Monday, January 5, 2009

Pope Calls for New Economic Model

On World Peace Day, January 1st, Pope Benedict stated that we need a new economic model. This model needs to be a "virtuous circle" based on simple living and fighting poverty. I do like that phrase of "virtuous circle." I'm assuming that it is supposed to be a play on "vicious circle," but I'm not sure if the official language for this kind of address is Latin or not. It is refreshing to see that on World Peace Day, Benedict addressed the issue of the economy rather than abortion. In his message, he also condemns the arms race, which is literally stealing resources from the world's poor. While he does not cite capitalism in particular, his section on finance is written against the unfair advantages that capitalism gives to the Western world. And simple living is definitely at odds with capitalism. Our president wants us to shop - that's how capitalism "works." Overall, a good message. I wish it was a bit more explicit, but it is obvious that our economy needs some Christianizing.

A Faithful Catholic

8 comments:

Terrence Berres said...

"our economy needs some Christianizing."

Does that mean you have changed your opinion to now disapprove of schools concealing what they do in order to keep the tuition money coming in (as described in your previous post)?

Faithful Catholic said...

People who are genuinely trying to do good need to decide for themselves whether it is wiser to be public or private about it. I.E. Pius XII

Terrence Berres said...

So the parents who would object are, in your analogy, in the moral position of the Nazis?

Faithful Catholic said...

The woman who called the show never said that any parents were complaining or had a problem with it. If the parents did have a problem, then it would be wrong to counsel the kids in that way.

Terrence Berres said...

You're the one who heard the broadcast and you're the one who said "This is all great news. I wish this school could openly exhibit what they are doing". It sure sounds like you assumed that the school was concealing things to advance an agenda you favored while avoiding accountability.

CatholicSoldier said...

Terrence, careful, you are tying F.C. in knots with his own words, we can't have that. (sarcasm)

I too would be interested to hear more about what Pope Benedict XVI desires for a good economic model, since it isn't socialism or communism as well (I think we can write off mercantilism too). The excesses of capitalism certainly are a bad thing, the problem is far too many executives have lost touch with reality and with the human condition. They no longer feel obligated or tied to their employees or society at large, but only to themselves, that is, a recipe for disaster.

Mark said...

C.S.

Is this what you think or what "Holy Mother Church" thinks? Please clarify. Jack

CatholicSoldier said...

Jack,

Why would you care what Holy Mother Church thinks? You've shown nothing but disdain for Her Teachings in every interaction I've had with you.