Weber criticisms

Question 1

Robinson

Answer 1

Robinson claims Weber is too selective in highlighting the contribution made by religious ideas.

Britain’s natural resources, political stability, geographical location and maritime position all played significant contributions to her capitalist development.

Question 2

Political and economic factors are the forces behind religious violence today

Answer 2

Karen Armstrong argues that conflict in Islamic countries is caused by American foreign policy and the search for cheap oil. She says western powers have in the past occupied most Muslim countries and then supported autocratic leaders such as the Shah of Iran and Saddam Hussein.

These dictators gave the west access to oil resources, but left the people of these countries impoverished (Iran). Without democracy and economic power, the people of many Muslim countries turned to militant Islam to defend themselves against attacks on their national interests;

Question 3

Bruce

Answer 3

Religion is used to justify a violent, extremist cause

The ideology of religion gives legitimisation to the power and policies of ruling elites and to those who use direct action to bring about social change. Eg The Taliban in Afghanistan used a harsh version of Islamic law to control people and to maintain their political power