Reaction Paper: The Social Teaching Of The Church

PBXVI’s Ethical Vision of the Economy and the Market Amidst the economic crisis that gradually envelops the underdeveloped countries around the world and regardless to mention the decline of the morality of every men and women of our time, we can consider it a divine intervention as well as a heavenly support when the Vicar of Christ here on earth speaks and envisions about the moral framework of economic life. Motivated by the so-called logic of gift, the Pontiff is urging every men and women of our time to be challenged in building an economy grounded on the ethical principles and values of love, truth and freedom. And certainly by adhering to these principles, we are persuaded to achieve our earnest desire of making our world a haven of peace and an abode where equality among citizens are enhanced and safeguarded. The system in the market should in the first place be also given the adequate and necessary attention for the reason that in this sector of the society, daily human encounters and interactions regularly take place. In as much as morality is concerned, there is indeed the dire need to advance in our awareness the application of ethical and moral principles so as to assure the empowerment and safeguarding of the basic rights of every person. Furthermore, in order for the market system to function correctly and suitably according to standards of the society, a certain ethical principles must be applied and endorsed. The Pope is therefore giving us the proposition of considering an ethics that is people-centered and an economic life that is sustained by religious principles and values. Considerably, the moral relevance of any economic system is measured by its adherence to the fundamental values of truth, freedom, justice and love – which is said to be the four pillars of well-ordered society. As we have been saying that as the Church is both a Mother and a Teacher, her primary role is to safeguard the rights of her children as well as she also has the duty to proclaim the truth of faith and of reason in society through the indispensable instrumentality of her social doctrines. This is now where the church will enter so as to influence her role in the economic life. The Pope thus calls for people’s responsible openness to life considering that every human person is a rich social and economic resource. The peoples’ recognition of the importance and value of life will strengthen the moral fiber of every individual and will eventually make them capable of mutual help, thus equality among peoples may also be nurtured. Finally, the Pontiff is advocating the relevance of the economy of gratuitousness that is an economic ethic of Charity in truth. By virtue of our being creatures under God, we are reminded that we are made as a gift to our fellow creatures. Let us be mindful that our equality as human persons is basically grounded and measured not on human powers alone but by God’s gift of faith animated by charity, thus extending our help to others would now entail a sacrifice understood as a gift towards the other. We are strongly urged to persevere in our commitment for the common good of the whole human family and be impelled by spirit of charity and mutual love.