Radically Catholic In the Age of Francis: An Anthology of Visions for the Future by Solidarity Hall

Author:Solidarity Hall [Hall, Solidarity]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Solidarity Hall Press
Published: 2015-05-03T04:00:00+00:00

Conclusion

My main conclusion is that we need a radical transformation of how we approach our economic interactions, one more in accord with human nature and human motivation than the dominant paradigm of the Enlightenment. There is a sense of urgency about all of this. We are already seeing the expansion of inequality and a globalized economy of exclusion. In the years ahead, we will also be running faster and faster into the wall of sustainability, as we run up against the natural boundaries of our precious planet — especially from the merciless march of climate change.

The task ahead is a momentous one. It is not a task for government alone, although government must of course play an indispensible role. But so must private business, and indeed all global citizens. For instead of assuming that private vice leads to public virtue, and instead of assuming a bifurcation between the values of the market and the values of civil society, we need a fusing of private and public virtue, knowing that such a fusion can multiply our collective blessings.

The good news is that we have a roadmap for a better economic vision. I am thinking of the roadmap offered by Catholic social teaching with its foundational principle of the dignity of every person and its abiding commitment to the common good of all people. Yes, this is rooted in the theology of the Catholic Church, but I believe it can appeal to all peoples from all traditions — because it is based on who we are as human beings, and who we yearn to be.

One thing is for certain: we cannot continue on our present path. Such a path is neither sustainable nor is it ultimately rewarding. This is why the prophetic voice of Pope Francis is so important today. Let us heed it.

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