The growth of socialism in our nation has been a topic in the news for the past few years. Some of the reports connect the rise of socialist thought with college campuses. Some commentators note that the youth of today are moved to certain aspects of socialist thought due to the benefits the generation ahead of them are receiving now, leading the younger generation to have a concern that there will be nothing in the future for them, or to ask: “Why can’t I have it now?”
For some, the move toward a more socialist state is not that surprising. In the early to mid-20th century, a few political theorists thought that the USA would move toward socialism while the USSR would move toward democracy and capitalism. This is certainly being realized today.
Saint Paul VI noted in 1971 some of the reasons people are attracted to socialist ideology or action. His Apostolic Letter Octogesima adveniens of May 14, 1971, commemorates the 80th anniversary of Rerum Novarum, an encyclical of Leo XIII, which many understand to be the foundation of the contemporary social doctrine of the church. In his letter, Paul VI reminds Catholics that the social teaching of the church, which is grounded in faith, is to enlighten and guide their judgements concerning social issues, weather they be an average citizen or an elected political figure.
Regarding the draw of socialist thought and action, Paul VI states that often people who are “attracted by socialism tend to idealize it in terms which, apart from anything else, are very general: a will for justice, solidarity and equality” (31). These are all noble things to be strived for. However, socialism often fails to actually bring these about. Socialism cannot be separated from its Marxist roots. Marxism is based on a class struggle, bringing about an end to oppression when the oppress finally overthrow the oppressor. Looking at current history, one oppressor is exchanged for another. Equality is not realized, for those in power have more than those who have none. Justice is not realized, for what is “just” will be whatever the controlling power dictates it to be. Solidarity is not realized because it is forced rather than rising naturally from a good will.
Ultimately, socialism tends to be ordered to a materialistic and atheistic understanding of the world. Such an outlook tends to destroy human dignity, for the transcendental reality of the human person is lost. Materialism tends to focus just on the concrete moment, detached from a greater unseen reality. Due to this, the understanding of “good” and “true” are lost to human beings. When these are lost, freedom becomes corrupted and those with power will eradicate those who disagree with the party line.
Saint Paul VI further noted that, in truth, “bureaucratic socialism, technocratic capitalism and authoritarian democracy are showing how difficult it is to solve the great human problem of living together in justice and equality” (32). While there is much the government can do to alleviate social issues, in the end, it cannot. In our country, all too often politicians seem more concerned about getting re-elected or promoting political ideology rather than the citizens they represent.
Saint Paul VI had a simple answer to the social issues of our day. He reminds us that the angels at Jesus’ birth pronounced “peace to men of good will” (Lk 2:14). People of good will are those who know that right action is grounded in goodness and truth. Christian men and women must truly live their faith in Jesus; a “faith that works through charity” (Gal. 5:6).
Rather than a government forcing a person to give their money to support the poor, such a person should be compelled by charity to do so. That is, they ought to come to love their neighbor as they love themselves (cf. Mk 12:31). To understand that their blessings have come from God to be shared with those who are less fortunate.
It is important that Christian men and women follow the example of the Apostle Paul. Saint Paul reminds the Corinthians that while among them he wished to know nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified (cf. 1 Cor. 2:2). It is in the crucified Lord that we experience God’s love for human beings. It is this love, the crucified love of Jesus, that transforms Christians. Christians need to be students of the Cross, for the crucified love overcomes all prejudice, greed, egotism and the self-righteousness which makes of oneself the ultimate judge of what is good and true.
Action is needed today to address and overcome the ills of society. Yet it is not the action of socialist, nor anarchists, nor those who think capitalism alone will solve these issues. No: it is the action of divine charity undertaken by those who resolve to know Jesus Christ and Him Crucified.
Father Jason Rocks is priest secretary to Bishop Dennis Sullivan and adjutant judicial vicar for the Diocese of Camden.
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