Abstract

This study is a theoretical exploration of the connection between the Protestant ethic and the spirit of modern public education. According to Weber's methodology, the emphasis is placed on the way in which Calvin's theology, specifically that of predestination, and his presbyterian system influenced the development of modern public education. Some of the issues to be addressed are: the contrast between the approaches of the humanists and Jesuits to educational reform, an analysis of Calvin's presbyterian polity and theology of predestination, Ignatius' policy regarding the role of the Jesuits as compared and contrasted with Calvin's system, and the growing secularization of education in the seventeenth century. Due to the exploratory nature of the study, conclusions are formulated in terms of further work to be accomplished in order to better understand the situation.