Quote:
Originally Posted by icenine
It is nothing new Dave...you are describing the tenets of John Calvin, who preached predestination (doesn't matter what you do here on Earth your fate is sealed either heaven or hell). This is what the Pilgrims brought with them to New England. It was believed however that manifestations of material wealth here on Earth were evidence of God's favor. The birth of the Protestant "work ethic".
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Exactly, Robbin. There are people called "God's Elect" and you can identify them easily because they're the ones with all the money and all the power. Conversely, people who are poor and weak are not divinely favored.
As Robbin said, this is the birth of the Protestant work ethic. By working hard and strenously, though not necessarily ethically, one strives to realize the fruits God preordained for them. Success is proof of election and salvation.