Max Weber (1864-1920), German sociologist and economist. Weber was an opponent of Marxism, and one of the founders or modern sociology. His work The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, which coined the phrase work ethic", discussed his theory that Protestants had to work hard as they had no "easy" way to get into heaven. He compared Protestants with Catholics, who he said relied on the "magic wand" of waving hands, chanted incantations and an abracadbra-like prayer to get them into heaven. The disparity in wealth between religions is now seen as a result of colonialism, and not a particular creed."