Posted on 11/11/2007 8:26:12 PM PST by Alex Murphy
VATICAN CITY — With his conservative pronouncements on issues of sexuality, liturgy and interfaith dialogue, Pope Benedict XVI has frustrated many Roman Catholics in the church’s progressive wing.
Benedict’s views on economics, as expounded in an expected papal document, should be a lot more to liberals’ liking.
Benedict’s encyclical — anticipated in the next several months, along with one on the theological virtues of “hope” — promises to be a provocative contribution to the debate on globalization and its social consequences.
Though he adamantly rejects attempts to associate Catholic teaching with Marxism, the pope has signaled that he supports intervention to temper market forces and redress economic inequality.
This should not be surprising. While criticizing communism, the previous pope, JPII, sometimes also talked about the problem with capitalism.
Wher’s the meat? Are we supposed to just acept what this article says? It is no secret that the RC church promotes the concept of sharing of wealth, but mostly it is with regard to charity towards those less fortunate. Outright socialism is not considered a good thing by the church. Nor is too much faith in unbridled capitalism considered appropriate for Christians.
The only thing that will please the Left is the church’s disbandment.
Anyone interested, I recommend Michael Novaks, “The Spirit of Democratic Capitalism.” Outstanding work and an impassioned argument for liberty in Economics from a theological perspective.
Perhaps the Catholic Church should start divesting itself of all the toys, trinkets and real estate it has accumulated as a result of capitalism. Hypocrite.
I’m waiting for the church to dispose of it’s wealth and give it to the poor; isn’t that what Christ taught?
The pope should practice what he preaches!
You wrote:
“Perhaps the Catholic Church should start divesting itself of all the toys, trinkets and real estate it has accumulated as a result of capitalism. Hypocrite.”
The Church doesn’t practice capitalism. The Church does not, for instance, market services, or sell to the highest bidder - as is common to capitalism. It might help you to actually know what you’re talking about.
I cannot seem to find any verse where Jesus preaches “Rob the working man of his earning via the tax code so you can hand it out to your self chosen “victim” classes in exchange for their votes”
Everything I can find in the bible tells me charity is a personal, not an institutional, responsibility. I, not the state, am my brother's keeper.
Better study your history. The Church may not do this right now but only because it has had century's to build up it wealth by doing those very things.
Ever heard of indulgences? Sale of church offices?
Capitalism promotes the most good for the most people. It is the most moral of all economic systems since it allows the individual to succeed or fail on their own merits. To condemn Capitalism represent not only fundamental economic ignorance but a serious lack of understanding of the teaching of Jesus Christ.
We as individuals, not the state, are our brother's keepers. For a Christian, charity is an individual, not a state, responsibility.
The Catholic Church made its wealth long before Capitalism was even clearly formulated as a system. Most of its money came from feudal and mercantile economies.
Interesting, though, that the Church seemed to have little problem with those systems, even though they allowed for far less distribution of property and goods than capitalism and free markets.
Incidentally, I would say that Capitalism allows for far greater distribution of wealth in practice than can be found in any system that makes general distribution its primary theme. Socialist and communist countries always seem to be able to talk the talk but never seem to have the ability to walk the walk. It is somewhat amusing that systems predicated on empowering the masses tend to gravitate towards placing power in the hands of an elite, while the system that is generally blamed for empowering the elite tends to lead to freedom and prosperity...
Ever heard of indulgences? Sale of church offices?
Just to nitpick, that wasn't really capitalism in practice, as the Church had a clear monopoly on the services it rendered.
In a capitalist society, the Church perhaps would never have obtained the massive wealth for which it has become known.
That might have something to do with the reason why the Church isn't particularly fond of Capitalism.
Perhaps you should practice some patience and wait until the actual encyclical is released rather than rely on suspect media spin before commenting, unless of course you take pride in coming across as a fool.
What a great point!
If we want to help the poor of the world help them establish a reputable legal system, property rights and a non confiscatory tax system.
We as individuals, not the state, are our brother's keepers. For a Christian, charity is an individual, not a state, responsibility.
The best run programs to help people are those that are run by churches, without govt. assistance.
Beyond the tax code, other mechanisms of the Government degrade the poor: regulations often effectively preserve the existing elite as an oligopoly, creating significant or insurmountable barriers to entry against potential competitors. Some countries practice slavery blatantly or through virtual caste systems, debt peonage, and other systems that inhibit economic mobility from the poorer classes.
Charity may be a personal responsibility, but the Government must allow the paupers a real chance to improve their economic standing. This country historically succeeded at that virtue like no other and consequently attracted immigrants from every corner of Europe and various other faraway lands. Our politicians nowadays, however, occupy their tenure in office with dispensing favoritism and public moneys to the established oligopoly in exchange for campaign cash. They create and maintain systems that reward and institutionalize intergenerational failure among paupers and punish success. And the labyrinthine tax code ranks high among these, striking fear into the hearts of Americans who otherwise might engage in productive economic activity.
Capitalism not practiced in a society that values the rights and dignity of man is just another name for slavery. In the U.S. we truly believe that people have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
This combinatiion of economics and morals are what made this Country so prosperous for so long. There is no sin in making a profit only in putting profit above God and His Word.
B • U • M • P !!!
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