Catholic Answers Live #12213 Understanding Catholic Social Teaching From Pope Leo XIII to Today - Tom Nash
May 27, 2025
Join theologian Tom Nash as he dives into Catholic social teaching through the lens of Rerum Novarum, an encyclical by Pope Leo XIII. He discusses the encyclical's origins and its ongoing relevance in today's complex social landscape. Topics include the dignity of workers, the proper role of the state, and the moral implications of AI. Nash also critiques the balance between capitalism and ethical responsibility, making a compelling case for solidarity and subsidiarity in addressing modern challenges. This conversation revitalizes timeless principles for navigating our world.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Rerum Novarum's Historical Role
- Rerum Novarum is the Church's detailed response to Industrial Revolution social problems addressing socialism and capitalism.
- It emphasizes man's ultimate end in God and warns against deification of the state or mindless socialism.
Essence of Catholic Social Teaching
- Catholic social teaching offers principles for reflection, judgment, and directing action to serve humanity's true good.
- It integrates faith, reason, and natural law to promote human flourishing toward our ultimate end in heaven.
Capitalism With Conscience
- The Church supports capitalism but insists on a capitalism with a conscience respecting work dignity.
- Greed and envy undermine society, so property rights must be balanced with care for workers' dignity and opposition to class warfare.
