Author Topic: Catholic Social Justice (Read 795 times)

s2srea · « **on:** April 02, 2013, 05:14:37 PM »

I wanted to discuss the topic of Catholic Social Justice in more depth. I will begin with this quote from Fr. Charles Coughlin:

Quote from: Coughlin, Charles. Am I an αnтι-ѕємιтє. Detroit: The Condon Print Co, 1939. 8. Print.

My friends, at the outset, permit me to clarify the fundamental doctrine of Christian social justice- the doctrine that differentiates it from every other plan of life proposed for man to follow. It is this: Christ came on earth not only to redeem and save individuals but also establish an absolutely new social order. Recognizing the chaotic condition of society in His own time; aware of the universal slavery practiced virtually by every nation; and conscious of the spiritual darkness which had encompassed every kingdom, empire, republic and tribe, our Saviour well understood that man, left to his natural abilities, was unable to acquire peace and prosperity in this world and save his immortal soul in the hereafter.

I know that Protestants push this philosophy as well, and are pointed out to be wrong by Catholics. Is it that their wrong in pushing this and this only, or that there is something wrong with this idea in itself?

s2srea · « **Reply #1 on:** April 03, 2013, 11:33:56 AM »

Have I been too vague?

Renzo · « **Reply #2 on:** April 04, 2013, 02:15:39 PM »

I am not clear about what you are asking. However, a starting point for a discussion of traditional catholic social justice could start with lesson #113, pg 228 from "my catholic faith," entitled "social justice." There are a few encyclicals it lists, but i think the thing that really distinguishes catholic social justice from modern capitalism is the regard for God, his laws and our fellow man, in regards to our economy.

The church seems to emphatically believe that our material lives are intimately connected with our spiritual lives. I think the west came to view the two as disconnected, which of course they are not. Unfortunately, the consequences have been and will no doubt to continue to be, catastrophic.

JohnGrey · « **Reply #3 on:** April 04, 2013, 03:18:20 PM »

Quote from: s2srea

I wanted to discuss the topic of Catholic Social Justice in more depth. I will begin with this quote from Fr. Charles Coughlin:

Quote from: Coughlin, Charles. Am I an αnтι-ѕємιтє. Detroit: The Condon Print Co, 1939. 8. Print.
My friends, at the outset, permit me to clarify the fundamental doctrine of Christian social justice- the doctrine that differentiates it from every other plan of life proposed for man to follow. It is this: Christ came on earth not only to redeem and save individuals but also establish an absolutely new social order. Recognizing the chaotic condition of society in His own time; aware of the universal slavery practiced virtually by every nation; and conscious of the spiritual darkness which had encompassed every kingdom, empire, republic and tribe, our Saviour well understood that man, left to his natural abilities, was unable to acquire peace and prosperity in this world and save his immortal soul in the hereafter.

I know that Protestants push this philosophy as well, and are pointed out to be wrong by Catholics. Is it that their wrong in pushing this and this only, or that there is something wrong with this idea in itself?

The push towards "social justice", or the combatting of "social evil" is a by-product of the fundamental lack of social order that is engendered both by Protestantism and of the secular anti-Catholic world. It is an attempt by both to simulate the harmony that blossoms from the public exercise of the Christian religion. Social order flows singularly and unavoidably from the enthronement of Christ the King as the center of civic order and law. If Christ the King is the tree, peace and justice are the fruit of which all may men freely eat.

The Second Person of the Most Blessed Trinity did not deign to humble Himself by taking on flesh and walking among men to establish a new social order. He came to establish His Kingdom, according to His law. It is from our accordance to that law that the relations of men are perfected. Properly ordered, the state exists as the instrument of the Church's temporal justice only. The purposes of charity are rightly of the Church, not of the State, so that Christ and His Immaculate Bride are glorified, not the civil state.

Marlelar · « **Reply #4 on:** April 04, 2013, 04:17:31 PM »

Quote from: s2srea

I wanted to discuss the topic of Catholic Social Justice in more depth. I will begin with this quote from Fr. Charles Coughlin:

Quote from: Coughlin, Charles. Am I an αnтι-ѕємιтє. Detroit: The Condon Print Co, 1939. 8. Print.
My friends, at the outset, permit me to clarify the fundamental doctrine of Christian social justice- the doctrine that differentiates it from every other plan of life proposed for man to follow. It is this: Christ came on earth not only to redeem and save individuals but also establish an absolutely new social order. Recognizing the chaotic condition of society in His own time; aware of the universal slavery practiced virtually by every nation; and conscious of the spiritual darkness which had encompassed every kingdom, empire, republic and tribe, our Saviour well understood that man, left to his natural abilities, was unable to acquire peace and prosperity in this world and save his immortal soul in the hereafter.

I know that Protestants push this philosophy as well, and are pointed out to be wrong by Catholics. Is it that their wrong in pushing this and this only, or that there is something wrong with this idea in itself?

Why would Catholics "point" this out as wrong? Christ may have used different verbiage, but Father's words sound thoroughly Catholic to me. I think that Christ did come to establish a new "social" order (although I would not choose that particular word); one that is totally imbued with Christ's teachings. Our love of God should be expressed in everything we do right down to how we drive our cars and how we treat the wage-slave behind the counter at Walmart.

Marsha

John Grace · « **Reply #5 on:** April 04, 2013, 04:22:15 PM »

I have a few suggestions for the SSPX youth group in Ireland if willing to make contact.

John Grace · « **Reply #6 on:** April 04, 2013, 04:37:05 PM »

One project I am working on is assisting those in difficulty with the banks. Writing letters and giving advice. A few of us share the work load. The anti property tax is another campaign also.

John Grace · « **Reply #7 on:** April 04, 2013, 04:42:58 PM »

A memory I have that stays with me is when I was 18 is tying the shoelaces of a homeless elderly man, who had to spend several hours per day walking the streets of Dublin as his hostel closed for several hours to facilitate cleaning. I had to tie them tightly as he had to ensure they stayed tied as he would not of been able to tie them again until he could get back to the hostel.