Encyclical of Pope John XXIII, On Establishing Universal Peace In Truth, Justice, Charity, And Liberty, April 11, 1963 Excerpts:
“Man’s personal dignity requires besides that he enjoy freedom and be able to make up his own mind when he acts.
In his association with his fellows, therefore, there is every reason why his recognition of rights, observance of duties, and many-sided collaboration with other men, should be primarily a matter of his own personal decision.
Each man should act on his own initiative, conviction, and sense of responsibility, not under the constant pressure of external coercion or enticement.
There is nothing human about a society that is welded together by force.
Far from encouraging, as it should, the attainment of man’s progress and perfection, it is merely an obstacle to his freedom.”
“Hence, a regime which governs solely or mainly by means of threats and intimidation or promises of reward, provides men with no effective incentive to work for the common good.
And even if it did, it would certainly be offensive to the dignity of free and rational human beings.”
“Consequently, laws and decrees passed in contravention of the moral order, and hence of the divine will, can have no binding force in conscience, since ‘it is right to obey God rather than men.’”
Norman Rockwell, the talented American artist, painted four pictures in 1943 titled Freedom From Fear, Freedom From Want, Freedom of Speech, and Freedom of Worship.
The painting Freedom of Worship contained the logo “EACH ACCORDING TO THE DICTATES OF HIS OWN CONSCIENCE. The phrase “according to the dictates of his own concience” has a colorful history itself (see, eg. http://www2.pitnet.net/primarysources/bayle.html), but Rockwell juxtiposed it into public consciousness against the thrust of non-American social propaganda during the second world war.
Thanks for posting those words by Pope John XXIII. So appropriate in 1963 and so appropriate today. Timeless words of wisdom.