In "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism" Max Weber puts forth his theory that the Protestant religious movement was central to the development of capitalism. While religion has traditionally rejected the pursuit of wealth and possessions, Weber argues that the Puritan ethic and ideas were important factors in the rise of capitalism and he addresses this apparent paradox within "The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism." Weber's thesis is an interesting one and ties together important historical and religious elements that influenced the development of capitalism in the western world.