Editing Max Weber (section)

===Disenchantment===
{{Main|Disenchantment}}

The process of disenchantment caused the world to become more explained and less mystical, moving from [[polytheistic]] religions to [[monotheistic]] ones and finally to the Godless science of [[modernity]].{{sfnm|1a1=Kim|1y=2022|2a1=Gane|2y=2002|2pp=16–23}} Older explanations of why events occurred relied on the belief in supernatural interference in the material world. Due to disenchantment, this gave way to rational and scientific explanations for events.{{sfnm|1a1=Swedberg|1a2=Agevall|1y=2016|1pp=86–87|2a1=Gane|2y=2002|2pp=16–17}} According to the ''[[Sociology of Religion (book)|Sociology of Religion]]'' religious activity began with actions in the material world that people associated with vague spirits and gave magical meanings to. Over time, these magical beliefs became increasingly systemised and the spirits became gods that were represented by symbols.{{sfnm|1a1=Gane|1y=2002|1pp=16–17|2a1=Allan|2y=2005|2pp=154–156}} This increasing theological systemisation resulted in polytheism and [[organised religion]].{{sfnm|1a1=Gane|1y=2002|1pp=16–17|2a1=Allan|2y=2005|2pp=157–158}} Increasing rationality caused the development of Western monotheism, which resulted in groups focusing on specific gods for political and economic purposes, creating a universal religion.{{sfnm|1a1=Gane|1y=2002|1pp=16–17|2a1=Allan|2y=2005|2pp=151–152}} According to Weber, Protestantism encouraged an increased pursuit of rationality that led to the devaluing of itself.{{sfnm|1a1=Gane|1y=2002|1pp=17–23|2a1=Allan|2y=2005|2pp=151–152|3a1=Kim|3y=2022}} In turn, this devaluation led to [[nihilism]] through its destruction of unifying values.{{sfnm|1a1=Gane|1y=2002|1pp=21–23|2a1=Kim|2y=2022|3a1=Allan|3y=2005|3pp=151–152}}