CATHOLIC SOCIAL ENCYCLICALS

from Rerum Novarum to Laudato Si’

Rerum Novarum

• Pope Leo XIII

• May 15, 1891

• “On the Conditions of Labor”

• First Social Encyclical

• Dubbed as the MAGNA CARTA of the Social Teaching of the Church

• Context: Industrial Revolution/French Revolution

Rerum NovarumTHEMES:

THE GAP BETWEEN RICH AND POOR, AND THE UNEVEN DISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH

It affirms the moral question about the concentration of income in the hands of the capitalist, and it affirms that labor is as important as the capital

Inequality is a scandal to our common humanity. We need not treat our extreme inequalities as if it’s natural.

Rerum NovarumTHEMES:

MORAL DECLINE AMONG THE PEOPLE

Self direction has sadly lead to the increasing ISOLATION among the people, especially the poor.

We have severed the ‘bonds’ we have with other people.

We NO LONGER feel RESPONSIBLE for the other because we argue that the other’s misery (poverty) is his/her own responsibility; she/he has to provide his/her needs as I do for mine.

We then justify our DIFFERENCES towards the needs of others.

Rerum NovarumTHEMES:

PRIVATE PROPERTY

Rerum Novarum also affirms the legitimacy of private ownership.

Capitalists should not be greedy and distribute fairly the profit

Socialist are more unjust when they rob people of their property

Property must be made available for COMMON USE if there is dire need.

Rerum Novarum listed down four moral criteria which make private property legitimate. Which among the choices

cannot be a criterion for the morality of private property?

A. Private property is inherent in man’s nature B. Man must be allowed to enjoy the fruits of his labor C. Property allows man to prepare for his future D. Property ensures man of economic stability. E. Properties are better cared if they are apportioned to private owners F. Private property respects inheritance and gifts.

Rerum Novarum listed down four moral criteria which make private property legitimate. Which among the choices

cannot be a criterion for the morality of private property?

D. Property ensures man of economic stability.

F. Private property respects inheritance and gifts.

Rerum NovarumTHEMES:

WAGES AND CONTRACT

Contracts, though rightly governed by mutual consent, may not be sufficient to guarantee the JUST WAGE of a worker.

CONTRACTS alone can still be subjected to the manipulation and exploitation of employers who have greater bargaining power over the employees.

There is a need for NATURAL JUSTICE (Procedural fairness): wages must be enough to support the NEEDS of an upright and honest worker (RN 45)

Rerum NovarumTHEMES:

WORKERS’ UNION

Unions, though suspected often as communist organizations, were supported by the Church.

UNIONS among workers will allow them to earn enough BARGAINING POWER to enter into a negotiation with the owners so that the interest of the workers may also be safeguarded.

But, Unions’ priority is to safeguard the COMMON GOOD. The unions’ cause to represent the workers’ interest must not compromise the COMMON GOOD.

Quadragesimo Anno• Pope PIUS XI

• May 15, 1931

• “On Reconstructing the Social Older”

Why was there a need to RECONSTRUCT the social order?

• The rise of NATIONALIST government (aims to form a strong national government): they wanted to curb poverty by concentrating power on the government so they could facilitate the distribution of goods, with the aim for social justice.

• There was also the GREAT DEPRESSION that contributed to the massive unemployment, poverty and misery among people.

THEMES:

CRITIQUE AGAINST ECONOMIC DICTATORS

Economic Dictators are those people whose decisions have wide implications in the socio-economic system

Economic Dictatorship was identified as one of the causes of the Great Depression due to the imbalances of power which also led to the inequity of wealth distribution.

There is a call to move towards better power sharing even in the economic system.

Quadragesimo Anno

THEMES:

PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY

This is QA’s response to the need to balance personal freedom (capitalism and democracy) vis-a-vis the common good and equality (socialism and totalitarian regimes).

The principle of SUBSIDIARITY states: Just as it is gravely wrong to take from individuals what they can accomplish by their own initiative and industry and give it to the community, so also it is an injustice and at the same time a grave evil and disturbance of right order to assign to a greater and higher association what lesser and subordinate organizations can do. For every social activity ought of its very nature to furnish help to the members of the social body, and never destroy and absorb them. (QA79)

Quadragesimo Anno

The principle needs to be interpreted as a support both for the EMPOWERMENT of the lower bodies, and their accountability for a RESPONSIBLE performance of their action.

THEMES:

WARNING AGAINST IMPERIALISM

Quadragesimo Anno also warned against the potential rise of IMPERIALISM amidst the calls for more collaboration between nations.

The social teaching of the Church warns that IMPERIALISM is the NEW form of COLONIALISM (neo-colonialism). Imperialism happens when a state or organization is no longer allowed to govern itself, but is instead influenced and even manipulated by those with greater power.

Quadragesimo Anno

A) Economic Imperialism - happens because of ‘economic dictators’ where the socio-economic environment are dominated by the few powerful ones.

B) Political Imperialism - happens when a powerful nation exercise undue influence and dominance over a weaker nation.

Mater et Magistra• John XXIII

• May 15, 1961

• “Christianity and Social Progress”

• SOCIAL PROGRESS

• Post WWII context: there are nations who were trying to rebuild themselves after the war

• The EAST-WEST bloc: after the second world war there emerged the war of IDEOLOGIES (capitalism vs Socialism) represented by USA and USSR

• THe COLD WAR: the increasing animosity between USA and USSR.

• The ARMS RACE: increased production of nuclear weapon

• SPACE RACE: in 1969, USA successful landed a manned craft on the moon (before the Russians did)

• INTERNET: used by US Military in 1969

THEMES:

THE PRINCIPLE OF SOCIALIZATION

Mater et Magistra encourages a social arrangement that allows cooperation and collaboration between peoples and nations.

The primary aim of socialization is: to form association/institutions (especially the ones initiated by governments) whose primary task is to make everyone, especially the DEPRIVED POOR, are provided with their BASIC NEEDS (MM 115, 127 and 136)

Quadragesimo AnnoMater et MagistraMM however emphasizes that socialization should be complemented with the principle of SUBSIDIARITY and SOCIAL INCLUSION (recipients must be empowered so they could productively participate in the production of communal goods).

THEMES:

THE UNDERDEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLES

MM warns that some people are poor not because they are not hardworking, but because they are exploited and are made to work for ends which are imposed on them (MM69)

Moreover, MM laments over the differences of the social conditions among people in the rich and poor nations (MM70)

Quadragesimo AnnoMater et Magistra

THEMES:

EMPHASIS ON THE SOCIAL PROCESS: SEE-JUDGE ACT

There are three stages which should normally be followed in the reduction of social principles into practice. First, one reviews the concrete situation; secondly, one forms a judgment on it in the light of these same principles; thirdly, one decides what in the circumstances can and should be done to implement these principles. These are the three stages that are usually expressed in the three terms: look (see), judge, act. (MM236)

Quadragesimo AnnoMater et Magistra

Pacem in Terris• John XXIII

• April 11, 1963

• “Establishing Universal Peace in Truth, Justice, Charity and Liberty”

The NEED to talk about peace:

• The growing tension because of the COLD WAR

• The CUBAN MISSILE CRISIS of October 1962: presented the real danger and possibility of a NUCLEAR WAR

• The realization that a modern-day NUCLEAR conflict or war would be qualitatively different from the previous wars.

THEMES:

ORDER AND PEACE

PT argues that we could only guarantee peace if there is proper order among the relationships of people and nations

Order between INDIVIDUALS (1) We need to realize that peace starts with the order of our personal relationship. (2) But, order in personal relations had to start with the recognition of the RIGHTS of each individual (3) Hence, PT extensively talks about HUMAN RIGHTS.

Quadragesimo AnnoPacem in Terris

Order between CITIZENS and GOVERNMENT AUTHORITIES (1) PT argues for the legitimacy of the state authorities (citizens are morally bound to exercise CIVIC participation) (2) But, government authorities are also reminded that their mandate comes from the people, and they would have to RESPONSIBLY carry out the COMMON GOOD.

Order between nations (1) increased calls for cooperation among nations through the creation of a GLOBAL COMMUNITY (2) Appreciation of UNITED NATIONS ORGANIZATION and the call for it to maintain the respect for the SOVEREIGNTY OF ITS MEMBER STATES (PT, 141)

THEMES:

CALL FOR DISARMAMENT

DISARMAMENT: The stock-piles of armaments which have been built up in various countries must be reduced all around and simultaneously by the parties concerned (PT112)

CALL FOR MUTUAL TRUST: “true and lasting peace among nations cannot consist in the possession of an equal supply of armaments but only in “mutual trust” (PT113)

Quadragesimo AnnoPacem in Terris

Research Paper: Gaudium et Spes

• Literal English Translation of the Title

• English Subtitle

• Who/When it was solemnly promulgated

• to whom it was addressed (audience)

• Context/Background of the Document - How it came about?

• At least three themes discussed by the document

• site your sources/references

Populorum Progressio• Paul VI

• March 26, 1967

• “On the Development of Peoples”

THEME

INTEGRAL HUMAN DEVELOPMENT

PP reminds us that development is not just about economic growth, but it is also SOCIAL PROGRESS as we'll (PP34)

SOCIAL PROGRESS: development must be MEANINGFUL to human persons.

It is rather sad when people economically progressed, and yet lose their sense of meaning and purpose.

We are reminded that as we work towards progress, we should not LOSE SIGHT of the more meaningful things in life.

TOP5THINGSMODERNYOUNGWORKERSCAN’TLIVEWITHOUT

MONEYFOOD

FRIEND (PARTNER)GADGETS

INTERNET ACCESS

Populorum ProgressioTHEMES:

CALL FOR GLOBAL SOLIDARITY

RICH NATIONS are morally responsible to provide aid to the poor. While other nations live in abundance (some peoples live wasteful lives), others are dying of hunger and deprivation.

AUTHENTIC AID: donor nations are encouraged to do away with oppressive structures in loads and aids; imperialism should not become a norm between the donor and the beneficiary (PP54)

Populorum ProgressioTHEMES:

DEVELOPMENT, THE NEW NAME FOR PEACE

CONFLICT often stem from hunger, deprivation, poverty and misery.

Works for peace-building would have to include capacity-building.

When people are contented, only then can we start discussing about peaceful co-existence.

Laborem Exercens• John Paul II

• September 14, 1981

• “On Human Work”

THEME

WORK as the key to the Social Problem

Work as fundamental to our nature and dignity as persons

Distinction: ENDS OF WORK

OBJECTIVE WORK (product of labor) versus SUBJECTIVE WORK (acting agent)

Critique against the practice of ECONOMISM (give much importance to economic achievements. We become blinded to the integral needs of the dignified workers)

WORK and PERSONAL DIGNITY: attention to an increasing dissatisfaction among workers

TOP5MOSTETHICALJOBS

NURSESMILITARY/POLICE

PHARMACISTSTEACHERSDOCTORS

THEMES:

THE ROLE OF INDIRECT EMPLOYERS

The concept of indirect employer includes both persons and institutions of various kinds, and also collective labour contracts and the principles of conduct which are laid down by these persons and institutions and which determine the whole socioeconomic system or its result (LE 17)

Quadragesimo AnnoLaborem Exercens

EXAMPLES OF INDIRECT EMPLOYERS

Policies and laws that are oppressive to an ordinary working man.

Income tax and other taxes make the life of workingmen more difficult.

Other policies such as outsourcing and contractual employment are also oppressive to workers.

THEMES:

LABOR VERSUS CAPITAL ISSUE

Reiterates the tradition of speaking ON BEHALF OF LABOR (the world evolves to its present form because of the person’s labor.)

But, we should resist to interpret labor in purely ECONOMIC terms

Quadragesimo AnnoPacem in TerrisWorker’s wage must allow him/her to ACQUIRE PROPERTIES in order to better secure his/her family’s FUTURE (JUST WAGE).

Workers should not feel that they are just COGS in a huge machine.

Laborem Exercens

THEMES:

WORK UNIONS

We need to stop viewing labor unions within the context of CLASS STRUGGLE

UNIONS are organizations: their role is to UNITE people and not to instigate CONFLICTS, OPPOSITIONS or HOSTILITIES.

UNIONS must aim towards the COMMON GOOD

Quadragesimo AnnoPacem in TerrisLaborem Exercens

THEMES:

SPIRITUALITY OF WORK

For the SATISFACTION of human nature

Work brings a person CLOSER to God

Human work REFLECTS the CROSS and RESURRECTION of Christ

Quadragesimo AnnoPacem in TerrisLaborem Exercens

Sollicitudo Rei Socialis• John Paul II

• December 30, 1987

• “On Social Concerns”

• 20th Anniversary of PP

THEME

SUPERDEVELOPMENT AND UNDERDEVELOPMENT

Reiterated the irony of having nations which are super developed (where waste because of excess is a problem), while there are underdeveloped nations (where people are deprived and are miserable) - (SRS28)

It’s both an IRONY and a SCANDAL to our COMMON HUMANITY

THEMES:

EMERGENCE OF TERRORISM

Some groups/sectors justify terrorism for some supposedly noble cause.

DANGER: other group have already found a way to LEGITIMIZE terroristic practices… This has increasingly made our world less and less secure.

Quadragesimo AnnoPacem in TerrisLaborem ExercensSollicitudo Rei Socialis

THEMES:

DEMOGRAPHIC PROBLEM

Increased campaign to control population.

WHAT REALLY IS THE SITUATION? While governments seem to have an unanimous understanding that we need to control population, it is also true that there are nations whose populations are increasingly ageing.

byPacem in TerrisLaborem Exercens

HOUSING PROBLEM: SRS concentrated on the issue about housing problems.

Sollicitudo Rei Socialis

TOP5MOSTPOPULATEDPROVINCES

CAVITE (3.0-3.3M)BULACAN (2.9-3.1M)LAGUNA (2.7-2.9M)

CEBU (2.6-2.8M)RIZAL (2.5-2.7M)

THEMES:

THE NEED TO OVERCOME STRUCTURES OF SIN

Some struggles perpetuate SINFUL and CORRUPT practices.

It becomes difficult to say NO to corruption if the structures encourage corrupt practices.

SRS is then challenging us to purify and improve our structures so they become ENABLING structures, rather than PARALYZING ones.

Quadragesimo AnnoPacem in TerrisLaborem ExercensSollicitudo Rei Socialis

Centisimus Annus• John Paul II

• May 1, 1991

• “On the 100th Anniversary of Rerum Novarum”

THEME

REVIEW ON SOCIALISM AND CAPITALISM

Though capitalism as an ideology had also achieved progress in coming up with more humane laws, there are still continuing challenges in capitalism: (1) the dignity of workers remain a concern (2) Inequality of power, income and wealth distribution has not fully disappeared (3) Economism (priotizing income and things over persons) remain a valid concern.

Socialism’s demise was sounded off by the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

It reiterated the error of Socialist anthropology: to treat the human person as a mere pawn for grand social agenda: socialism denies basic human freedom.

THEMES:

CALL FOR SOCIAL INCLUSION

Redistribution of wealth can only be justified if it aims towards EMPOWERMENT and SOCIAL INCLUSION: the reason why we would have to redistribute the wealth (through taxation) is to address the inequality of wealth and the deprivation of the poor.

Quadragesimo AnnoPacem in TerrisLaborem ExercensCentisimus AnnusBut, such efforts would be incomplete if the recipients are reduced to dependency. hence, socialization efforts (financed by wealth distribution) have to result in the empowerment of the recipient and making them participative in the common endeavors of the community.

Caritas in Veritate• Benedict XVI

• June 29, 2009

• “On Integral Human Development in Charity and Truth”

THEME

DANGERS OF GLOBALIZATION

(a) The strong eating up the weak

(b) Eclecticism: relativism

(c) Leveling: loss of identity

THEMES:

ADVANTAGES OF GLOBALIZATION

Better sharing of knowledge and resources but, there should be no strings attached.

Better opportunity of collaboration and solidarity Authentic dialogue should however be pursued (fundamentalism has to be overcome)

Quadragesimo AnnoPacem in TerrisLaborem ExercensSollicitudo Rei SocialisCaritas in Veritate

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THEMES:

RECAPTURING OUR GIFTEDNESS

The recognition of our own giftedness: that we all have our gifts to offer (Enhancing our traditional skills - i.e. Medical Practices)

Quadragesimo AnnoPacem in TerrisLaborem ExercensSollicitudo Rei SocialisCaritas in Veritate

The realisation that the World is a GIFT

(1) Our forgetfulness about this giftedness makes us selfish and arrogant

(2) Denken ist Danken: To think is to thank - when we direct (recreate the world, it should be with grateful heart)

(3) Real gratitude is expressed in one’s OPENNESS: the willingness to authentically commune with others.

Evangelii Gaudium• Francis

• November 24, 2013

• “The Proclamation of the Gospel in Today’s World”

THEME

ECONOMY OF EXCLUSION

He refers to our culture as THROW-AWAY culture

(1) We have increasing lost sight of what really matters (what is really the good for us) (2) Our economy only values the strong and ignores the WEAK. (3) We are no longer MOVED (scandalized) by the condition of the poor and the miserable among us (EG54)

THEMES:

NO TO A FINANCIAL SYSTEM THAT RULES RATHER THAN SERVES

“Not to share one’s wealth with the poor is to steal from them and to take away their livelihood. It is not our own goods which we hold, but theirs” (EG57)

Economists can no longer ignore the role of the moralists and the ethicists… To save the financial system, it has to become ethical.

Quadragesimo AnnoPacem in TerrisLaborem ExercensSollicitudo Rei SocialisCaritas in VeritateEvangelii Gaudium

Just as goodness tends to spread, the toleration of evil, which is injustice, tends to expand its baneful influence and quietly to undermine any political and social system, no matter how solid it may appear. if every action has its consequences, an evil embedded in the structures of a society has a constant potential for disintegration and death (EG59)

This echoes JPII’s warning against the proliferation of terrorist’s ideology (SRS24)

THEMES:

SOCIAL DIALOGUE AS A CONTRIBUTION TO PEACE

No one ought to ignore the presence of the other… The good individuals and communities have to be a product of a commune discussion and dialogue.

Evangelization involves the path of dialogue (EG238)

Quadragesimo AnnoPacem in TerrisLaborem ExercensSollicitudo Rei SocialisCaritas in VeritateEvangelii Gaudium

It’s a form of dialogue Christian denominations try to enter into so that they can talk about things that

may unite them.

MCSUIMENE

It’s a form of dialogue the Christian denominations try to enter into so that they can talk about things that

may unite them.

ECUMENISM