Original scientific paper
IN THE CAGE OF VANITIES
Miroslav Volf
; Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena; Evangelic Theological Faculty, Osijek
Abstract
At the end ot The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism Max
Weber compared the "tremendous cosmos of the modern economic
order" which has come to determine "the lives of all individuals
who are born into" it, "with an irresistible force" to "iron cage."
Taking its departure from an analysis of the ancient book of
Ecclesiasts, the present article attempts first a theological examination
of the character of "the cage" and its rootedness in insatiability,
that is inherent to human nature. Second, the article examines
the possible complicity of religion in the creation and maintenance
of the cage of vanities. In the last section the article seeks
to offer a way out, by claiming that the mystery of the infinite God
is the only proper object of human insatiability.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
32883
URI
Publication date:
1.11.1994.
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