestant influence until recently. Despite being poorer and surrounded by violence and corruption that they haven’t been able to curb since the fall of the Spanish Empire, these countries tend to rate higher in happiness than richer global north western countries (on scales that use actual metrics of happiness and not veiled human development indexes).
The essence of Protestantism is the freedom to find one's own path to God through Christ. To be able to read and interpret scripture for yourself. To not be subject to a priesthood.
I don't think this has much to do with the protestant reformation tbh. I'm in the UK, which existed before the USA as it is now. Round about the same time as the reformation, we had the agricultural revolution which industrialised farming and changed the way peole worked the land. Shortly after, we had the world's first industrial revolution. I agree many people now work far too long for what we don't really need. I couldn't agree more. But workers by and large can't just demand to work the hours we want. We are at the whim of our bosses. It's not a protestant thing, it's an industry thing. And the times you talked about before the Reformation would have been in England. The white folk were not in the USA then, it was inhabited by native Americans.
Romans 8:28 KJV "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose. 29 For whom HE did foreknow, HE also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of HIS SON, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom HE did predestinate, them HE also called: and whom HE called, them HE also justified: and whom HE justified, them HE also glorified. 31 What shall we then say to these things? If GOD be for us, who can be against us? 33 who shall lay any thing to the charge of GOD’s elect? It is GOD that justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? It is CHRIST that died, yea rather, that is risen again, Who is even at the right hand of GOD, Who also makes intercession for us."
Nice accents, brother, after Christmas! Whatever we do for days or extremely activity we're evolved in and with, even systematic internal projection of our mind on Lord during these crucial (we guess) processes can't replace personal (!) participation in Church - liturgical services within community, digging and figuring out the Scripture. Service keeps integrity of Church, individual readings - our belief, both ones - Salvation. † God bless.
Work is supposed to be hard, it's good for you, you're not supposed to enjoy it, it's good fot you because it's unpleasant, the more unpleasant the better it is, so you should always work hard at the things you hate most and you should be happy about it.
We work hard in the US, but for most, the hard work ethic is primarily for acquiring more, a bigger house, better car, more vacations. House sizes have continued to grow in the US over the years yet family size is shrinking? You will get pushback, from most if you question a persons material wants vs needs, well because if they “worked hard” for it well it must be okay and it’s the mark of a good Christian? I even hear prominent catholic bishops and priests say there is nothing wrong with being rich and having big houses, multiple cars etc.The western thinking about work and money has even pervaded Catholic thought. It doesn’t make the people bad for wanting more, the problem lies in that we become attached, and prisoners to material things and they take us away from what really matters; Christ. If our time is primarily taken up by work in order to pay for all of our items, what time is there left for God & Family?
Its ridicolous to assume work was light in the medeival ages. Work has always been necessary. It used to be more conscensed (don't have to till every day, but you certainly are out there a long time when it comes time to do it), but we get it easier and more spead out. We likelydo work more, but only because a artificial enviroment endures we don't have to stop. Maybe we could cut down on work somewhat, but that would come at great cost. Real life punishes aloofeness, even for a good cause. I think you give a good historical argument, but I would argue alarge work ethic was inevitable.
@@Jkp1321 Interesting distinction. I agree with that to an extent, but we do need something to trade for the goods needed to service. Most sell their labor in return for the money needed to buy these goods.
Seventh-Day Adventist here, I'm no fan of papists, but I think you making excellent points on the corrosive effect of the "Protestant Work Ethic", higher GDP is not worth sacrificing your faith, family, and loved ones for.
It's almost like the Papists have a unique perspective to point out the exploitative, perhaps even...dare I say, pérf1dious...tendencies of groups that might have been instrumental in financializing the Protestants and exploiting their religious instincts...👀
But how do we fix it? I work 2 full time jobs from 2am to 6pm Monday through Saturday just to make ends meat so my wife can stay home and homeschool our children? We don't have much and we still can't get ahead.
I can't help but think of (the little that I know about) Catherine Doherty, and her attitude of doing work well and for God, no matter what it is. But, I don't think anyone could ever misinterpret her meaning as elevating work beyond it's intended end.
I see your point but I also believe you are cherry picking examples here or just misrepresenting how the past really looked like for the vast majority of the people. Working for most of the day has always been what people did, except for selected few, mainly nobles. Education as a mean to human flourishing had always been a very niche pursuit (the Greeks had slaves working for them, so they could devote so much time to music or philosophy). Most people for most of history weren't even literate! And children and spouses being the focus of one's life is as modern (i.e. 20th century) of an idea as any. So this mythical age in which people were working just to make ends meet and were spending quality time with their spouses and children, studying the Bible and fostering community never existed for 99% of the population and 99% of human history
Genuinely even tho I’m in love with my hobbies and music, love my friends and family; my honest answer that means the most to me, is my faith. If I was told I couldn’t be Catholic let alone Christian, I’d probably cry 😂 and say I can’t do that.
"And on the seventh day God rested." - Genesis. "Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." - Jesus. ~And on the first day (i.e. Sunday) the Lord resurrected.~ So Sunday, the day traditionally reserved for going to Mass, the Day of the Lord, Domenica in Italian, etc. same in other languages, is a day when there's a special emphasis in worship, the beginning of a new week in remembrance of the Resurrection, Jesus triumph over death. Saturday a day the Jews insist rest is important, as part of the Old Covenant from the Old Testament. There's of course many passages in the Bible having to do with work, also with faith. Like as a consequence on Adam and Eve to have to toil the land to live, and God's preference for the sacrifice of Abel over the sacrifice of Cain, but surely these illustrate that when work in itself dominates a person's life it's a source of unhappiness that is I think not in the spirit of the Scriptures.
I'm just starting the video but in all seriousness, if there were classes, honest to God classes to systematically learn to be a better friend spouse and/or parent, I would take them in a heartbeat. But I don't think they exist. Maybe one day they will. I think a better question is not what you do with your time, because labor has always taken the plurality of our waking hours, but how you spend your 'discretionary' time. But point taken it is out of balance, so one with the video!
7:25 - but isn't it also the case that God worked six days when he created the world? And Adam had a job of sorts even in the garden - naming the animals. I'm not defending workaholism or anything here, far from it, but saying that work is bad because of that verse isn't really what it's saying. There are different kinds of work and our society is certainly struggling from putting too much focus on work, but I don't think that that is necessary how you interpret that verse
I disagree, but only regarding me, because I cannot speak for anyone else. My child and my grandchildren ARE the most important things in my life. Work is a requirement to provide for your children, but is only important for that provision. There are, however, workaholics, and a lot of them. I don’t know what makes them work so much, other than for reaching a goal.
Sure, and it's absolutely true that work dignifies man. But when a society is so addicted to "hustle culture" and fetishizes investment bankers doing coke so they can knock out 60+ hours a week, something is deeply wrong in society. A woman who is conned by culture into thinking that it's good to be a single mom girlboss who has to take out loans to pay a daycare to watch her kid so she can go to work to earn enough money to feed that kid, even Opus Dei founder St. Josemaria Escriva himself would call that kind of working situation an outrage against Christian propriety and something which requires societal remediation.
One of the reasons your countries are richer and you're complaining? I'm a Catholic living in South America. Believe me, you could have had it much worse.
nearly 13 minutes of a guy trying to convince us that we were happier when we didn’t love our job and only did it out of necessity 😅 yeah…. sure, why not?
Would you rather spend time to earn money that is devalued and loaned out at interest so you can pay someone else to do something for you, including care for your children, and be disconnected from the meaning of the family economy...or would you rather gather only the wood you need to burn for warmth, grow only the food you need to eat, make only the things you need to use, and then enjoy the rest of your time with your family using those things you and your community produced? There's a very real reason that certain...groups found it expedient to convince us that it's better if everyone paid everyone to do everything for them. It makes you *feel* like you WANT to work instead of "having" to work. When everyone thinks they're better off working for someone else, they get a cut of everything.
Hmmm i dont think eother labour or leisure is the highest calling but rather love humans were made for all three and I do agree with Martin Luther on what he says about sweeping floors and prayer however disagree with his angle since he is focusing far too much on the physical both are equally sacred if done with love of God first and love neighbour and self love abounds in all things work is a good thing but so is leaisure and love Agape is the best all three are need love the most and humans were made for all three.
I agree with a lot of points, but God still created the Earth and so it isn't... profane. Or, at least cursed, if profane does not mean the same thing? You can enjoy your time on the Earth, it's okay since God created it all and found it good. :3
You have gutted the the protestant work ethic from history, context, and its actual teachings. Modern work is defined more from secular marxists than protestants. The 9-5 is an outcome from Unions and industrialization. Your description of the easy life of Roman pre-reformation is just of an agrarian lifestyle but is an idealized version that didn't happen for peasants in the way you described. They were serfs that slaved under aristocratic rule. The Lords blessed by Rome as having divine rights, who often oppressed the poor (who was very intentionally everyone but themselves). God worked 6 days and rested on the 7th. The reformation elevated the dignity of maid to the same level society viewed the priest and aristocrat. Work is sacred but anything can be an idol: Christ's interaction with Mary and Martha shows one should use discretion in priority, not a sacred vs profane. Your video shows you know little of post reformation europe and nothing of reformation teaching and what it was responding to: the historical context of pre-reformation romanism. Even the paintings you used to showcase the 'good' life were from Protestant Europe! Painters like Rembrandt focused on the working class to show their dignity!!!!
Thanks for watching. Obviously the history of the modern world is extremely complicated, but I don't think we can discount the influence of Protestantism from the dramatic transformation it has gone through.
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I am just glad I found your channel and you definitely know what you’re talking about
I would say this and maybe this could be another video idea in itself but because society is so secularized anyway maybe part of it is a confusion on what leisure is especially in the secular society where leisure ends up in doing bad things drugs alcohol and other inappropriate things so maybe a video idea could be what proper leisure is just a thought
So how do you spend your time to show your love for God & those close to you?
I think it is ironic because Protestantism's Sola Fide rhetoric also seemed to down play the importance of good works for our salvation. Also, Catholic monasteries emphasized hard work among the monks. They would be hard at work copying or maintaining manuscripts or doing many chores. By keeping themselves occupied they avoid temptations to sin. I have heard some people argue that Max Weber was wrong. That he had a Pro-Protestant, Anti-Catholic bias. That the reasons for the economic differences between Protestant countries and Catholic countries had nothing to do with their religious differences, but other factors.
The Protestant Work Ethic is the worship of money
“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these." Matthew 6:28-29
Very well placed verse for this video! God bless ❤
Catholics are nudists?
Love this verse, very convicting.
Flowers have been evolving for millions of years in order to attract insects.
I was raised Protestant with harsh anti-Catholic views. Protestantism led to atheism. (just saying Christ saved me and then go on living as nothing changes felt plastic). After 9 years of atheism, I awoke one day to the strongest voice of the Holy Spirit in me telling me to to Catholic Church. Long story short, myself and family have been TLM Catholics for years now and the Catholic life of sanctification and theosis bring so much fulfillment and understanding to my life.
But the Pope doesn't want you to be this way.
@ that’s both true and untrue. He has allowed FSSP to continue with Catholicism. And it is truly sad he wants normie Catholics to be stuck with terrible liturgy. This is a chastisement to the church. But Christ has assured us the remnant of true believers will be victorious.
@@duaneadams5210 He actually has even given the SSPX additional faculties. And it looks like he may grant them new bishops. I think he wants the default rite to be the NO, which may be why he’s cracking down on indult TLM. But I don’t think he’ll touch the FSSP, ICK or SSPX. I could be wrong but currently I believe he will not go there just as he doesn’t mess with the other rites of the Church.
Was hoping you might bring up Tolkien, and you did! Thank you! I used to be a workaholic. Was using it to escape anxiety. And then I got sick and for the past few years God has been teaching me (via Tolkien and other books like Tuck Everlasting) the sacred value of rest and being able to rest in God.
Saw your video the other day talking about whether you should keep the channel. My vote is yes! You should keep it going if possible. I like being able to study religions from both their clergy and their passionate and educated layman. You're a liberal arts homeschooler? That makes so much sense! You, Bishop Barron, Jordan Peterson, Pastor Jeff, Larry Arnn. You're all liberal arts. So cool.
SO IT WAS THE PROTS FAULT FOR THE 9-5
and "Just believe in Jesus", Anti-Catholicism, Church hopping, Megachurches, the rise of New Atheism, and a lot of the world's problems today
Absolutely
Well, yes, but also the theological motivators of the Prots. You know, the ones who counseled Darby, etc....😬
9 to 5 was great compared to what is common now, flexible hours where you (the employee) are flexible, but the demands of the employer aren't.
I only wish I could work 9-5, that is for the rich. I've had to work 13 hours a day for over 30 years due to poverty.
Thank you for putting into words feelings I've had for years now. You put this much better than I've ever been able to, and in a very accessible way. I appreciate your work very much.
Even at Catholic School, the Protestant Work Ethic still dominates.
Even back in the 1960's.
I felt this during my last years of high school. My time from elementary to junior high were some of the best years of my time at school. So many events and amazing programs that felt amazing to participate. I remember the number of times I served as an altar boy during feast days and special masses. But things changed when I was in senior high. So many of the events that used to be more prominent were reduced and the teachers became more strict. I don't know why but probably because the leaders changed but the new ones in charge experimented and increase the school work. I have no iead why.
So true
Since when do protestants work hard?
@Roman-LabradorThat's the point. They exploit others.
Brian, your channel is great and is quickly becoming my go-to catholic youtube resource. Keep up the good work.
The distinction between idleness and leisure is profound, yet barely known today. Work/careers are indeed important, and care should be undertaken so they're done well, but duties to community, family, the self, and God serve greater ends, don't they?
This resonates with me. I feel like I lost the best (physical) years of my life in university and working. I hated work but I was good at it, and guilted into by my Protestant parents who think if you aren’t busy, or making work for yourself, you’re basically good for nothing. If I was between jobs for a more than 2 weeks I basically got shunned by my family for being “lazy”. When I got on salary with a demanding company I worked 12-16 hour days on a regular basis, only technically paid for 8. I converted to Catholicism and seeing all this now and how much of my life was wasted. It’s too bad. It’s good to be honest toward your employer and give them the respect due for wages but I went overboard with it.
The government takes half a day off your work income if you are in poverty, but over a full day's of your income is taken before you look if you are even barely out of poverty.
When my county became Protestant we lost 10 holidays.
In my country we we get a long education from a young age, and from then on we work a lot. Now most of the population have backpain, and we have stopped reproducing, more or less. We're slowly dying out, it seems. I hardly have time for my own child.
Schole, Greek for Leisure. Without Leisure, No School, No Scholasticism, No Scholar, etc.
It's very hard to put family etc. first in the modern workplace with its constant demand for more, and "burnout" is common. The frustrating thing is that most businesses, especially big ones, are very inefficiently run and a lot of the time and effort spent is wasted. Especially pernicious is "presentism" when people do long (but largely non-productive) hours to impress superiors.
Finally I’ve been waiting for this topic to be discussed! Nobody really talks about it, but I think it’s very important. Thank you so much and God bless!
Hi all! I think Brian made some good points about prioritizing things that ought to be very important for us like family, friends, community etc. however I'm not entirely in agreement about 9-5 being a bad thing as this was a significant victory for unions in the late 19th and early 20th century as workers were often doing a lot more hours and their jobs tended to be considerably more laborious than the average person today alongside far less job security. If anything, the modern problems are an attempt to overturn or circumvent both the letter and spirit of these laws in order to increase profits, there are, however, examples of small victories across the Anglosphere such as New Zealand banning zero hour contracts, France making it illegal for employers to contact their employees about work outside of working hours as well as making it illegal for people to work more than six days a week. We shouldn't romanticize the past either as those people working in the fields had far fewer securities and support than we do. There's still a long way to go for sure but let's not forget the positive gains we've experienced in the last century.
"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ" Colossians 3:23-24.
God gave us work because we need it. Glorifying God is our purpose, and we do that through work and loving those around us. While you may do good work defending the faith, and I appreciate that, but you cannot wag your finger and sneer at Protestants for everything you perceive to be wrong with the world. If you truly want Protestants to become Catholics then looking down on us will not accomplish that. God bless.
Although we do work more hours in terms of labor, we still work less than anyone else in history because we have technology to replace most work. We have microwaves to prepare meals in minutes. The promise technology would reasonably be that we can labor less and have more time for leisure. Although we have more time for leisure, it is less satisfying than the work done to keep the home in order. The invention of the cotton gin would have rationally decreased the demand for slavery as the machine could replace the labor done by many slaves. Rather because of man's avarice the cotton gin increased demand for slave labor to increase profits. Nothing other than the Catholic Church can temper the vices which rule society these last few centuries.
The basic truth is that if not for avaricious men of business we could work 20 hour weeks and live fine lives. Frankly most people with "laptop jobs" only work 20 hours a week and spend the other 20 hours doing nonsense to fill the time.
Thank you for making this video, Brian.
It's so sad how our modern world misunderstands both labor and leisure.
And civilization is falling apart as a result.
"Ore et Labore".
Pray and Work"
Motto of the Order of Saint Benedict from the 4th century.
That's for monks
For the cloistered monk, not the layman.
Time to pray is essential if we want to be close to God. I always feel that the devil is behind everyone's busy-ness. Too many people are too busy to pray and evaluate their lives. They keep grinding and running the rat race.
Yep, they took a curse and begin to treat it like a highest virtue.
Very underrated topic! I would be interested in seeing more prominent thoughtful Catholics give their own thoughts and brainstorm how we should or could conduct ourselves in life, regardless of the many assumptions we live by.
The work is never ending...
Potty work ethic eats up our time. Juicy usuary eats up our money. Time is money, money is time. But I want the water that will never leave me thirsty.
Thanks for this. I have a full time job but have been feeling lately guilty for not working more. This is something I needed to hear. God Bless!
The use of Luke 10:38 is reasonable but I think it's two very different conversations. What Luther said was to elevate the work the people of all levels do to progress the kingdom. Martha was rebuked because she didn't see how much more valuable it is to focus on the Lord than to focus on the work of day to day. Luther isn't calling for more Martha's but is calling for more Mary's who maintain that focus on the Lord, even in work. Luther isn't telling you to "keep working" but instead saying, "in the work you do, honor your Lord, as it is just as important as a priest's work, if you do what you do with Jesus and furthering his kingdom as the center of your work, and your heart." and if you truly do this, you should take breaks, and you should rest in the Sabbath, our Lord Jesus Christ. The fact Martha didn't take the opportunity to is telling of not just protestants but all peoples from all levels of life.
100%. I get that no Catholic is going to take the time to read Luther's Large Catechism, but it just so clearly contradicts what Luther is accused of doing.
@williampeters9838 putting the blame on protestantism just feels so strawmaning, when the problem is much more a human problem with our sinful nature and tendency to put daily work above Christ, dulling his rightful center place in everything we do. I hope people see this point, and that I only posted with love for my brother's in Christ with this. Thanks for being one who understood my point.
I've actually been searching for a good commentary on the proper place, kind and amount of leisure we should have. I found good discussion on this hard to find so this video was greatly appreciated.
I would like to hear more on the topic of leisure and even more in the Catholic context.
Thanks very much
I don't know, man. Sounds great but the reality is without that work ethic we would still be living in very poor conditions. Yes they had a lot of time off in the middle ages but they also had virtually no surplus to trade or store, thus little reason for other trades such as medicine or science to develop, plus they were always one failed crop away from starvation. Should be no surprise that Catholic countries have historically lagged behind Protestant ones in health, food security, and other quality of life measures.
Look at crime, poverty,happiness surveys, chronic disease, and lifespan in America compared to Spain, Italy, France, Austria etc. somehow those Catholic countries do better, in terms of quality of life (I should add education, too, definitely), but because the CEOs and celebrities are doing good, Americans are eager to see misery among the poor and the increasingly vanishing middle class in society. Strange values.
Paul: “Work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”
Luther and Calvin: “You’re saved, so work!”
Do you know what "work out" means? Hint: It does not mean to work FOR.
I admit I don't have scriptural evidence for this but, I've always loved the idea that many forms of 'work' can be high callings from God. Especially with the arts, but even science and the more industrious things can be beautiful. I understand your point though, that we must not elevate them to communion with God.
I suspect many have been lead to think there is a dichotomy between this work ethic and sloth, which is why so many refuse change.
I do not think time allocation is always an exact measure for love. We go to work FOR our families. Itis not ourfault that the modern evonomy runs on 40hrs a week, 50 weeks a year work cycles. Believe me, if I could work 24 hrs a week and still afford all of life’s mecessities for my family, I would.
I pray your expenses reduce as a result.
I really appreciate that your willingness to publicly explore big ideas as you formulate them. Sharing these theories and encouraging discussing them here is an important step.
Thank you.
I agree with much of this, but I reject the idea that we work longer or harder than people in the past.
40 hours a week to earn all you need is not a lot.
At least among the younger generations in the workforce now, the 40 hour week to get a decent life is now a myth. It doesn't even cover a frugal life in a one bedroom apartment (in Canada anyway). And yet people wonder why the birthrate is falling...
Also, this video, ironically, just unlocked the final piece of the puzzle that I needed to surpass my 4 months artistic blockade.
Thanks Brian, you are doing indeed, a great good in the Internet. Please Keep posting videos.
My local supermarkets already have Easter eggs, madness.
We live in a DARK world, but Jesus Christ is the LIGHT of the world. His disciples are little lights reflecting His glory. The closer we get to God the brighter our light will shine. As Christians we have a real desire to follow the teachings of the Bible. It's very important to remember that we can't earn our way to Heaven. Salvation is a FREE gift by grace through faith. Let's never forget that the precious BLOOD of Jesus Christ cleans us from ALL sin which means there is NOTHING that can be added to improve the one time FINISHED redemptive work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Hebrews 10:10-14 & Ephesians 2:8-9.
Interesting thought. Need bit of contemplation but at first glace, the modern work dilemma is likely a combination multiple factors. For example, East Asian culture with little influence of Protestantism, has a work ethic influenced by eastern philosophy that promotes values of self cultivation, persistence, etc. Having said that, it is an excellent food for thought. Keeping the Lord's day as Holy should absolutely be the summit of the week. I love what the CCC says about human work as a means of sanctification and participating in carrying our own crosses daily.
Sunday in Spain is eating together. People set up long tables in their garage and the entire family gets together. Up to 20-25 people. Everyone owns a gas burner ring for the paella pan, and it's set up in the garage. It's a bit overwhelming at first. A lot of noise. I find it tiring tbh. I am from a reserved family.
*I didn't choose to go to school, I had to. I don't choose to go to work, I have to. I don't choose to go to church, I have to. But I do choose to spend time with my children. Try to understand rich guy, most of us don't get a choice.*
I agree.There is a burden of maintaining life - not dying of exposure to the elements, not ill due to lack of healthy food, etc.
In "front-line" /"essential"/minimum wage job income, a 40-hr work week in one job is a gift. Working 2 or 3 jobs .. is something nobody does just to avoid leisure, or prove possible moral superiority. And giving status to "lower" "profane" jobs is/was NOT a BAD THING. On the front lines, we don't get as many choices as those starting from a different level of resources.
Before the Protestant Reformation people did a lot more to take care ofvtheir needs. They made their own clothes and soap. They grew their own food. We would need to go back to that to some extent. I know my employer would not pay me enough to even buy my groceries if we only worked until their dailey goal was met. It does sound nice, though.
Ora et labora.
I am conflicted on this. If I don't work hard enough, nothing in my house gets done. And I have to engage in more work to improve on my artistic abilities.
Is the Claim True?
Historical and Cultural Nuance:
While Protestant teachings influenced work ethics in some regions, attributing modern work habits entirely to Protestantism oversimplifies history. Other factors, such as industrialization, capitalism, and globalization, also played significant roles in shaping modern work patterns.
In Catholic-majority countries, hard work has also been deeply ingrained, albeit sometimes with different cultural expressions. For example, Catholic social teaching emphasizes the dignity of work and workers’ rights.
Regional Differences:
Protestant-majority countries like the United States, the UK, and Germany have historically demonstrated strong work ethics. However, Catholic-majority countries like Italy, Spain, and France also have rich traditions of labor and work ethics, even if cultural attitudes toward work-life balance differ.
Modern Realities:
Today, work habits are shaped less by religion and more by economic systems, cultural expectations, and governmental policies. For example, countries like Japan and South Korea, which are not predominantly Christian, have some of the world’s most demanding work cultures.
Conclusion
The idea that "people work more because of Protestants" has some historical merit, particularly when considering the influence of the Protestant work ethic on Western economic development. However, it is an oversimplification to attribute modern work habits solely to Protestantism, as they are shaped by a complex interplay of religion, culture, economics, and globalization.
If a Catholic makes this claim, it might reflect an acknowledgment of Protestantism's influence on shaping cultural attitudes toward work but risks ignoring the broader historical and cultural contributions of Catholicism and other traditions.
I believe you are completely underappreciating that Protestants created Capitalism and created the entire modern globalized economy. Japanese people wouldn't work to the bone if not demanded to make money with Western Protestant nations. Before the influence of Protestantism by The Netherlands the country of Japan didn't even have a market economy.
But aren’t the other factors you mention direct consequences of Protestantism? And Japan and Korea only got their current work culture after extensive contact with the West, no?
Protestants created capitalism and the entire modern economy that makes Japanese work to death
@@Quekksilber You’re partially correct-Protestantism influenced capitalism and industrialization, which shaped global work cultures. However, those systems also drew on broader factors like technological innovation and colonialism, where Catholic nations played key roles.
For Japan and Korea, Western contact introduced modern capitalism, but their extreme work ethics stem more from Confucian values and local traditions than Protestant influence. Western ideas adapted to existing cultural frameworks rather than completely replacing them.
Everybody here is making good, balanced points, I love it!
(unhurried) If i was to describe the son of God unhurried, he worked to death, not once taking his eyes off the father. But in no way rushed the process. In that, fulfilling the father's will and becoming the spotless lamb.
To be absolutely real and transparent, it is not the work that kills it is the greed and / or idolatry. Loved the video. My favorite book is ecclesiastes. The book really hammers down the point you're getting at.
Friend, if you live within a capitalist society where money is what is used to pay for electricity, water, transport... Unless you smash capitalism you are a cog in the machine. God bless you brother. Saludos from Marian Spain, where people still own land and grow stuff, thank God.
Worst part is I know people who will cry “socialist” at this. I’m an Anglican who is very sympathetic to the points you’ve made. God bless you and your work
One hundred percent timely….🙌🏻thanks a million
I resigned from my job because I felt I never had the time to pray enough. I begged for a sabbatical for at least three months...but that was never a part of company policy. So I left.
Man was not cursed after the Fall. The earth was cursed. It's hard to slough off all Protestant errors!
Work to sustain schooling, food and households for kids. Probably to material excess. But the work is for the excess rather than the work for many. But yes not religion at the peak.
This principle seems like it was better understood until recently (the change appears like it is partway undergone) in Latino and Mediterranean cultures, which were, of course, dominated by Catholicism with little Protestant influence until recently. Despite being poorer and surrounded by violence and corruption that they haven’t been able to curb since the fall of the Spanish Empire, these countries tend to rate higher in happiness than richer global north western countries (on scales that use actual metrics of happiness and not veiled human development indexes).
I’ve been an electrician for as long as I’ve been a father, over 21 years, and I can surely say I’m a better electrician than I am a [decent] parent.
Change that
The essence of Protestantism is the freedom to find one's own path to God through Christ. To be able to read and interpret scripture for yourself. To not be subject to a priesthood.
I don't think this has much to do with the protestant reformation tbh. I'm in the UK, which existed before the USA as it is now. Round about the same time as the reformation, we had the agricultural revolution which industrialised farming and changed the way peole worked the land. Shortly after, we had the world's first industrial revolution. I agree many people now work far too long for what we don't really need. I couldn't agree more. But workers by and large can't just demand to work the hours we want. We are at the whim of our bosses. It's not a protestant thing, it's an industry thing.
And the times you talked about before the Reformation would have been in England. The white folk were not in the USA then, it was inhabited by native Americans.
Where do you get your collarless button down shirts? I ordered one from Quaker Marine Supply today, I would like to get more.
Romans 8:28 KJV "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love GOD, to them who are the called according to HIS purpose. 29 For whom HE did foreknow, HE also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of HIS SON, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom HE did predestinate, them HE also called: and whom HE called, them HE also justified: and whom HE justified, them HE also glorified.
31 What shall we then say to these things? If GOD be for us, who can be against us? 33 who shall lay any thing to the charge of GOD’s elect? It is GOD that justifies. 34 Who is he that condemns? It is CHRIST that died, yea rather, that is risen again, Who is even at the right hand of GOD, Who also makes intercession for us."
Nice accents, brother, after Christmas!
Whatever we do for days or extremely activity we're evolved in and with, even systematic internal projection of our mind on Lord during these crucial (we guess) processes can't replace personal (!) participation in Church - liturgical services within community, digging and figuring out the Scripture.
Service keeps integrity of Church, individual readings - our belief, both ones - Salvation. †
God bless.
Work is supposed to be hard, it's good for you, you're not supposed to enjoy it, it's good fot you because it's unpleasant, the more unpleasant the better it is, so you should always work hard at the things you hate most and you should be happy about it.
We work hard in the US, but for most, the hard work ethic is primarily for acquiring more, a bigger house, better car, more vacations. House sizes have continued to grow in the US over the years yet family size is shrinking? You will get pushback, from most if you question a persons material wants vs needs, well because if they “worked hard” for it well it must be okay and it’s the mark of a good Christian? I even hear prominent catholic bishops and priests say there is nothing wrong with being rich and having big houses, multiple cars etc.The western thinking about work and money has even pervaded Catholic thought. It doesn’t make the people bad for wanting more, the problem lies in that we become attached, and prisoners to material things and they take us away from what really matters; Christ. If our time is primarily taken up by work in order to pay for all of our items, what time is there left for God & Family?
Brian Holdsworth single-handedly making me long for a Catholic theocratic monarchy.😭
Let's bring it back!
Trust me, it can be done
Its ridicolous to assume work was light in the medeival ages. Work has always been necessary. It used to be more conscensed (don't have to till every day, but you certainly are out there a long time when it comes time to do it), but we get it easier and more spead out. We likelydo work more, but only because a artificial enviroment endures we don't have to stop. Maybe we could cut down on work somewhat, but that would come at great cost. Real life punishes aloofeness, even for a good cause.
I think you give a good historical argument, but I would argue alarge work ethic was inevitable.
The difference is between work and labor. Most of us don't work anymore because of machines.
@@Jkp1321 Interesting distinction. I agree with that to an extent, but we do need something to trade for the goods needed to service. Most sell their labor in return for the money needed to buy these goods.
Yeah, if you want to feed the war machine.
Seventh-Day Adventist here, I'm no fan of papists, but I think you making excellent points on the corrosive effect of the "Protestant Work Ethic", higher GDP is not worth sacrificing your faith, family, and loved ones for.
Papists are the bees knees, my friend.
It's almost like the Papists have a unique perspective to point out the exploitative, perhaps even...dare I say, pérf1dious...tendencies of groups that might have been instrumental in financializing the Protestants and exploiting their religious instincts...👀
But how do we fix it? I work 2 full time jobs from 2am to 6pm Monday through Saturday just to make ends meat so my wife can stay home and homeschool our children? We don't have much and we still can't get ahead.
Read the book "The Richest Man in Babylon." Follow its advice. You will get ahead.
I can't help but think of (the little that I know about) Catherine Doherty, and her attitude of doing work well and for God, no matter what it is. But, I don't think anyone could ever misinterpret her meaning as elevating work beyond it's intended end.
I see your point but I also believe you are cherry picking examples here or just misrepresenting how the past really looked like for the vast majority of the people. Working for most of the day has always been what people did, except for selected few, mainly nobles. Education as a mean to human flourishing had always been a very niche pursuit (the Greeks had slaves working for them, so they could devote so much time to music or philosophy). Most people for most of history weren't even literate!
And children and spouses being the focus of one's life is as modern (i.e. 20th century) of an idea as any.
So this mythical age in which people were working just to make ends meet and were spending quality time with their spouses and children, studying the Bible and fostering community never existed for 99% of the population and 99% of human history
Spot on. The only other Catholic RUclipsr I’ve seen address this topic is Steve Cunningham from Sensus Fidelium and News From the Pew.
I need to work to protect my family. And may be it is wrong… I don’t know. We are refugees in a foreign country.
That was lovely and refreshing.
Genuinely even tho I’m in love with my hobbies and music, love my friends and family; my honest answer that means the most to me, is my faith. If I was told I couldn’t be Catholic let alone Christian, I’d probably cry 😂 and say I can’t do that.
"And on the seventh day God rested." - Genesis.
"Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." - Jesus.
~And on the first day (i.e. Sunday) the Lord resurrected.~
So Sunday, the day traditionally reserved for going to Mass, the Day of the Lord, Domenica in Italian, etc. same in other languages, is a day when there's a special emphasis in worship, the beginning of a new week in remembrance of the Resurrection, Jesus triumph over death.
Saturday a day the Jews insist rest is important, as part of the Old Covenant from the Old Testament.
There's of course many passages in the Bible having to do with work, also with faith. Like as a consequence on Adam and Eve to have to toil the land to live, and God's preference for the sacrifice of Abel over the sacrifice of Cain, but surely these illustrate that when work in itself dominates a person's life it's a source of unhappiness that is I think not in the spirit of the Scriptures.
Work smarter, not harder.
Way to hit right at what plagues me more than anything else. Is there a way to go back?
🤔 Can’t wait for any Libertarians out there to critically-react to this…
“RRREEEEEEEE MUH GDP!!!”
As for the feast days and Sundays, cattle and crops don't care what day it is.
I'm just starting the video but in all seriousness, if there were classes, honest to God classes to systematically learn to be a better friend spouse and/or parent, I would take them in a heartbeat. But I don't think they exist. Maybe one day they will.
I think a better question is not what you do with your time, because labor has always taken the plurality of our waking hours, but how you spend your 'discretionary' time. But point taken it is out of balance, so one with the video!
7:25 - but isn't it also the case that God worked six days when he created the world? And Adam had a job of sorts even in the garden - naming the animals. I'm not defending workaholism or anything here, far from it, but saying that work is bad because of that verse isn't really what it's saying. There are different kinds of work and our society is certainly struggling from putting too much focus on work, but I don't think that that is necessary how you interpret that verse
I can get behind “blame the prods” once in a while, you know. For fun.
I've been saying this for years.
amazing Brian.
I whas having this conversation with a beloved one some days ago.
This rich guy hasn't got a clue.
The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. Max Weber. Luther abolished many religious holidays as they took work days away.
I disagree, but only regarding me, because I cannot speak for anyone else. My child and my grandchildren ARE the most important things in my life. Work is a requirement to provide for your children, but is only important for that provision.
There are, however, workaholics, and a lot of them. I don’t know what makes them work so much, other than for reaching a goal.
Isn't one of the fundamentals of Opus Dei that profane work offered up becomes sacred and even sanctifying?
Sure, and it's absolutely true that work dignifies man.
But when a society is so addicted to "hustle culture" and fetishizes investment bankers doing coke so they can knock out 60+ hours a week, something is deeply wrong in society.
A woman who is conned by culture into thinking that it's good to be a single mom girlboss who has to take out loans to pay a daycare to watch her kid so she can go to work to earn enough money to feed that kid, even Opus Dei founder St. Josemaria Escriva himself would call that kind of working situation an outrage against Christian propriety and something which requires societal remediation.
Excellent video!
The Dude Abides
It bothers me that you used Luther in the thumbnail for this 'Protestant' work ethic video, when it is really a Calvinist thing.
Always blame others.
Waiting for all of the Protestant comments complaining Brian is a lazy socialist 😆
I agree partially, it is also in our nature to work and work is good to a degree. Jesus Himself said that we will work in heaven.
Luther is right on this subject, and the scriptures testify to it
One of the reasons your countries are richer and you're complaining? I'm a Catholic living in South America. Believe me, you could have had it much worse.
Shared*
nearly 13 minutes of a guy trying to convince us that we were happier when we didn’t love our job and only did it out of necessity 😅 yeah…. sure, why not?
Would you rather spend time to earn money that is devalued and loaned out at interest so you can pay someone else to do something for you, including care for your children, and be disconnected from the meaning of the family economy...or would you rather gather only the wood you need to burn for warmth, grow only the food you need to eat, make only the things you need to use, and then enjoy the rest of your time with your family using those things you and your community produced?
There's a very real reason that certain...groups found it expedient to convince us that it's better if everyone paid everyone to do everything for them. It makes you *feel* like you WANT to work instead of "having" to work.
When everyone thinks they're better off working for someone else, they get a cut of everything.
Hmmm i dont think eother labour or leisure is the highest calling but rather love humans were made for all three and I do agree with Martin Luther on what he says about sweeping floors and prayer however disagree with his angle since he is focusing far too much on the physical both are equally sacred if done with love of God first and love neighbour and self love abounds in all things work is a good thing but so is leaisure and love Agape is the best all three are need love the most and humans were made for all three.
Everyone should be a Catholic monk or nun?
The only works prods care about is the work you do for the upper class.
The very small, 2-ish%-of-the-population upper class.
I agree with a lot of points, but God still created the Earth and so it isn't... profane. Or, at least cursed, if profane does not mean the same thing? You can enjoy your time on the Earth, it's okay since God created it all and found it good. :3
You have gutted the the protestant work ethic from history, context, and its actual teachings. Modern work is defined more from secular marxists than protestants. The 9-5 is an outcome from Unions and industrialization. Your description of the easy life of Roman pre-reformation is just of an agrarian lifestyle but is an idealized version that didn't happen for peasants in the way you described. They were serfs that slaved under aristocratic rule. The Lords blessed by Rome as having divine rights, who often oppressed the poor (who was very intentionally everyone but themselves).
God worked 6 days and rested on the 7th. The reformation elevated the dignity of maid to the same level society viewed the priest and aristocrat. Work is sacred but anything can be an idol: Christ's interaction with Mary and Martha shows one should use discretion in priority, not a sacred vs profane. Your video shows you know little of post reformation europe and nothing of reformation teaching and what it was responding to: the historical context of pre-reformation romanism.
Even the paintings you used to showcase the 'good' life were from Protestant Europe! Painters like Rembrandt focused on the working class to show their dignity!!!!