Economic Justice For All Summary

Economic Justice for All
Chapter One: The Church and the Future of the U.S. Economy
Perspective on Economic Life
What does the economy do for people
What does the economy do to people
How do people participate in the economy
The U.S. Economy Today: Memory and Hope
The U.S. has grown into a powerful nation with an improved quality of life and standard of living
Immigrants see the U.S. as, in the biblical sense, the promise land of political freedom and economic opportunity
The progress of the U.S. has come with much suffering: Native American takeover, revolution, slavery, and civil war
Sustained struggle to transform the political and economic institutions: women’s suffrage, elimination of child labor, civil rights movement, response…show more content…
The people were directed to live their lives according to God’s will
Decalogue/Book of the Covenant: codes made life in community possible
The codes of Israel reflect the norms of the covenant: reciprocal responsibility, mercy, and truthfulness
Justice: sense of what is right or what should happen
The Reign of God and Justice
Jesus enter human history as God’s anointed son who announces the nearness of the reign of God
Jesus proclaims: resist the temptations of power and prestige, follow his Fathers will, and pray that his will shall be accomplished on earth
Greatest commandment: God is to be loved with the whole heart, mind , and soul; You shall love your neighbor as yourself
Jesus offers a vivid picture of the last judgment
Called to be Disciples in Community
Jesus summoned his first followers, they will continue the work of proclaiming and building God’s kingdom
Discipleship involves: imitating the pattern of Jesus, openness to God’s will in the service of others
Poverty, Riches, and the Challenge of Discipleship
The rich are wise in their own eyes and are prone to apostasy and idolatry, as well as to violence and oppression
The poor are neither blinded by wealth or idols which will make them open to God’s…show more content…
Working for Greater Justice: Personal and Institutions
Work has a Threefold Moral Significance
Exercise self-expression and self-realization
Fulfill material needs
Contribute to the larger community
Working People and Labor Unions
All working people are called to contribute to the common good by seeking excellence in production and service
Right to employment and right to wages and benefits
Church fully supports the right of workers to form unions or other associations to secure their rights to fair wages and working conditions
Individual workers have obligations to their employers, and trade unions also have duties to society as a whole
Owners and Managers
Property owners, managers, and investors of financial capital must all contribute to creating a more just society
Securing economic justice depends heavily on the leadership of business men and women
Right to own
No one is justified in keeping for his exclusive use what he does not need, when others lack necessities
Governments must provide regulations and a system of taxation which encourage firms to preserve the environment, employ disadvantaged workers, and create jobs in depressed areas
Citizens and