How Long to Read Water, Christianity and the Rise of Capitalism

By Terje Oestigaard

How Long Does it Take to Read Water, Christianity and the Rise of Capitalism?

It takes the average reader 4 hours and 10 minutes to read Water, Christianity and the Rise of Capitalism by Terje Oestigaard

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

The Christian religion is deeply imbued with the imagery of water, and water plays a central role in its religious practices, not least in baptism. Yet the wider role of water in Christianity has been little explored. In this pioneering book, Terje Oestigaard uses the dramatic changes that took place in perceptions of water during the Reformation to reveal the importance that water played in structuring society and religion in the post-Reformation period. Prior to the Reformation, most common people believed misfortune and catastrophe were caused by the devil, and sought protection in the use of holy water blessed by the local priest. Holy water and holy wells gave laypeople a powerful weapon which could be used to keep the devil away, cure illness and protect fields, property and family. But with the Reformation, the nature of holy water was challenged and belief in the efficacy of holy water and holy wells was attacked as Popish magic and superstition: the status of holy water became one of the main battlegrounds between Protestants and Catholics. The author explores these conflicting views on the spiritual qualities of water and their consequences for society at large. He traces the changing views of nature that arose with Enlightenment developments in the scientific understanding of water and the hydrological cycle, and shows how the emergence of a natural theology helped encourage a belief in the Protestant work ethic whereby wealth and economic success equated with religious excellence. The author concludes by examining - and challenging - Weber's claim that the protestant work ethic and capitalist spirit of enterprise that was so important to the later success of the Industrial Revolution came about when magic and superstition were eliminated from religion by the Reformation. The result is a highly original work that provides one of the most detailed explorations of the importance of the role of water in structuring society and religion in post-Reformation England. Offering fresh insights into the development of society and religion, it will be welcomed by all those with an interest in water, religion, sociology, and the Reformation period.

How long is Water, Christianity and the Rise of Capitalism?

Water, Christianity and the Rise of Capitalism by Terje Oestigaard is 250 pages long, and a total of 62,500 words.

This makes it 84% the length of the average book. It also has 76% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Water, Christianity and the Rise of Capitalism Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 5 hours and 41 minutes to read Water, Christianity and the Rise of Capitalism aloud.

What Reading Level is Water, Christianity and the Rise of Capitalism?

Water, Christianity and the Rise of Capitalism is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Water, Christianity and the Rise of Capitalism?

Water, Christianity and the Rise of Capitalism by Terje Oestigaard is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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