In this paperwork, I am going to discuss about Rerum Novarum, especially its treatment of socialism and capitalism. According to the reading, it is depicted that the majority of the working class continue to live in misery. The socialists, attempts to bring to an end to these wrongs, are striving to implement a strategy that will abolish the ownership of private property. The socialists argue that the private belongings should become the universal possessions for the entire group of people. It would, therefore, ensure a fair share for each person to take pleasure in, hence bringing to an end of the numerous suffering that exists between the rich and the poor. The properties should, therefore, be controlled by civic bodies or State, but this remedy is depicted as being noticeably against justice.
The remedy that is intended to improve the welfare of the working class is alleged to have negative impacts to all the parties involved- the poor and the rich. From the reading, it is depicted that setting up a State administration denies the parents right to own properties- operates alongside natural justice, hence wiping out the composition of home as depicted by St. Thomas Aquinas. Religion does not support the socialists move, transferring private properties to the State, but it does recognize capitalism, through the help of the church, as the best approach of handling these wrongs. It is important to note that religion has been depicted as a powerful weapon in drawing the wealthy and the running class together. Religion reminds both the wealthy and the working class of what is expected of them, particularly the compulsion of justice. Private ownership is depicted as a normal right to man, hence it is legitimate to own properties.
According to the church stand, man should not consider his material belongings as his own, but as universal, so as to assists those in wants without hesitations. Working for gain is considered trustworthy to a man, since it enables him to earn an admirable living; but is disgraceful and cruel misusing men in chase of gain. It is now clear that the church is against the socialists’ thoughts, but supports the private ownerships of properties. It is; now, clear that cracking the wrongs facing the working class, the capitalists must execute the conditions laid by the church, such as not misusing men in pursuit of gain (Encyclical of Pope Leo XIII on Capitol and Labor).
Works cited
Encyclical of Pope Leo XIII on Capitol and Labor. Rerum Novarum
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