La clef du progrès, le renoncement

AUTEUR :  MICHEL ISTAS SJ

ABSTRACT

To achieve progress, certain conditions have to be met. In 1861, Charles Périn pointed out that an essential one is the willingness not to remain idle and to renounce the gratification made possible by new discoveries. By calling its faithful to such a renunciation, Périn argued, Christianity has made the development of Western countries possible. Max Weber has defended a similar thesis when he described inner-worldly asceticism, as promoted by Calvinism. Pope Francis also acknowledges that sacrifices must be made, to ensure that progress will endure and benefit all peoples. Agreeing to renunciation in order to contribute to progress remains a real challenge in our days.