Capitalism as religion

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Capitalism as religion is a fragment by the German philosopher Walter Benjamin from 1921. In his fragment, the Marxist philosopher deals with the parallels and differences between capitalism and religion in the modern age .

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According to Benjamin, “there is a religion to be seen in capitalism; H. capitalism essentially serves to satisfy the same worries, torments and unrest to which the so-called religions used to give answers ”. (Benjamin VI, 100) Benjamin explains in his fragment the religious essence in capitalism on the basis of four characteristics.

Feature 1

The first characteristic described by Benjamin is capitalism as a “pure cult religion” that neither pursues a specific theology nor deeper beliefs or dogmas . From a theological point of view, a pantheism can be recognized in it, which proceeds from an invisible (divine) power in everything. Dogmas as rules and moral principles are, however, indispensable for solidarity and the protection of the poor. A free, dogma-free pantheism, as in capitalism, is the cornerstone for preferring the rich and the associated inequality of opportunity.

Feature 2

The second feature describes the “permanent duration of the cult ” (Benjamin VI, 100). First of all, we have to start from the premise that on holidays of a religion “the real destiny of man is expressed” ( Wolfgang Palaver ). The solemn state of emergency from everyday life gives the opportunity to reflect on the bare essentials. The capitalist cult of consumption, however, would be celebrated continuously every weekday. That means an alienation of humans from the essentials and their origin through the permanent numbness of the consumer world. This supports the distraction and viciousness of the people. The consumer industry, which benefits from the constant state of enjoyment, is staging an "ideal world". As a result, the alienation from people is not perceived and the reflection is forgotten.

Feature 3

The third characteristic treats religious capitalism as a “indebted cult”. It is no longer about atonement , but rather about trivializing and universalizing guilt. In the “economic logic of fault” (Wolfgang Palaver) of capitalism, debt is an essential and even necessary component of the system, e.g. B. Borrowing. The “natural guilt” innate in the pagan conception would become invalid and the whole world would be indebted with the hope of later redemption. Selfish qualities and vices such as envy, greed and pride no longer have to be atoned for, but serve to advance and function capitalism. The sense of guilt would be removed and would enable almost unrestricted competition in the free economy.

Feature 4

As the fourth characteristic of religious capitalism, Benjamin mentions that its "God must be hidden" (Benjamin VI 101). The hidden god of capitalism is man. Through pride and rivalry man exalt himself until he becomes a superman . The result is self-deification, which makes all repentance and atonement superfluous and rejects it. Since the vices are not insulated either, the infinite exaggeration and " idolization of the proud man" ( Wolfgang Palaver ) would pose a threat to the whole world.

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  1. ↑ Wolfgang Palaver: Capitalism as Religion , 2002