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INTENTION : |
That economists may have the courage to reject any economy of exclusion and know how to open new paths.
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Economy for the common good
Catholic social teachings, grounded in principles aimed at providing guidance to moral decision- making, played little role in preparing the world's economic meltdown.
By most accounts, the economic forces that spawned the worst economic collapse since the 1930s were both personal and structural. They included greed, the failure of financial institutions to adequately consider the common good, and the failure of government to provide for some of the most vulnerable in our society.
These forces have moral considerations and Catholic social teachings speak to them. However, few Catholic voices were prominent in the months and years leading up to the economic collapse.
Catholic social teachings date back to the late 19th century, and are contained in papal encyclicals and other episcopal documents. Over the years they have attempted to apply Catholic moral teachings to social, political and economic issues.
These teachings call upon Catholics to stress the sanctity of human life, the dignity of the person, the call to community and participation, a preferential option for the poor, the rights of workers to organize and earn a fair wage, defending the migrants and refugees with respect and dignity and the care for God's creation.
As Catholics we are invited to use the resources of Catholic faith "to shape a society that better protects the dignity and basic rights" of all. It offered six principles that Catholics could apply to evaluate economic matters: Every economic decision and institution must be judged in light of whether it protects or undermines the dignity of the human person. "We judge any economic system by what it does for and to people and by how it permits all to participate in it. The economy should serve people, not the other way around."
"H"Human dignity can be realized and protected only in community. "Gross national product, per capita income, stock market prices, and so forth: The Christian vision of economic life looks beyond them all and asks, 'Does economic life enhance or threaten our life together as a community?' "
"All people have a right to participate in the economic life of society. "Basic justice demands that people be assured a minimum level of participation in the economy."
"All members of society have a special obligation to the poor and vulnerable. "As Christians, we are called to respond to the needs of all our brothers and sisters, but those with the greatest needs require the greatest response."
"Human rights are the minimum conditions for life in community. "As Pope John XXIII declared, 'All people have a right to life, food, clothing, shelter, rest, medical care, education and employment.'"
"Society as a whole, acting through public and private institutions, has the moral responsibility to enhance human dignity and protect human rights.
"In addition to the clear responsibility of private institutions, government has an essential responsibility in this area. This does not mean that government has the primary or exclusive role, but it does have a positive moral responsibility in safeguarding human rights and ensuring that the minimum conditions of human dignity are met for all."
At the personal level
Today, Pope Francis in his Encyclical Laudato Si' calls for action to be taken at the personal level and at the governmental level. This is where lay Catholics are expected to exercise their responsibilities. The encyclical asks individuals to examine their own lifestyles to see what changes they may be able to make. At the governmental level the encyclical presents a compelling case for change, but does not provide solutions, leaving it, instead, to Catholics and others in political and civil society to respond in a timely, sufficient and morally acceptable manner.
by Thomas C. Fox
NCR
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