Asceticism- Discussion

I agree with you Jessica that, for Weber, ascetic protestantism overall rewards and promotes the "hard work, persistent, and diligent" work ethic. However, I think where it becomes a bit complicated is when the ideas of the "calling" and "God's plan for you" comes into play. In class we discussed how your job, be it a Wall Street financial analyst or a janitor, is God's plan for you and you are meant of fulfill that role. If you do not do this, you will be denying his "gift" and "plan" for you. If this is so, ending the work that is planned for one might be shunned if we view it in this light. It is pretty cynical to see it this way, for example if we look at sweat shop labour in third world countries. But then again, it is important to remember that Weber's ascetic protestantism only serves as an ideal type that we can compare to. It is only a heuristic.... but food for thought!