[Girlene]

Do you agree with this?

54. In this context, some people continue to defend trickle-down theories which assume that economic growth, encouraged by a free market, will inevitably succeed in bringing about greater justice and inclusiveness in the world. This opinion, which has never been confirmed by the facts, expresses a crude and naïve trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power and in the sacralized workings of the prevailing economic system. Meanwhile, the excluded are still waiting. To sustain a lifestyle which excludes others, or to sustain enthusiasm for that selfish ideal, a globalization of indifference has developed. Almost without being aware of it, we end up being incapable of feeling compassion at the outcry of the poor, weeping for other people’s pain, and feeling a need to help them, as though all this were someone else’s responsibility and not our own. The culture of prosperity deadens us; we are thrilled if the market offers us something new to purchase; and in the meantime all those lives stunted for lack of opportunity seem a mere spectacle; they fail to move us. EVANGELII GAUDIUM

I don't.

[Hieronymus]

Give the word inevitable in the first line a good hard look. If I am buying cheap goods made in China under questionable circumstances, are all the parts of the economic system working fairly? Maybe yes, maybe no—more often than not, I’d bet no. (Which isn’t to say that I am clean on the issue—but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t an issue.)

[vladimir998]

I do.

Look at China. China is now using capitalism in its economy. And what about the common man in China? Many are building much better lives, for sure, but millions and millions are also being abused by a savage system of exploitation where they have almost no rights, few real freedoms in the labor market, no protection from their employers, etc.

I myself believe free market practices create more freedoms and generally improve the situations of people. What I do not assume is that it automatically “inevitably succeed in bringing about greater justice and inclusiveness in the world.”

Also, I heard Rush discuss this point today:

“The culture of prosperity deadens us; we are thrilled if the market offers us something new to purchase; and in the meantime all those lives stunted for lack of opportunity seem a mere spectacle; they fail to move us.”

What got to me was how upset Rush was about that point. I like Rush and really respect him for his intelligence. I also think he is way too hung up on his Apple devices, his golf outings, his cigars, his plane, etc. Rush did indeed make a good point about how many workers are being employed in China to produce the new iPhones because of the incredible demand. At the same time I can’t help but think that there’s something pathetic about our insatiable demand for the latest version of the iPhone as if it so important. I’m still using a flip phone and never had a cell phone of my own until 2009. While I was driving and listening to Rush talk about that comment from Pope Francis it occurred to me (not for the first time) how attached Rush is to his toys. It then occurred to me (not for the first time) how attached I am to mine. I collect Bibles. I have dozens of them. I do use them. I read the Bible frequently. I share what I learn with friends. I have to admit, however, I am spending too much money and time acquiring the next study Bible “the market offers [me]...to purchase”. I realize I have to stop. It’s no longer a wholesome pursuit in my case. It’s become a distraction from what I should be doing first and foremost: living a Christ-like life of charity. What can I say? It was an important afternoon car ride for me today.

[going hot]

Sure does a lot of assuming regards what others may think.

Where do these thought patterns come from?

[wintertime]

The Pope wrote this?