"Misericórdia" Crosses The Ocean And Takes Root

This article focuses on a historically unique social assistance system in Portugal,"misericórdia".By placing it in the context of Portugal 's cooperation with the church and its overseas expansion,this article analyzes the complex composition and specific development of such a social assistance system.And then theoretically explore a possible approach between catholic redemption ethics,charity activities and capitalism.First,this article introduces the social background of "misericórdia" and its specific development process.The dervish,lay brothers,Jesuits and local elites have influenced the development of "misericórdia" at different period.Next,this article analyzes the changes of the commitment and the work of "misericórdia",and describes the basic model of this social assistance system,in which spiritual salvation dominates.Then,this article takes the "misericórdia" of Macao in the first half of the17 th century as an example to discuss the decisive role of local elites and Jesuits.They are in the framework of a "contract" and the local elites provide material support,such as funds,privileges,and staff,the Jesuits provide knowledge,skills,and religious services,and create a peaceful community environment and a religious atmosphere.The foundation of this framework is the well-functioning overseas trade and education system.Finally,this article regards the development of "misericórdia" as a process of rationalization of salvation,and believes that it reflects a approach of internal reform in Catholic Church.Unlike the redemption methods in Protestant sects discussed by Max Weber,the redemption discussed in this article is based on monk politics,not individual;it uses the Virgin as an intermediary to obtain redemption.The different answers to salvation lead to differences in the charitable activities of the Catholic Church and the Protestant sects.The Catholic Church regards the work of "misericórdia" as the main content of charity,and the Protestant sects emphasize the importance of "calling".This difference is also reflected in their affinity for different types of capitalism: In the case of this article,Catholic Church has succeeded in traditional capitalism—that is,maritime trade and colonial expansion;and Protestant sects has made a breakthrough in modern capitalism—that is,industrial production and the establishment of modern enterprises.