# Philip Melanchthon — Religion and the Rise of Capitalism character guide

> Philip Melanchthon in Religion and the Rise of Capitalism by R. H. Tawney.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Melanchthon

**First appearance:** 0003-religion-and-the-rise-of-capitalism

## Who they are

German Protestant reformer and theologian.

## In the story

### [II: The Continental Reformers](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/religion_and_the_rise_of_capitalism_se/chapters/ii-the-continental-reformers)

Melanchthon is referenced as having already assumed a position similar to Calvin's on moderate interest for loans to the rich.

### [Luther](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/religion_and_the_rise_of_capitalism_se/chapters/ii-luther)

Mentioned as expounding godly doctrine on money-lending and prices, and as sharing Luther's admiration for the peasant life.

### [III: Calvin](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/religion_and_the_rise_of_capitalism_se/chapters/iii-calvin)

Referenced as having anticipated Calvin's position on usury, sanctioning a moderate rate on loans to the rich with some hesitation.

### [II: Religious and Social Policy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/religion_and_the_rise_of_capitalism_se/chapters/ii-religious-and-social-policy)

Melanchthon is referenced as an authority in a memorandum on usury, showing the continued reliance on Reformation-era theologians alongside medieval thinkers.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/religion_and_the_rise_of_capitalism_se/characters/melanchthon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/religion_and_the_rise_of_capitalism_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/religion_and_the_rise_of_capitalism_se/characters