In this episode we look at the emergence of 'The Economy', an amoral object that we can talk about, the place where the happenings of society began to shift to. How did we get here, and what was it like before? The economy has truly taken root in the society of mutual benefit, where as Alexander Pope notes "true SELF-LOVE and SOCIAL are the same thing" (ASA, p 181.)
We look at the trifold Catholic Social Teaching principles of human dignity, solidarity, and subsidiarity as a starting point for returning morality to our engagements with the economy. Referring to the Church, Saint Pope John Paul II proclaimed: "
Her moral vision in this area ‘rests on the threefold cornerstone of human dignity, solidarity and subsidiarity'… which aims to encourage governments, institutions and private organizations to shape a future consonant with the dignity of every person" (http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_22011999_ecclesia-in-america.html).
Reflection:
-What questions did this episode raise in me about how I am living and the costs of my engagement with the economy?
-Where can I find non-productive Sabbath in my week this week?
References:
-Pages of A Secular Age, Charles Taylor: (176-185)
Website:
https://sites.google.com/contemplatingculture
