Reinhold Niebuhr and Catholic Social Teaching on ‘Why Nations Fail’: Constructing a Common Christian Ethical Analysis of a New Theory of Political Economy

2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-162
Author(s):  
James P. O’Sullivan
Keyword(s):  
Political Economy ◽  
Social Justice ◽  
Catholic Social Teaching ◽  
Ethical Analysis ◽  
Social Teaching ◽  
Reinhold Niebuhr ◽  
Christian View ◽  
The World ◽  
Developed Nations

In this paper the author undertakes a Christian ethical analysis of a prominent new theory of political economy by Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson. The analysis utilizes two commonly juxtaposed Christian sources, Reinhold Niebuhr and Catholic social teaching (cst), which allow for a common Christian analysis while also highlighting the nuance and variations of the Christian view. The author first makes the case for the compatibility of the understanding of basic social justice in Niebuhr and cst. Subsequently, the author expounds Acemoglu and Robinson’s account of the roots of development, poverty, and prosperity and then applies the insights of Niebuhr and cst. The aim is not to argue for the accuracy of Acemoglu and Robinson’s theory, but rather to show that Niebuhr and cst reveal deeper theological and ethical dimensions of this highly regarded empirical account, and that these dimensions compel greater action by the developed nations of the world.

Globalization and Benedict XVI’s Caritas in Veritate

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew A. Shadle
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Vulnerable Populations ◽  
Global Economy ◽  
Catholic Social Teaching ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Social Teaching ◽  
Catholic Social Thought ◽  
Caritas In Veritate ◽  
The World ◽  
The Trinity

In recent years the economy has become globalized. Globalization is the increased flow of goods, services, capital, people, and culture facilitated by innovations in transportation and communication technologies. This chapter examines the phenomenon of globalization and its impact on Catholic social teaching. It looks, in particular, at Pope Benedict XVI’s encyclical Caritas in Veritate. Pope Benedict criticizes how the current global economy exploits and excludes vulnerable populations around the world. Caritas in Veritate further develops the communio framework initiated by John Paul II and proposes that the communion of the three Persons of the Trinity provides a model for the shape globalization should take, recognizing unity in the midst of diversity. The chapter also looks at how Catholic social thought itself is globalizing, examining in particular the work of Mary Mee-Yin Yuen from Hong Kong and Stan Chu Ilo from Nigeria.

Sprawiedliwość społeczna – człowiek i wspólnota w świetle prawa i społecznej nauki Kościoła

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatiana Chauvin
Keyword(s):  
Social Justice ◽  
Catholic Social Teaching ◽  
The State ◽  
Social Teaching ◽  
Legal Interpretation ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Legal Language ◽  
Christian Morality ◽  
Legal Principle

The purpose of the article is to analyze the principle of social justice regualted by the Polish constitution as a category of legal language, the legal principle and the principle on which Catholic social teaching is built. Both in the opinion of the doctrine and the jurisprudence, clear references to claims in the field of Christian morality are visible. A man as a person (according to UDHR - All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights) should be supported by the community, including the state, especially if it belongs to the category of weaker or excluded entities. At the same time, however, as a member of this community he must adopt an active attitude, acting for the benefit of others. Catholic social teaching perfectly complements legal interpretation with a coherent axiological aspect.

A Son of the Manse with a Missionary Zeal

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
David M. Webber
Keyword(s):  
Political Economy ◽  
Social Justice ◽  
Christian Faith ◽  
Global Poverty ◽  
Missionary Zeal ◽  
The World

This introductory chapter opens by exploring Gordon Brown’s upbringing as ‘a son of the Manse’ and his burning desire for social justice. This chapter reveals a clear lineage between the young socialist tramping the streets of Edinburgh and the man who would end up becoming Britain’s most powerful Chancellor of the Exchequer. Driven by his Christian faith, the influence of his parents, and a deep compassion for the most vulnerable in society, Brown took his mission to change the world very seriously indeed. As this book will go on to show, Brown’s steadfastness to end global poverty would see the former Chancellor and Prime Minster design a model of political economy that not only oriented Britain towards the ‘opportunities’ presented by globalisation, but one that could also be exported to meet the challenges faced by some of the poorest countries in the world.

Can Catholic Social Teaching Save the World?

2010 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 198-201
Author(s):  
Stratford Caldecott ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Catholic Social Teaching ◽  
Social Teaching ◽  
The World
Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document