Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903) Graves de Communi...
Transcript of Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903) Graves de Communi...
On ‘Christian Democracy’
Graves de
Communi Re
1901
Pope Leo XIII
(1878-1903)
“The grave discussion on economic questions…
growing in frequency and intensity…
bad philosophical and ethical teachings…
all add bitterness to the strife…”
A continuation of Rerum Novarum
Heavy emphasis on eternal salvation
The ProblemGrave economic issues, division b/w capital & labor, false philosophy, erroneous morality, technological innovation, professional agitators
Socialism is NOT the answer
Catholic ResponseRepeated insistence that
Socialism is unacceptable!
Clarity in terms used is crucialChristian Socialism, Social Christians, Christian Democracy
(Catholic Social Action / Justice) vs. Social Democracy
What it should not promote(1) Democracy Over Other Forms of Govt, (2) Belittling of Religion,(3) Attacks on Authority, (4) Neglect of the Upper Classes of Society, (5) Socialism in Any Form
What it should promote(1) Justice, (2) Private Property, (3) Equity (not equality), (4) Authority, (5) Peace Among All Classes, (6) Religion, (7) Obedience, (8) Eternal Life
Always Keep Eternity in Perspective This is not primarily a social, economic, or moral
question, above all it is spiritual (religious and moral)
We are called to work for the betterment of society(common good), but always under the aegis of ourCatholic Faith!
How do we insure this?
“For what does it profit a man, if he gain the whole world,
and suffer the loss of his soul?” (Mark 8:36)