NY Bishop: Workers Need ‘New Social Contract’

A Long Island, NY Catholic Bishop is calling for a “new social contract” for workers, saying that “a good job at good wages for everyone willing and able to work should be our national goal and a moral priority.”

Bishop William Murphy, of the Rockville Centre Diocese, issued those words in a 2010 Labor Day statement on behalf of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). He serves as the chairman of that group’s Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development.

In the statement, “A New ‘Social Contract’ for Today‘s ’New Things,’“ Bishop Murphy added that ”the rewards and ‘security’ that employers and society offer workers in return for an honest day’s work do not reflect the global economy of the 21st century in which American workers are now trying to compete.”

“Could a reawakening and new development of the roles of intermediary institutions, including voluntary associations and unions, be a force to call the market to a greater understanding of the centrality of the worker?” asked Bishop Murphy. He responded by saying that current Pope Benedict “believes this”: “He suggests that the various components of civil society can work, along with those in the market and the state, to introduce elements in favor of an economy of gift and gratuitousness.” [Emphasis his]

In a section of the statement entitled “Wage Fairness and a New Social Contract,” Bishop Murphy says that across the country workers are being exploited, citing some examples. It is in this section that he says “a good job and good wages for everyone who is willing and able to work should be our national goal and moral priority.”

Bishop Murphy uses Pope Leo Pope Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum encyclical, which he calls “the Magna Carta of Catholic social teaching,” and Pope Benedict’s recent Caritas in Veritate encyclical as the building blocks for the new contract.

Absent from the statement are definitions of what are fair or good wages.

Comments (112)

1 2 3
  • nono524
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 2:32pm

    I agree with the Bishop, I just don’t agree that it is governments job. Hint, it is the Bishop’s and my job as a Christian.

    Report Post » nono524  
  • jafojeff
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 2:15pm

    The key to Social Justice this Bishop is missing in his explanation is “God had to become man to teach us the difference between not stealing, which is justice, and giving, which is love.“ Notice government is not the tool but We or as Glenn would say ”Charity”.

    http://www.therealpresence.org/essentials/commandments/acc31.htm
    Social Justice

    One of the features of the modern world is its gradual lessening of space and time as a result of the communications revolution. In this sense, the Second Vatican Council was the first general council of the Catholic Church in modern times. One of the strongest imperatives of Vatican II is the duty to practice social justice.

    Broadly defined, social justice is the virtue that enables us to cooperate with other people in developing a society whose laws and institutions better serve the common good.

    Each person must, of course, do his own part in the practice of this virtue. But the very nature of society requires that individuals work together with others through organized bodies. Otherwise the good achieved will be minimal, and the presence of alien forces may neutralize even the most zealous efforts to practice the works of mercy.

    Three passages from three modern popes point up the serious, even desperate need for social justice to be practiced according to the norms of Catholic Christianity.

    The rise of Communism is a warning to Christians to work for a more just distribution of the material possessions of the earth.

    Then only will the economic and social order be soundly established…when it offers to all…all those goods which the wealth and resources of nature, technical science, and the corporate organization of social affairs can give (Pius XI, Encyclical on Atheistic Communism 52).

    There is a right to private ownership that stems from the natural law. And Marxism, which denies this right, is a philosophy that ignores the spontaneous desire of every person to possess and acquire something as one’s own. But this natural desire may not deny or minimize the social and public character of ownership.

    Private property does not give anyone an absolute and unconditional right [of ownership]. No one is justified in keeping for his exclusive use what he does not need, when others are lacking the necessities of life (Paul VI, Encyclical Populorum progressio, 22-24).

    One more aspect of social justice is crucial. Whatever else Christ did, He elevated the virtue of altruism from the practice of justice to the highest form of charity.

    Whereas justice respects the rights of others and does not enrich oneself by depriving another, charity deprives oneself to enrich another. Where justice asks: what may I not take away from another? charity asks: What does another person need that I can give?

    So many social reformers urge that justice be practiced, but they forget that justice alone is not enough. In fact, in the name of justice the worst kind of injustice can be done.

    Very often programs which start from the idea of justice . . . in practice suffer from distortions, although they appeal to the idea of justice. Nevertheless experience shows that other negative forces have gained the upper hand over justice. Such are spite, hatred and even cruelty . . . The experience of the past and of our own time shows that justice alone is not enough. It can even lead to the destruction of itself, if that deeper power which is love, is not allowed to shape human life (John Paul II, Encyclical Redemptor hominis, 12).

    St. Paul’s praise of charity was not romantic poetry when he wrote that: “Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish” (I Corinthians 13:4-5). Justice by itself can be very impatient and unkind, jealous, boastful and conceited, rude and profoundly selfish. This is not surprising once we realize that God had to become man to teach us the difference between not stealing, which is justice, and giving, which is love.

    Report Post »  
    • nordspan
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 4:32pm

      What an honest and well written statement. I learned much, thank you.

      Report Post »  
    • wonderbug
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 10:39pm

      Like!

      Report Post »  
    • Topcat
      Posted on September 13, 2010 at 3:03am

      @JAFOJEFF
      Spoken as true progressive, Social Justice in the church is exactly the same as Social Justice in government , the only difference is the presentation . Religion should not be concerned with wages and jobs , and public policy , and redistribution of wealth .
      Your quote “Private property does not give anyone an absolute and unconditional right [of ownership]. No one is justified in keeping for his exclusive use what he does not need, when others are lacking the necessities of life (Paul VI, Encyclical Populorum progressio, 22-24)…This is Progressive ideology Redistribution of wealth….
      Your quote “The rise of Communism is a warning to Christians to work for a more just distribution of the material possessions of the earth.” This is Progressive ideology …Redistribution of wealth….
      Your quote ” Then only will the economic and social order be soundly established…when it offers to all…all those goods which the wealth and resources of nature, technical science, and the corporate organization of social affairs can give (Pius XI, Encyclical on Atheistic Communism 52).This is Progressive ideology …Redistribution of wealth….
      The churches goal should be spiritual , and teaches that ,we should not forget about those less fortunate ,than ourselves , but Charity is voluntary , not established under the economic and social order . Mixing Progressive ideology with Christian teachings is a travesty of the true meaning of Gods teachings.
      The condition this country is in today , is due to Progressive policies of our politicians. The solutions will come , with the unity of the American people , with the help of God , and Faith in our religious beliefs .

      Report Post » Topcat  
  • kinn
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 2:12pm

    Has any one here actually read the statment that was issued? http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/national/labor_day_2010.pdf
    First the Catholic Church does not promote the type of social justice that many associate with that term. From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, (official text of the Church)
    Social Justice: The respect for the human person and the rights which flow from human dignity and guarentee it. Society must provide the conditions that allow people to obtain what is their due, according to their nature and vocation.”
    The Catholic Church does not promote Communision or Socialism. Its social teachings are one in the same with the proclomation of the Gospel. The Gospel is a law of love but one that does not exclued justice in any way. I ask the question how does one preach and live the Gospel apart from society? Man by nature is a social creature, the means by which we live together are founded on the principle of the Natural Law which itself is closely tied to the Gospel. If the Church were to ignore the evil that exists in society she would necessarily be opposed to the comand of Christ to proclaim the Gospel.

    Report Post »  
    • zagfan
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 2:40pm

      The respect for the human person and the rights which flow from human dignity and guarentee it. Society must provide the conditions that allow people to obtain what is their due, according to their nature and vocation.

      Those are the two lines I disagree with. There are no guarantees in this life, they are not given but earned as is what is “due” to a person because of their vocation. This is where social justice goes off the track.

      Report Post » zagfan  
    • kinn
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 2:53pm

      Does not the Decleration of Indp. say man has the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The Church is simply stating that man has a right to life and liberty and a true and legitimate society must protect those rights, but most importantly allow man to fulfill his vocation which for all of us is a supernatural end… The Church defends the most basic rights of man…

      Report Post »  
    • Red Blooded
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 12:40am

      I tried to convey that earlier in the post…well done

      Report Post » Red Blooded  
  • jafojeff
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 2:11pm

    V
    Social Justice

    One of the features of the modern world is its gradual lessening of space and time as a result of the communications revolution. In this sense, the Second Vatican Council was the first general council of the Catholic Church in modern times. One of the strongest imperatives of Vatican II is the duty to practice social justice.

    Broadly defined, social justice is the virtue that enables us to cooperate with other people in developing a society whose laws and institutions better serve the common good.

    Each person must, of course, do his own part in the practice of this virtue. But the very nature of society requires that individuals work together with others through organized bodies. Otherwise the good achieved will be minimal, and the presence of alien forces may neutralize even the most zealous efforts to practice the works of mercy.

    Three passages from three modern popes point up the serious, even desperate need for social justice to be practiced according to the norms of Catholic Christianity.

    The rise of Communism is a warning to Christians to work for a more just distribution of the material possessions of the earth.

    Then only will the economic and social order be soundly established…when it offers to all…all those goods which the wealth and resources of nature, technical science, and the corporate organization of social affairs can give (Pius XI, Encyclical on Atheistic Communism 52).

    There is a right to private ownership that stems from the natural law. And Marxism, which denies this right, is a philosophy that ignores the spontaneous desire of every person to possess and acquire something as one’s own. But this natural desire may not deny or minimize the social and public character of ownership.

    Private property does not give anyone an absolute and unconditional right [of ownership]. No one is justified in keeping for his exclusive use what he does not need, when others are lacking the necessities of life (Paul VI, Encyclical Populorum progressio, 22-24).

    One more aspect of social justice is crucial. Whatever else Christ did, He elevated the virtue of altruism from the practice of justice to the highest form of charity.

    Whereas justice respects the rights of others and does not enrich oneself by depriving another, charity deprives oneself to enrich another. Where justice asks: what may I not take away from another? charity asks: What does another person need that I can give?

    So many social reformers urge that justice be practiced, but they forget that justice alone is not enough. In fact, in the name of justice the worst kind of injustice can be done.

    Very often programs which start from the idea of justice . . . in practice suffer from distortions, although they appeal to the idea of justice. Nevertheless experience shows that other negative forces have gained the upper hand over justice. Such are spite, hatred and even cruelty . . . The experience of the past and of our own time shows that justice alone is not enough. It can even lead to the destruction of itself, if that deeper power which is love, is not allowed to shape human life (John Paul II, Encyclical Redemptor hominis, 12).

    St. Paul’s praise of charity was not romantic poetry when he wrote that: “Love is always patient and kind; it is never jealous; love is never boastful or conceited; it is never rude or selfish” (I Corinthians 13:4-5). Justice by itself can be very impatient and unkind, jealous, boastful and conceited, rude and profoundly selfish. This is not surprising once we realize that God had to become man to teach us the difference between not stealing, which is justice, and giving, which is love.

     
  • NHABE64
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 2:09pm

    Ah yes social justice. I wonder how many of these Church leaders who preach this would be willing to accept a few hundred homeless into their Church for a place to stay, 3 square meals a day, for say a year or so. Hmmm…? Maybe the one leader in this article might even be able to accept several into his home this week and show the world how much he really cares. No ? I didn’t think so.

    Report Post »  
  • zagfan
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 2:06pm

    A lot of Catholics stayed with the Church through all of the Pedophile problems, of which not one Priest went to prison, and now the church is asking for money every Sunday to help the Illegals! This is in California and I can assume in other states, now people are walking out…That is what Social Justice is doing to the Catholic Church…First they need to do the job they are intended to do..God, and second they need to think of Justice but not Social Justice. JMHO

    Report Post » zagfan  
  • MikeZ
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 2:04pm

    Regular followers of Mr. Beck will readily recall: “Wherever politics tries to be redemptive, it is promising too much. Where it wishes to do the work of God, it becomes not divine, but demonic.”
    — Pope Benedict XVI

    Perhaps Bishop Murphy should reflect on that statement from his pontiff?

    Report Post » MikeZ  
    • kinn
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 2:30pm

      Do you some how see a difference between the work of Salvation and the life of man in society?
      Did you even read the statement in question?

      Report Post »  
    • instaurate
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 7:52pm

      According to http://catawissagazetteer.blogspot.com/2010/07/pope-and-collective-salvation.html
      the quote was by Benedict from BEFORE he was Pope – perhaps like many politician, his views turned sharply left once installed at the national or international level.

      I too am a Catholic, and I love (and I actually attend ) my church, blemishes and all… but collective salvation and leftist social justice will be too much.

      Report Post »  
  • MusketBall
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:51pm

    this is why I left the Catholic church.

    Report Post » MusketBall  
    • kinn
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 3:01pm

      If every one left the Church because of one bad person there would be no Church to speak of. The remaining 11 would have left after Judas. You don’t leave the Church because of one person. Educate yourself.

      Report Post »  
    • wonderbug
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 8:50pm

      Are you kidding me?

      Report Post »  
    • kinn
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 11:15pm

      @ wonderbug,
      perhaps you could expand more on your question.

      Report Post »  
  • EthicsGirl
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:42pm

    I wonder what percentage of people who endorse “social justice” has ever created a good or service. It is interesting that the individuals critical of “employers” have generally never been one, but are more likely to be a politician, professor, community organizer, etc.

    Interestingly, this particular bishop has been in hot water before and is no stranger to controversial statements. You only have to google “bishop murphy”.

    Report Post »  
  • Red Blooded
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:41pm

    Ok, I have been a huge fan of blaze so far, but this story misrepresents the statement by the bishop in its entirety…go the the usccb and read not only the article but also read the new contract…he is not advocating socialism by any fashion.

    Report Post » Red Blooded  
  • stevesmithjr
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:40pm

    As a Catholic I’m appalled by this statement. This is not an honest reflection of Catholics or even the whole of Catholic clergy. And somehow I doubt this is a reflection of Pope Benidict’s beliefs. What you have here is one man trying to use the power of his station to amplify and legitimize his own personal political message and itentions.

    Take what you read with a grain of salt.

    Report Post » Steve Smith  
  • Time2Revolt
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:40pm

    Name a SINGLE scripture where Christ and his disciples advocated “social justice” and I will kindly agree with you.

    Report Post » Time 2 Revolt  
    • EntropysChild
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:58pm

      To me, the Parable of the Good Samaritan is a great example. Maybe calling it “social justice” is a stretch, but still — the moral of the story is that GOOD is found in helping others in need, even our “enemies” (think Muslims, illegal immigrants, etc.)

      It’s so sad how this simple idea is so lost on so many, including a lot of people here.

      I think the government can sometimes be a part of this. Call me crazy…

      Report Post »  
    • KingJeremytheWicked
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 2:31pm

      You won’t get a response to this because there is not one that specifically calls for “social justice” aka redistribution of wealth. God, blessed Job and he was rich. Look at the parable of the talents, where the master gave money to his servants and each did something different with what they were given. If social justice is implemented in the way that is proscribed by many out there, then we will all wind up being poor. If we are all poor, who will help the poor?

      @ ENTROPYSCHILD – Let’s take a look at the parable of the Good Samaritan. Ask yourself this question, did the government tell the Samaritan to help the injured man? Or did he do it out of the kindness of his heart, because it was the right thing for him to do? Did the injured man take the Samaritan’s money due to a decree of the government or did he give the two silver coins to the inn keeper to take care of the man because it was the right thing to do? Our moral compass should not be dictated by bueraucrats and politicians because most of them do not have one worth spit. We help those that cannot help themselves or those in need because it is the right thing to do, not because it is dictated to us from the government. That is why this nation gives so much to those in need, because it is the right thing to do.

      Report Post » KingJeremytheWicked  
    • EntropysChild
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 3:00pm

      @KJ — of course we should do good things because we WANT to, not because of MANDATES or LAWS … but that does not preclude working in and with the system and government to make things better for each other.

      Thinking about say — healthcare for “illegal immigrants” — isn‘t it funny how so many people’s brains “switch off” and think and say that that’s bad and wrong!!????

      Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 3:12pm

      The government didn’t force the Good Samaritan to help the man on the side of the raod, that’s the difference NONO524

      Report Post » Gonzo  
    • KingJeremytheWicked
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 3:41pm

      @ENTROPYSCHILD – Let’s go with your example of “healthcare for illegals” causing people’s brains to switch off as you put it. I believe that most of those people, and I agree with this view, that people should not be rewarded for bad behavior. Being here illegally, is by definition breaking the law, which is bad behavior. I can tell you this also, I live in a border state and my wife is in the healthcare profession. I can tell you that those folks get free healthcare in the emergency rooms here. My tax dollars already pay for it.

      My dad raised me to understand cause and effect. This is one of those situations. If I keep having to pay, by mandate of the government, for services for other people, I will reach a financial breaking point and I will not be able to take care of my family and my responsibilites. What am I to do then, if these other people do not pay taxes? Where is me and my family’s “justice”? With the way that the economy is right now, there are fewer and fewer tax payers and they are getting signed up for these “social justice” programs. So you can rationalize that because of all the “social justice” programs that exist and that must be funded, the government is going to have to raise my taxes again and again to support all of these people the “require” these services.

      I give to charity, I give to my church, I volunteer my time to help those less fortunate than I. I have done this quite well during my adult life. If you start getting the government or the system involved, it turns into a big mess that is easily abused and those that need it, wind up not getting it. How can I say this you ask? My local state government is one of the most corrupt I have ever seen and there are stories in the local papers and on the local tv news that talk about these types of abuses going on.

      Report Post » KingJeremytheWicked  
    • EntropysChild
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 5:30pm

      @KJ — I agree with most of your points… What I am arguing for is CONSISTENT ethos. In life, in work, AND in government … So often I see good compassionate people but when it comes to government and uncontroversial social programs that are GOOD they don’t support them and in fact work really hard against them. It doesn’t make sense. So much hatred… so much suspicion… so much fear… it’s sad.

      Yes, yes, yes we need to work against corruption, waste, fraud, etc. We need to be ever vigilant against that stuff. But I do think government can be a vehicle for good and compassion. Call me crazy and naive if you want to, I don’t mind! :)

       
    • baldwin4freedom
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 11:44pm

      @ENTROPYSCHILD
      Some of the government programs that you speak of, on the surface, may not seem to do any harm. Please, you must wrap your mind around the negative effects that these programs have done over time.

      When there is no accountability for our actions, we, by nature, will abuse these programs. The accountability must come from a local level. Local churches, charities and so on. The federal government only uses these programs to gain support to maintain the ever enlarging bureaucracy, of which pulls a bigger and bigger percentage of the initial investment.

      Pretty soon there will not be any money left to help those that are in real need.

      Report Post »  
  • mbfrat
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:36pm

    The cancer is spreading. Luckily, we have finally woken up and realized WE HAVE CANCER! Now it is time for chemo!!

    Report Post »  
  • Leslie_Benedict
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:24pm

    Hijacking faith is one of their goals, isn’t it? I’ve heard that somewhere…

    Report Post » Leslie_Benedict  
  • MadMat62
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:19pm

    Since when is it the responsibility of churches to make polical statements? Preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and watch over your flock. Leave the politicking to the pols.

    Report Post » MadMat62  
  • Uber
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:18pm

    What a great way for churches to alienate their members, teach socialism and Social justice as its core teaching. Our churches are going off message!

    Report Post » Uber  
    • kinn
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 3:09pm

      The Catholic Church does not teach socailism or comunisim by defending the basic rights of man the Church is fullfilling its mission. Please explain the differnce between preaching the Gospel and defending the rights of workers.

      Report Post »  
    • baldwin4freedom
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 11:29pm

      Yes, it is a problem when one of the messages in our church is ” Pray for fair equal redistribution.”

      Report Post »  
    • vavoom
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 2:18am

      Kinn , where in the bible does it say you have a RIGHT to a job with a fair wage. A right to a job is however a part of the COMMUNIST MANIFESTO. It is the INDIVIDUALS RESPONSIBILITY as a Christian to help those less fortunate than him/herself. It is not accomplished by FORCING others to help, or TAKING/STEALING wealth form others to give it those in need. Salvation is an individual journey where you choose the road to be taken. If you are forced on the correct path you will not achieve it, nor will you achieve it by forcing others on to what you have decided is the way. I dont remember the part in the sermon on the mount where Jesus said “Blessed is he who steals from one one to give to the less fortunate for his is the kindom of heaven”. Or “Blessed is he who forces one to do his bidding for he will this day enter my Kingdom”. God gave us a mind with free choice to do as we pleased, as a test. So Bishop Murphy is wrong and is preaching politics not salvation. So you know I am Catholic and live on Long Island.

      Report Post »  
    • kinn
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 1:48pm

      I don’t recall a specific passage that refers to a right to a job, but it does say that the worker is due his wage. If the Chruch sat by and said nothing as blatant evils took place, would the public not cry out? Much false criticsm has be laid upon the Chruch for what was thought to be lack of action in WWII against the Nazis and Jewish persectuion. When situations in society arise that are abusvie of man the Church has an obligation to speak out in defense of man. In this case the Church is commenting on the global economic situation which is a direct result of human greed. The Church is not demmanding a communist society but rather that the diginity of man be preserved, that society and government not be allowed to abuse the human, How many people in this country have lost their jobs through companies moving the means of production overseas. The Church speaks universally to all people and rightfully is concerned about working conditions in all countries. Should the Church not speak out about slave labor conditions in the 3rd world. The poorest of the poor making your shoes and mine. Is society not required to safeguard their dignity. The Church is by no means promoting the idea of total equality, but she is the champion of the poor and desitute and defends them from any abuser whether Nazi or corporation.

      Report Post »  
  • Greeny
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:18pm

    When Cardinal Bernard Law faces any justice weather it is “Social” or Judicial, I will then take into consideration what this Bishop has to say. Until then Bishop I kindly request you STFU.

    Report Post »  
  • duncan
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:14pm

    It’s the Catholic church which has been doing this for ages. Jesus did not have a social justice agenda but I am sure the Catholics can proof text one. Preach Jesus and Him crucified and not what pay scale is fair to all. Maybe for some this is their final stop but this will not be mine. I will stick with Christ.

    Report Post »  
    • EntropysChild
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 2:03pm

      I think Jesus parable of the Good Samaritan is an example of “social justice” … people taking care of people in need. The government CAN be a part of that. That’s what the healthcare bill was all about.

      Report Post »  
    • 13thGenerationAmerican
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 5:01pm

      Yes those statements like “The meek shall inherit the Earth”. really meant in your world view would add “except for the mineral rights” Eye Roll

      Report Post » 13thGenerationAmerican  
    • bnjmnwst
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 6:13pm

      Entropyschild, the government was NOT a part of the parable of the Good Samaritan. It was an individual of means helping his fellow man. That is the only correct way to provide welfare. The government cannot properly administer social services, especially on the national level. There will forever be more and more fraud and waste the further the source of the “solution” gets from the actual problem. We must each help our fellow man as much as we possibly can, and the government should encourage that but otherwise stay out of it!

      Report Post »  
    • inblack
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 10:12pm

      Social justices requires the govt to steal from one group to give to another. It is slavery/coercion.
      You can’t have healthcare without doctors, medicine and equipment.
      Either you enslave the doctors and nurses or you steal money from other people to pay them.
      It is immoral to force people to do what you want them to do.
      Social justice calls for the govt to force people to give up what they work for.
      God gave us Free Will and his church wants us to take it away.

      The bishops have failed to teach God’s people His gospel – charity, hope, love.
      So now they teach His people man’s gospel – taxes, coercion, envy.

      Report Post »  
  • Room 101
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:13pm

    My wife and I scan the USCCB site on a semi-regular basis, and came across the 2010 Labor Day statement. Can not recall if it was the good Bishop or Pope Benedict that used the actual term “redistribution”. Thankfully, “I don’t pay the USCCB any attention” were the words from our Parish Priest, but we are concerned about the general leaning toward a more ‘social’ policy in the U.S. Catholic Church.

    Report Post » Room 101  
    • SeeWhy
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 4:02pm

      It is all too easy for Glenn and others to decry “social justice” without looking at the theology behind it. I am a Catholic who is TOTALLY AGAINST the liberation theology that has sadly become synonymous with “social justice.” The socialists and communists have co-opted the term and twisted America’s perception, and even the Catholic Church’s interpretation, of what true social justice is.
      I personally agree with the US Catholic Bishops’ statement that, “A good job and good wages for everyone who is willing and able to work should be our national goal and moral priority.” What is wrong with that goal? Absolutely nothing. The above report also notes, “Absent from the statement are definitions of what are fair or good wages.” It’s not the goal we should have a problem with, but the means by which so many people of faith, or of none, believe we should achieve that goal.
      As a Catholic I get very frustrated by a Church that works to increase the minimum wage in an effort to secure a livable wage for those on the lowest socioeconomic rung. Does the Church have blinders on when it comes to the unintended consequences of pushing a socialist agenda? The capitalist conservative in me says that there IS a way for me to be in harmony with church teaching without abandoning my conservative ideology. Rather than raise the minimum wage, we can work together through the capitalist system to lower the cost of living, which benefits not only the poor, but the middle and upper classes as well. Lower the cost of living. Ironically, that is exactly what responsible capitalism in a free nation like the United States does. It benefits everyone.

      Report Post »  
    • Room 101
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 8:32pm

      Where the Church is straying off the path is the concept of redistribution, with government being the arbiter. Government is extremely inefficient, for one thing. One of my favorite charities is Food for the Poor – they are efficient in the very high 90 percentile with funds and are apolitical. I can pay just under $3K to have a home built for a family in a country such as Haiti. Just how much taxation would have to occur to build that same structure through the government? My guess would be several times more than the same $3K.

      Having your money, which hopefully you earned in one of the ‘good jobs at a good wage’, being taken by government and distributed as they deem fit, is not Charity. Charity comes from the heart, not via taxation. The money will invariably be redistributed along political lines. We are to help those that can’t help themselves, not those that won’t help themselves. Too much time/money/effort providing fish instead of teaching people how to fish.

      Catholic teaching is that I must submit to legitimate authority, and obey the laws of this authority. When the USCCB does apply this same principle to themselves and illegal immigrants in doing same, they disgrace themselves. Just how many illegal immigrants are hanging out in Vatican City these days?

      When the USCCB’s Catholic Campaign for Human Development, which worked with Saul Alinsky many years ago, funds the likes of ACORN and many other corrupt, pro-choice, areligious organizations, they lose the moral high ground in my view. Read the USCCB website, which is quite extensive, it reminds one of the U.N. It pretty much hits all of the favorite ‘justices’.

      The USCCB needs to evaluate whether it should be moving further toward socialist beliefs and victimhood for all of the U.S./world poor. Individual freedom, individual responsibility, freedom to succeed and/or fail, government that does not run peoples’ lives, parishioners that look to the Holy Trinity and each other for help and guidance instead of a massive all-encompassing government, is what should be espoused.

      With all of that said, the USCCB, like the Church, is made up of men… we are fallen by nature. They will err and fail at times just like the rest of us.

      Report Post » Room 101  
    • baldwin4freedom
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 11:21pm

      First off, fair is undefinable. Life is not always fair, and only a fool wants someone disconnected from their situation to dictate what fair is.

      If an individual wants a “fair” wage it is their own responsibility to do something about it. Work hard. Work smart. Work with passion. The rest follows.

      Report Post »  
  • MikeinIdaho
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:09pm

    Another church teaching Social Justice, how surprising! And just where was the Catholic church during the Dark Ages when serfs were forced to live their lives tied to a Lord and his land and working for basically subsistance as the Church amassed wealth and power over everything and the Pope literally ran the world. (Think of the “Holy Roman Empire” where the Pope crowned the emperors and let them rule UNDER the guidance of the Church.)
    And before you all come unglued, I’m a Catholic, so don’t bother with the “you’re prejudiced”!

    Report Post » MikeinIdaho  
    • allensmithee789
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 8:21am

      Social Justice — You Reap What you Sow. Economic Justice — You keep what you Reap. Sow good deeds and you will eventually reap a good harvest and vice versa. Furthermore, you are 100% “entitled” to the fruit of those labors. Sloth is one of the 7 Cardinal Sins encouraged by Equality of Outcomes and discouraged by Equality of Opportunity. Each of us has been given certain talents. It is on us individually to go out into the marketplace and make use of them — not to bury them in the ground and expect anything but condemnaiton for nothing ventured. Life is not fair, was never fair, and will never be fair because we are all different. However, all of us are equally loved by our Creator, who will hopefully judge us mercifully for all our imperfections when our time on earth is done. My advice: Get to work developing your talents so that you can use them to make your life, your family’s lives, and those around you better. We worship and work together as a group, because we pray and work as individuals.

      Report Post » allensmithee789  
  • norway1516
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:07pm

    Throw that bum over to south america and let him explain that garbage to the drug cartels.

    Report Post » norway1516  
  • zagfan
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:03pm

    Social Justice! Why doesn’t the church start thinking about Religious healing and Spreading the word of God instead of delving into Social Justice. If more people lived a good Godly life, social justice would prevail. They are stepping out of bounds as far as I’m concerned.

    Report Post » zagfan  
  • JJMinor
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:03pm

    This Bishop needs to realise that countries that go socialist soon find little room for God. He should study his history and perhaps use the former Soviet Union as a pretty good example of what socialism really gives the people. As a Christian I understand the need for compassion and charity, but not the kind the Government is in charge of. For goodness sake, this man must be poorly educated.

    Report Post »  
    • martnee777
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:55pm

      It is true Socialists have little room for God, but they have great use for churches. One man from a pulpit,
      can influence more people than many men with guns.

      Report Post » martnee777  
  • sallyminster
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 12:56pm

    I agree that good job and good wages should be the goal of every human being…but who regulates that? Unions, govt? I am pretty sure that neither one have a “moral” compass and only do things to benefit those leaders in control..make them look good and they’ll pass it along to us “little people”. Let‘s teach our kids to strive for a high bar so that they will guarantee THEMSELVES a good job and good wages and will be so valuable at their job they will have REAL job security so their employers just couldn’t afford to let them go…especially in economic downturns…

    Report Post » sallyminster  
    • DanB
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:48pm

      The problem is that the more regulating you do, it seems the fewer jobs you have. That, or you have lots of jobs but little results.

      What you need is to get government out of the picture. Enforce the law. That’s it. No more. No less either. That includes contract law–which government has been tossing out the window lately to favor unions, etc..

      In a free market, someone gets rewarded for successfully creating a job–the job creator gets rich. Thus there is incentive to create jobs. If the business fails, then it fails. But for all the businesses that fail, there are plenty to create jobs in free market because there is the hope for reward…. But in social justice, I get the same reward whether I work as lowliest worker or the highest level executive/investor. In fact, under “social justice,” I am honored as the lowliest worker and criminalized as the executive/investor. So what you are doing under social justice is actually creating incentives to NOT create jobs. Because those who can, stop. They aren’t all dumb, evil corporate wannabes. And don’t think we all can. I don’t know if I can, but I would love to try to create jobs. But because I understand this equation a little, I know very well that not everyone understands or is capable of everything. For example, I cannot build a circuit board, but I can take several pre-manufactured and standardized computer boards and build a computer. And I although I can track the cables in and out of my stereo receiver, I knew someone who assembled circuit boards that couldn’t make heads or tails of all those wires. It was spaghetti to them. Even though to me it was just a larger scale I/O than those circuit boards they built (which I could not do). And I realize that as seemingly simple as the terms I used are to me, there are those that might simply go “huh?…” I am also aware that my father was a company vice-president, and when he left they hired THREE people to replace him. So I know that while we like to simply things to “social justice,” we all have different skills and by working with those skills we can achieve great things together–I also believe we can learn new skills too, which is why I have ambitions greater than simply building computers.

      Report Post »  
    • EntropysChild
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 2:01pm

      @DANB — remember, the cuyahoga river in Ohio used to catch fire and burn before there were regulations against corporate polluters. Yeah… a river would BURN. No one wants to go back to that. We do need good, smart regulations.

      Report Post »  
    • George Washington
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 4:04pm

      Your statement is morally correct. However, I am torn between the idea of social justice in the workplace and the practicality of it. Any business which pays every employee a “fair living wage” will cover the additional cost by raising prices. When people on the low end of the salary scale go shopping, they will have to pay more for their purchases. Therefore, they will be right back where they started. The same is true regarding working conditions and work rules. Regardless of the wages employees earn, their safety and health are paramount concerns. This is one area of social justice in the workplace which MUST be carried out. In a way, we already have social justice in the workplace. Anyone who is not happy with the wages they are earning is free to better themselves through formal or informal education.

      Report Post »  
    • timeisnow
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 8:45pm

      sallyminster

      I am Catholic and my priest calls Social Justice Communism… The Catholic Church shouldnt be preaching this by the Bishops. I will be calling them on this ASAP…

      Report Post »  
  • AutoEuphoria
    Posted on September 3, 2010 at 12:52pm

    Hmm…a church preaching Social Justice…where did I hear this before…

    AutoEuphoria  
    • WVRob
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:08pm

      Social justice! Imagine that! Just as Glenn’s been pointing out. Come on people when are you going to stand up in these churches and call out people preaching this garbage?

      Report Post » WVRob  
    • EntropysChild
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 1:51pm

      Can someone please explain to me what’s so bad about seeking social justice? Because I think it’s a good thing. To me it means a just society, where people who are willing and able to work aren’t being exploited and are treated fairly. What’s so bad or scary about that? It sounds like a good thing to me.

      Yes, the government, especially totalitarian ones, can be exploiters, but so can big corporations, monopolies, etc.

      Am I missing something here?

      Report Post »  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 2:15pm

      Entrophy, I think the issue is not social justice, but the fact that social justice is often confused with the Gospel message. For many people, social justice becomes the primary goal and far too often there are political overtones mixed in. Christians should be working towards providing jobs, housing, and food for the less fortunate, but it has to be done out of the correct motivation, love of Christ, rather than societial demands.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
    • clouviere
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 2:44pm

      @Entropy

      Yes, you are missing the point. A “good job” at a “good wage” is a subjective argument. What does good equal? What does it mean? A good job for you is not the same as a good job for me. A good wage for that job for you may not be the same amount of economic value that is for me. What you are missing is that this is not an argument for “social justice” or one for “good jobs at good pay”. This is an attempt to rename the debate in order to move this country into some form of Marxist state..whether Communist, Socialist or Socialist light.

      The point is simply this…you, the employee must understand that you are trading your time and labor for economic value. That “value” is market dependent based on market conditions within and without your control. Your “labor” is not a gaurantee within the market. Labor just like any other marketable item has a variable value and as such is outside of the control of anyone.

      Good jobs at a good pay are really outside the pervue of society or justice. They are between you, the holder of the “labor” and the person or persons who are entering in to contract for the purchase of that labor. The only place or responsibility for “justice” is if at any point either contractee breaks the terms of that contract…then it is indeed an issue for “justice”. Until that time it is really no one’s business but yours or the person paying you what is done (good job) at one pay (good pay).

      You should look into the Austrian school of Economics for a better analysis.

      cl

      Report Post »  
    • Run4Cover
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 3:29pm

      Amen bro. I am catholic and if I hear my priest preaching this bs, I’m walking out.

      Report Post »  
    • EntropysChild
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 4:26pm

      @TAQUOSHI

      I do not see or understand how one can seperate “good” in my personal life from “good” in my public and community life and how I vote.

      @CLOUVIERE

      I understand am a big believer in work as as a contract and being paid for what I produce and the free market and so on. Absolutely.

      But we are also inescapably in a shared society with each other, and I would hate to see us go into a completely darwinistic, survival of the fitest, libertarian environment.

      Some social safety nets like Social Security and Medicaid for the truly disabled or sick etc are really good things. I also think that things like sensible workplace safety regulations, and food and drug safety controls etc. are good and important things, whether in the workplace or out.

      Social justice to me is not letting big corporations or governments harm or take advantage of any and all people, and I will fight for that all day long.

      Report Post »  
    • RandomOne
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 5:07pm

      When a big company tells you have to do something, you can go somewhere else or even compete against them. When governments implement social justice it is oppression against one set of ideas to promote another. This is also known as tyranny.

      Report Post »  
    • EntropysChild
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 5:21pm

      @Randomone — You can vote. It’s disgraceful to call something tyranny when there are free, fair and consequential elections. That is NOT tyranny. Always remember that. Just because one side or the other doesn‘t like it doesn’t make it tyranny.

      Report Post »  
    • RandomOne
      Posted on September 3, 2010 at 5:33pm

      Racism is a form of tyranny even when people of all color have the right to vote. Using your argument the federal government can use racism to oppress a specific group of people just because they have the right to vote. We know this to be wrong. Your argument is invalid.

      Report Post »  
    • ProgressivesLoveAmerica
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 3:54pm

      Guess what?

      There’s absolutely NOTHING WRONG with religious organizations that preach social justice!

      It’s in the BIBLE! Read it! Read how only the wicked & evil are the ones who ignore the plight of the poor & the working class!

      Read how GOD punishes people who ignore the plight of the poor & working class.

      Report Post » ProgressivesLoveAmerica  
    • TRUTHISBECK
      Posted on September 4, 2010 at 10:02pm

      Fidel Castro has a social justice economy. The Soviets had a Social Justice economy. All the world’s Progressive dicators have a social justice economy but the best jobs in the world have always been right here in America. Who ever went to Cuba for a job? The Progressives words sound nice but we already have the world’s gold standard. As soon as the Progressives Tyrants get control of the economy we will be reduced to what the Cuban employees already know….“We pretend to work and Fidel pretends to pay us”. Wake up. You don‘t know what you’ve got till its gone…the Progressives are tyrants and their socialism only lasts until they steal the last dollar of others.

      Report Post »  
    • Taquoshi
      Posted on September 5, 2010 at 12:01am

      To Entrophy,

      I do not see or understand how one can seperate “good” in my personal life from “good” in my public and community life and how I vote.

      Okay, let me try to clarify. The Roman Catholic Church has a mission, as do other Christian churches, which is to “evangelize”, or in plain terms, “tell the Good News” about Christ. As people come to know the saving love of Christ, His Redemption of their sins and the transformation that takes place in the individual’s life , the outworking of this should be seen in an increase in love, peace, joy, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. These are often referred to as the Gifts of the Spirit.

      Still with me? When those things happen in a person‘s life BECAUSE of Christ’s redeeming love, then you will see the hungry fed, the naked clothed, and so on. The foundation is firmly laid.

      The Social Justice Gospel comes from a totally different angle. The ministers who are involved in that are more focused on feeding the poor, etc. than they are in teaching those poor about Christ’s redemption. It’s only part of the message, not the whole thing. And it is easily confused as to how doing a “good” thing can turn out to be a not so good thing after all. The political component happens when people are trying to do “good” things but the people that are on the receiving end use them to advance their own purposes. This is not to say that Christians are never duped into being used by the unscrupulous, but simply that when the correct foundation is in place, then everything else lines up. Social justice in and of itself is okay, but it should not be the focus of the Roman Catholic Church, or any other church calling itself “Christian”.

      I don’t know if I made this any clearer to you. I hope I have.

      Report Post » Taquoshi  
1 2 3

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love