I think it’s important to remember a few things about Francis in this context. First it’s impossible to separate the man from his background, and we must recognize that his understanding of poverty is completely different from ours. First-world poverty, while certainly serious in its own right, at least provides that crucial safety net for people that keeps their basic humanity intact. In the slums of Argentina the poor are truly at the edge of the civilized world, and Francis reminds us that it is part of our Christian obligation to recognize them as our brothers, equal creations in every way in the eyes of the Lord.
Second, I think it should be understood that when Francis rails against “capitalism”, he’s actually speaking against corporatism and the corporate-industrial complex. Entrepreneurship and small business are generally ethically practiced - after all, small businesses in order to grow need to treat both their customers and their employees well, otherwise they will fail. Once they grow large and start to use government to protect them from competition, however, they become the negative force that the Pope is trying to highlight. He also advocates more government involvement in commerce, which I’m not as comfortable with, but it’s no different from the stance that the Vatican has always taken.
Finally, he does say a few challenging things about wealth - specifically about those who seek to acquire material things as a means of making themselves happy. True happiness, he states, can only be found in the Lord. Turn to God and maybe you won’t need to fill that void with a new luxury sports car every year.
All in all, good stuff.
Thank you for the comments. Today, I was thinking about the term “Human Resources.” We have all used the term, but the more I reflect upon it, it bothers me.
While people are human, we are not resources in the sense that we are to be exploited, or used up in someone else’s pursuits.
Rather, as a human, I exchange my work for wages. I am free to work and free not to work, but I am not a resource of others, but rather a free person.
When I think about what Popes have said about economics, I am beginning to see it in this context. People should be paid a fair wage in exchange for their labor. They should not be used as objects, for whatever purpose.
“Unrestrained Capitalism,” in my opinion, harkens to child labor and the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. When people are treated as objects, or resources, their human dignity is denied.
This is where I think Rush is completely off the rails. While capitalism has led to the greatest secular advances in history, as well as giving people the opportunity to earn and donate more, it has to be viewed in the context of individual.
Let’s continue to pray for him, as he has the sparkle of the Holy Spirit in his mind and heart.
Have a great Thanksgiving and remember the Oceans of God’s Mercy!
**Finally, he does say a few challenging things about wealth - specifically about those who seek to acquire material things as a means of making themselves happy. True happiness, he states, can only be found in the Lord.**
Yes, most of it is good stuff, so to speak.