Based on years of scholarly research, this book offers a fresh perspective of the Protestant ethic by contrasting it with the newly identified Catholic charity ethic. There are several key features that distinguish the Catholic ethic from its Protestant counterpart, including how each ethic values money and work, family and community, and the individual. The Protestant ethic is rooted in the values of work, wealth, and achievement while the Catholic ethic is firmly based on long-standing traditions and beliefs of sharing. When the two are compared, the Catholic ethic has a stronger value base for providing assistance to others, especially the poor and the disadvantaged. John Tropman presents an insightful analysis of the deeply ingrained attitudes Americans have about money and work, and their view of people who have neither.

This is a valuable work for sociologists, political scientists, social activists, religion scholars and students, and fundraisers of charitable organizations.