A New Protestant Labor Ethic At Work

A carefully measured, incisive and enlightening critique of the Protestant work ethic, from one who has been there. As the author states in his Preface: "The goal of this book is to propose a labor ethic that places the accent on the "protest" in Protestantism. This ethic intends to interrupt the forced march of the Protestant work ethic, the dominant cultural ideal in the United States. Protestantism must not be about capitulation to capitalism. It must engage in activities of protest or challenge to the economic powers in our time. A new "Protestant labor ethic at work" needs to question and confront authority so as to help undo and delegitimate the newest (and oldest) forms of dehumanization as it pertains to workers and workplace conditions."
"Estey brings to the fore perhaps the single most imporant fact of life at work, the inherent conflict of interest that permeates labor-management relations and divides the working class from the capitalists. Looking into this class conflict with clear eyes and a sympathy for workers, Estey presents an important challenge to the usual Christian business ethics. In its place he formulates an ethic that lifts the dignity of workers, as well as work, to the center of our attention." [Michael Zweig]