Abstract
Inspired by Weberian analysis of the Protestant ethic, the hypothesis of an affinity between Catholic charismatism (in France) and advanced capitalism is tested. Five characteristics of the advanced capitalist ethos are first defined: in particular an expressive individualism, evolving from the counter-culture period and responding now to the requirements of the post-industrial world. The charismatic vision of salvation and its realization in two communities of the French movement are explored. These communities present an ideal-typical opposition related to two themes: (1) the relationship between salvation and this-worldly happiness; (2) the importance, in the achievement of salvation, of ecclesial mediation. From this opposition, it appears that only one community is in tune with advanced capitalism: it confuses salvation and selfrealization, moreover it purports to obtain salvation by means of “selfformation” rather than through the sacraments; the other community appears to be closer to paternalistic capitalism in attitude. But both these forms of engagement in the post-industrial world may be functional within a “dual” society.