Social Doctrine Session 7
(CSDC 323-376)
Chapter Seven, “Economic Life” investigates the next sphere of human life based on the principle and values of the human person. Beginning with the biblical aspects of this sphere it is noted that in the Old Testament one sees an attitude of appreciation for the abundant availability of material goods and on the other hand a condemnation of the misuse of these goods. Those who acknowledge their poverty before God, regardless of their situation, placing their trust in him, receive particular attention from God. Jesus gives greater clarity to the Old Testament tradition transforming the social life through conversion to produce new justice, brotherhood, solidarity, and sharing (CSDC 325). The Bible views economic activity as “. . . a grateful response to the vocation which God holds out of each person” (CSDC 326) and one which is placed at the service of humankind and society and is placed in the context of an integral and solidary humanism. Wealth exists to be shared and placed at the service of others and for society. The Church insists that the economy has moral connotations and that economic behavior is intrinsically moral. The economies objective of developing wealth can be morally correct if directed to the overall development of humankind in solidarity with the society in which people live and work. Capitalism or a market economy can be affirmed as positive if it is subject to a strong juridical framework and is placed at the service of human society. The freedom of persons in economic matters is a fundamental value. “Businesses should be characterized by their capacity to serve the common good of society through the production of useful goods and services” (CSDC 338). The proper role of profit is recognized as a business indicator but it should be “. . . in harmony with the irrenounceable protection of the dignity of the people who work at different levels of the same company” (CSDC 340). Usury is condemned. Creativity and cooperation are the signs of authentic competition and certain social virtues are involved such as diligence, industriousness, prudence, reliability and fidelity in relationships. The free market is recognized as the most effective instrument for utilizing resources and a competitive market is an effective instrument for attaining justice. The free market cannot be judged apart from its end and the values it transmits on a societal level (CSDC 347). The action of the State must be consistent with the principle of subsidiarity, favor the free exercise of economic activity. The state must also implement an appropriate juridical framework for regulating the economy. Tax revenue and public spending should have the goal of being an instrument of development and solidarity. The government is call upon to respect private non-profit organizations. Consumers who have a road range of buying power above the subsistence level exercise considerable power in the economy and need to use that power in the context of the moral demands of justice and solidarity. The phenomenon of consumerism is to be countered with the quest for truth, beauty, goodness and communion with others. Globalization in the economic sphere offers opportunities and risks. We should seek opportunities for redistribution of wealth among different areas of the planet. Trade represents a fundamental component of international economic relations and it should be oriented towards development. Human rights need to be defended. Globalization requires new awareness on the part of civil society and increased solidarity between generations. A new role is need for the international community in guiding and regulating economies towards the common good of the human family. Promoting an integral development in solidarity with every person will benefit all. Economic activity is only one aspect of the whole of human activity and, therefore, should not become an end in itself. The rapid growth of technology and the economy needs to be matched by a great deal of educational and cultural formation.
© Office of Human Rights, and Bishop Helmsing Institute, Diocese of Kansas City~St. Joseph, 2009
