Maryellen
Jones
wrote:
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Hi, guys —
- I'd like to know what the Catholic position on Socialism is?
- Does it line up with Catholicism?
From what little I know
about the rule of subsidiary, it would seem that Socialism
would be anti-Catholic.
- Would someone please expand on this for me?
Thanks.
Maryellen
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What
is the Catholic view of Socialism and does it line up with Catholic teachings? }
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John
replied:
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Maryellen,
Socialism, especially atheistic socialism, is condemned by the Church.
Even non-atheistic socialism denies an intrinsic, but not immutable, right to private
property, hence it goes against the Church's Teachings on freedom.
Hope this helps,
John DiMascio
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Rob replied:
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Maryellen —
John may want to specify state-imposed socialism, as
the early Church practiced a form of socialism different from that. The main
difference (and it makes all the difference in the world!)
is that it was voluntary.
Rob Coutinho
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John
replied:
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Maryellen —
Just to follow-up on what Rob said, the early Church in Jerusalem practiced collectivism. They held everything in common, etc.
Interestingly enough, it was the only church that was always broke.
The Church, as a whole, did not practice collectivism, and it would be unfair to categorize
it as socialism.
Socialism by definition is a state-run economic system.
John
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