<\/p>\n
The Role of Profit in Business<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n <\/p>\n
by CAPP-USA<\/span><\/h5>\n <\/p>\n
\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/money-wealth-profit-business-case-cash-excess-profiteering-horde.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
The Role of Profit is essential to business... AND must ensure human dignity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Is Profit Good?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
Let's examine the role of profit. Pope St. John Paul II declared, <\/span>\"The Church acknowledges the legitimate role of profit as an indication that a business is functioning well. When a firm makes a profit, this means that productive factors have been properly employed and corresponding human needs have been duly satisfied.\" (Centesimus Annus, 35)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat is the Role of Profit?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Profit is a regulator of the life of a business, but it is not the only one; other human and moral factors must also be considered which, in the long term, are at least equally important for the life of a business.\" (Centesimus Annus, 35)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nFor example, \"It is possible for the finance accounts to be in order, and yet for the people \u2014 who make up the firm's most valuable asset \u2014 to be humiliated and their dignity offended.\" (Pope St. John Paul II, 35)<\/a> <\/span>So, while profit is an essential aspect of business it should also be used to ensure basic needs and the human dignity of employees are being met.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nKeep our Eyes on the Big Picture<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>At its essence, a business is to serve humanity and society.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\"In fact, the purpose of a business firm is not simply to make a profit, but is to be found in its very existence as a community of persons who in various ways are endeavouring to satisfy their basic needs, and who form a particular group at the service of the whole of society.\" (Pope St. John Paul II, 35)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nPope St. John Paul II was careful to reiterate this teaching several times in <\/span>(Centesimus Annus)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\"Profit is a regulator of the life of a business, but it is not the only one\".\u00a0(Pope St. John Paul II, 35)<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nConsistent Catholic Social Teaching<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>This conclusion had been set forth several times by Pope St. John Paul II's predecessors, as well as confirmed by his successors.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nConsider Pope St. Paul VI's<\/strong> unambiguous pronouncement that <\/span><\/span>\"certain concepts have somehow... insinuated themselves into the fabric of human society. These concepts present profit as the chief spur to economic progress, free competition as the guiding norm of economics, and private ownership of the means of production as an absolute right, having no limits nor concomitant social obligations. This unbridled liberalism paves the way for a particular type of tyranny, rightly condemned by Our predecessor Pius XI<\/strong>, for it results in the 'international imperialism of money.' Such improper manipulations of economic forces can never be condemned enough; let it be said once again that economics is supposed to be in the service of man.\" (Populorum Progressio, 26)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nPope Benedict XVI<\/strong>: The \u201cconviction that the economy must be autonomous, that it must be shielded from \u2018influences\u2019 of a moral character, has led man to abuse the economic process in a thoroughly destructive way.\u201d (Caritas in Veritate, 34)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nPope Francis<\/strong>: The current system \u201cis by now intolerable\u201d. \u201c[T]hat system has imposed the mentality of profit at any price, with no concern for social exclusion\u2026An unfettered pursuit of money rules\u201d. \u201cOnce capital becomes an idol and guides people\u2019s decisions, once greed for money presides over the entire socioeconomic system, it ruins society, it condemns and enslaves men and women, it destroys human fraternity, it sets people against one another\u201d. (Address to the Second World Meeting of Popular Movements, Bolivia, 1)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Bottom Line for the Role of Profit<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>The charge NOT to reverse, or confuse, means and ends \u2013 to always keep the person and needs of society at the center \u2013 has consistently been understood by the Church. Profits are both necessary and good -- if used for their proper ends.<\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tA New Methodology for a New Economy<\/a><\/p>\nCatholic Social Teaching, Democracy, and Free Markets<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is Capitalism?<\/a><\/p>\nCapitalism vs. Socialism<\/a><\/p>\nWas Jesus a Capitalist?<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is a \u201cJust\u201d Distribution of Wealth?<\/a><\/p>\nGratuitousness: Catholic Social Teaching\u2019s Solution for Capitalism<\/a><\/p>\nGood, Socially Responsible Business<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCatholic Social Teaching and Economics by Domingo Bickel<\/a><\/p>\nThe Gig Economy and Rerum Novarum<\/a><\/p>\nTariffs and the Common Good<\/a><\/p>\nThe Problems of Globalization<\/a><\/p>\nInflation and Catholic Social Teaching<\/a><\/p>\nPope Francis \u2013 An Economic Reformer and Provocateur<\/a><\/p>\nMark Carney, Pope Francis, and the Global Economy<\/a><\/p>\nThe \u2018Health of Nations\u2019 in Light of CST and Pope Francis<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Answer is...<\/span><\/h4><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Free Market<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tDignity of Work<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBack to Articles<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Three](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Three-Principles.png\")
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThree Key Principles<\/a><\/h2>Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles -\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Human-Dignity.png\")
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHuman Dignity<\/a><\/h2>This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solidarity.png\")
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSolidarity<\/a><\/h2>Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Subsidiarity.png\")
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Role of Profit is essential to business... AND must ensure human dignity.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Is Profit Good?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
Let's examine the role of profit. Pope St. John Paul II declared, <\/span>\"The Church acknowledges the legitimate role of profit as an indication that a business is functioning well. When a firm makes a profit, this means that productive factors have been properly employed and corresponding human needs have been duly satisfied.\" (Centesimus Annus, 35)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat is the Role of Profit?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Profit is a regulator of the life of a business, but it is not the only one; other human and moral factors must also be considered which, in the long term, are at least equally important for the life of a business.\" (Centesimus Annus, 35)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nFor example, \"It is possible for the finance accounts to be in order, and yet for the people \u2014 who make up the firm's most valuable asset \u2014 to be humiliated and their dignity offended.\" (Pope St. John Paul II, 35)<\/a> <\/span>So, while profit is an essential aspect of business it should also be used to ensure basic needs and the human dignity of employees are being met.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nKeep our Eyes on the Big Picture<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>At its essence, a business is to serve humanity and society.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\"In fact, the purpose of a business firm is not simply to make a profit, but is to be found in its very existence as a community of persons who in various ways are endeavouring to satisfy their basic needs, and who form a particular group at the service of the whole of society.\" (Pope St. John Paul II, 35)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nPope St. John Paul II was careful to reiterate this teaching several times in <\/span>(Centesimus Annus)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\"Profit is a regulator of the life of a business, but it is not the only one\".\u00a0(Pope St. John Paul II, 35)<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nConsistent Catholic Social Teaching<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>This conclusion had been set forth several times by Pope St. John Paul II's predecessors, as well as confirmed by his successors.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nConsider Pope St. Paul VI's<\/strong> unambiguous pronouncement that <\/span><\/span>\"certain concepts have somehow... insinuated themselves into the fabric of human society. These concepts present profit as the chief spur to economic progress, free competition as the guiding norm of economics, and private ownership of the means of production as an absolute right, having no limits nor concomitant social obligations. This unbridled liberalism paves the way for a particular type of tyranny, rightly condemned by Our predecessor Pius XI<\/strong>, for it results in the 'international imperialism of money.' Such improper manipulations of economic forces can never be condemned enough; let it be said once again that economics is supposed to be in the service of man.\" (Populorum Progressio, 26)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nPope Benedict XVI<\/strong>: The \u201cconviction that the economy must be autonomous, that it must be shielded from \u2018influences\u2019 of a moral character, has led man to abuse the economic process in a thoroughly destructive way.\u201d (Caritas in Veritate, 34)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nPope Francis<\/strong>: The current system \u201cis by now intolerable\u201d. \u201c[T]hat system has imposed the mentality of profit at any price, with no concern for social exclusion\u2026An unfettered pursuit of money rules\u201d. \u201cOnce capital becomes an idol and guides people\u2019s decisions, once greed for money presides over the entire socioeconomic system, it ruins society, it condemns and enslaves men and women, it destroys human fraternity, it sets people against one another\u201d. (Address to the Second World Meeting of Popular Movements, Bolivia, 1)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Bottom Line for the Role of Profit<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>The charge NOT to reverse, or confuse, means and ends \u2013 to always keep the person and needs of society at the center \u2013 has consistently been understood by the Church. Profits are both necessary and good -- if used for their proper ends.<\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tA New Methodology for a New Economy<\/a><\/p>\nCatholic Social Teaching, Democracy, and Free Markets<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is Capitalism?<\/a><\/p>\nCapitalism vs. Socialism<\/a><\/p>\nWas Jesus a Capitalist?<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is a \u201cJust\u201d Distribution of Wealth?<\/a><\/p>\nGratuitousness: Catholic Social Teaching\u2019s Solution for Capitalism<\/a><\/p>\nGood, Socially Responsible Business<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCatholic Social Teaching and Economics by Domingo Bickel<\/a><\/p>\nThe Gig Economy and Rerum Novarum<\/a><\/p>\nTariffs and the Common Good<\/a><\/p>\nThe Problems of Globalization<\/a><\/p>\nInflation and Catholic Social Teaching<\/a><\/p>\nPope Francis \u2013 An Economic Reformer and Provocateur<\/a><\/p>\nMark Carney, Pope Francis, and the Global Economy<\/a><\/p>\nThe \u2018Health of Nations\u2019 in Light of CST and Pope Francis<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Answer is...<\/span><\/h4><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Free Market<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tDignity of Work<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBack to Articles<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThree Key Principles<\/a><\/h2>Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles -\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHuman Dignity<\/a><\/h2>This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSolidarity<\/a><\/h2>Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
Let's examine the role of profit. Pope St. John Paul II declared, <\/span>\"The Church acknowledges the legitimate role of profit as an indication that a business is functioning well. When a firm makes a profit, this means that productive factors have been properly employed and corresponding human needs have been duly satisfied.\" (Centesimus Annus, 35)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
What is the Role of Profit?<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Profit is a regulator of the life of a business, but it is not the only one; other human and moral factors must also be considered which, in the long term, are at least equally important for the life of a business.\" (Centesimus Annus, 35)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nFor example, \"It is possible for the finance accounts to be in order, and yet for the people \u2014 who make up the firm's most valuable asset \u2014 to be humiliated and their dignity offended.\" (Pope St. John Paul II, 35)<\/a> <\/span>So, while profit is an essential aspect of business it should also be used to ensure basic needs and the human dignity of employees are being met.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nKeep our Eyes on the Big Picture<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>At its essence, a business is to serve humanity and society.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\"In fact, the purpose of a business firm is not simply to make a profit, but is to be found in its very existence as a community of persons who in various ways are endeavouring to satisfy their basic needs, and who form a particular group at the service of the whole of society.\" (Pope St. John Paul II, 35)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nPope St. John Paul II was careful to reiterate this teaching several times in <\/span>(Centesimus Annus)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n\"Profit is a regulator of the life of a business, but it is not the only one\".\u00a0(Pope St. John Paul II, 35)<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\nConsistent Catholic Social Teaching<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>This conclusion had been set forth several times by Pope St. John Paul II's predecessors, as well as confirmed by his successors.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nConsider Pope St. Paul VI's<\/strong> unambiguous pronouncement that <\/span><\/span>\"certain concepts have somehow... insinuated themselves into the fabric of human society. These concepts present profit as the chief spur to economic progress, free competition as the guiding norm of economics, and private ownership of the means of production as an absolute right, having no limits nor concomitant social obligations. This unbridled liberalism paves the way for a particular type of tyranny, rightly condemned by Our predecessor Pius XI<\/strong>, for it results in the 'international imperialism of money.' Such improper manipulations of economic forces can never be condemned enough; let it be said once again that economics is supposed to be in the service of man.\" (Populorum Progressio, 26)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nPope Benedict XVI<\/strong>: The \u201cconviction that the economy must be autonomous, that it must be shielded from \u2018influences\u2019 of a moral character, has led man to abuse the economic process in a thoroughly destructive way.\u201d (Caritas in Veritate, 34)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nPope Francis<\/strong>: The current system \u201cis by now intolerable\u201d. \u201c[T]hat system has imposed the mentality of profit at any price, with no concern for social exclusion\u2026An unfettered pursuit of money rules\u201d. \u201cOnce capital becomes an idol and guides people\u2019s decisions, once greed for money presides over the entire socioeconomic system, it ruins society, it condemns and enslaves men and women, it destroys human fraternity, it sets people against one another\u201d. (Address to the Second World Meeting of Popular Movements, Bolivia, 1)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Bottom Line for the Role of Profit<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>The charge NOT to reverse, or confuse, means and ends \u2013 to always keep the person and needs of society at the center \u2013 has consistently been understood by the Church. Profits are both necessary and good -- if used for their proper ends.<\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tA New Methodology for a New Economy<\/a><\/p>\nCatholic Social Teaching, Democracy, and Free Markets<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is Capitalism?<\/a><\/p>\nCapitalism vs. Socialism<\/a><\/p>\nWas Jesus a Capitalist?<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is a \u201cJust\u201d Distribution of Wealth?<\/a><\/p>\nGratuitousness: Catholic Social Teaching\u2019s Solution for Capitalism<\/a><\/p>\nGood, Socially Responsible Business<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tCatholic Social Teaching and Economics by Domingo Bickel<\/a><\/p>\nThe Gig Economy and Rerum Novarum<\/a><\/p>\nTariffs and the Common Good<\/a><\/p>\nThe Problems of Globalization<\/a><\/p>\nInflation and Catholic Social Teaching<\/a><\/p>\nPope Francis \u2013 An Economic Reformer and Provocateur<\/a><\/p>\nMark Carney, Pope Francis, and the Global Economy<\/a><\/p>\nThe \u2018Health of Nations\u2019 in Light of CST and Pope Francis<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Answer is...<\/span><\/h4><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tThe Free Market<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tDignity of Work<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBack to Articles<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThree Key Principles<\/a><\/h2>Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles -\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHuman Dignity<\/a><\/h2>This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSolidarity<\/a><\/h2>Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\"Profit is a regulator of the life of a business, but it is not the only one; other human and moral factors must also be considered which, in the long term, are at least equally important for the life of a business.\" (Centesimus Annus, 35)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
For example, \"It is possible for the finance accounts to be in order, and yet for the people \u2014 who make up the firm's most valuable asset \u2014 to be humiliated and their dignity offended.\" (Pope St. John Paul II, 35)<\/a> <\/span>So, while profit is an essential aspect of business it should also be used to ensure basic needs and the human dignity of employees are being met.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \"In fact, the purpose of a business firm is not simply to make a profit, but is to be found in its very existence as a community of persons who in various ways are endeavouring to satisfy their basic needs, and who form a particular group at the service of the whole of society.\" (Pope St. John Paul II, 35)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Pope St. John Paul II was careful to reiterate this teaching several times in <\/span>(Centesimus Annus)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \"Profit is a regulator of the life of a business, but it is not the only one\".\u00a0(Pope St. John Paul II, 35)<\/i><\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Consider Pope St. Paul VI's<\/strong> unambiguous pronouncement that <\/span><\/span>\"certain concepts have somehow... insinuated themselves into the fabric of human society. These concepts present profit as the chief spur to economic progress, free competition as the guiding norm of economics, and private ownership of the means of production as an absolute right, having no limits nor concomitant social obligations. This unbridled liberalism paves the way for a particular type of tyranny, rightly condemned by Our predecessor Pius XI<\/strong>, for it results in the 'international imperialism of money.' Such improper manipulations of economic forces can never be condemned enough; let it be said once again that economics is supposed to be in the service of man.\" (Populorum Progressio, 26)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Pope Benedict XVI<\/strong>: The \u201cconviction that the economy must be autonomous, that it must be shielded from \u2018influences\u2019 of a moral character, has led man to abuse the economic process in a thoroughly destructive way.\u201d (Caritas in Veritate, 34)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Pope Francis<\/strong>: The current system \u201cis by now intolerable\u201d. \u201c[T]hat system has imposed the mentality of profit at any price, with no concern for social exclusion\u2026An unfettered pursuit of money rules\u201d. \u201cOnce capital becomes an idol and guides people\u2019s decisions, once greed for money presides over the entire socioeconomic system, it ruins society, it condemns and enslaves men and women, it destroys human fraternity, it sets people against one another\u201d. (Address to the Second World Meeting of Popular Movements, Bolivia, 1)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n A New Methodology for a New Economy<\/a><\/p>\n Catholic Social Teaching, Democracy, and Free Markets<\/a><\/p>\n What is Capitalism?<\/a><\/p>\n Capitalism vs. Socialism<\/a><\/p>\n Was Jesus a Capitalist?<\/a><\/p>\n What is a \u201cJust\u201d Distribution of Wealth?<\/a><\/p>\n Gratuitousness: Catholic Social Teaching\u2019s Solution for Capitalism<\/a><\/p>\n Good, Socially Responsible Business<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div> Catholic Social Teaching and Economics by Domingo Bickel<\/a><\/p>\n The Gig Economy and Rerum Novarum<\/a><\/p>\n Tariffs and the Common Good<\/a><\/p>\n The Problems of Globalization<\/a><\/p>\n Inflation and Catholic Social Teaching<\/a><\/p>\n Pope Francis \u2013 An Economic Reformer and Provocateur<\/a><\/p>\n Mark Carney, Pope Francis, and the Global Economy<\/a><\/p>\n The \u2018Health of Nations\u2019 in Light of CST and Pope Francis<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles -\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tKeep our Eyes on the Big Picture<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>At its essence, a business is to serve humanity and society.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\n
Consistent Catholic Social Teaching<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>This conclusion had been set forth several times by Pope St. John Paul II's predecessors, as well as confirmed by his successors.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Bottom Line for the Role of Profit<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/span>The charge NOT to reverse, or confuse, means and ends \u2013 to always keep the person and needs of society at the center \u2013 has consistently been understood by the Church. Profits are both necessary and good -- if used for their proper ends.<\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>The Answer is...<\/span><\/h4><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThree Key Principles<\/a><\/h2>
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHuman Dignity<\/a><\/h2>
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSolidarity<\/a><\/h2>
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t