Cooper's Compendium Ragnarok

Concluding Thoughts regarding the Church and Globalization

"To met the requirements of justice and equity, every effort must be made, while respecting the rights of individuals and national characteristics, to put an end as soon as possible to the immense economic inequalities which exist in the world..."-GS 66

It is evident that despite a global economy, industrialization of resources, and effective means of distribution to every corner of the planet, there still exists terrible discrepancies in wealth and living conditions. If America's finest products can be delivered to Japan and Germany, then why not Africa and the Caribbean as well? It is a matter of money and financial security, everyone would rather be well off than broke, so we overcompensate. The will to act is inhibited by the fear of becoming destitute ourselves.
The consequence of a universal, but fragmented Church means that it can only influence rather than control the governments which possess the capabilities to end indecent living conditions. Therefore, it should be made clear that the Church does not align itself with a particular form of government, but instead will act according to Tradition:

    

The language of Gaudium et Spes and even recent remarks by Pope Francis seem to suggest the Church might be against governments that favor capitalism, instead favoring a socialist type government that would at least meet the needs of each citizen. BUT this conclusion is far too simple...


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzoWdRMl4Jk

"Reforms are called for in these difficult situations: incomes must be raised, working conditions improved, security in employment assured, and personal incentives to work encouraged; insufficiently cultivated estates should be divided up and given to those who will be able to make them productive."-GS 71



Is the Church socialist? No. The teachings of the Church coincide and contradict with every sort of political creed. The Church supports the protection of basic human rights and works towards improving the dignity of every human being. Thus, on occasion, the Church seems to be aligned with political parties that favor government organized charities and health programs, but the Church might also oppose those parties if those programs diminished human dignity. For instance, an ideal form of universal healthcare (meaning every person could be taken care of with little to no expense) would be great! But such as form has not been created, and is unlikely to ever be created (for healthcare requires the manpower of physicians, nurses, and technicians as well as medical supplies and research. Those people deserve proper compensation to provide for their families and communities as well!). Therefore, the Church relies on the charity of individuals, encouraging each person, lowly or otherwise, to contribute within their capabilities.

Remember this Gospel parable?

Those who can do more are called to do more! A CEO can organize a large-scale relief mission whereas a modest auto repair shop owner is unable. It is the mission of the Church to evangelize those with resources and talents to support those with less. Still sound like Socialism? Maybe, but charity and mandatory taxes are distinguishable, and this reflects the content of the giver's soul.

What goods for this world are your talents capable of producing?

Cooper's Compendium pt. III

Economic Development cont...

Who is the "who"? There are many countries that clearly have the resources to properly supply ailing countries, so the only obstacle to fulfilling globalization as was "God's design for humanity to be carried out" is finding the individuals who are willing to help. The truth is that it can be any person, or any group. Anyone who is willing to contribute their time and organize operations can be the "who".
Many believe this could role could fall to the government...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_2QH9RhEVs
others believe otherwise...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ooeh5zK5QRE&feature=player_detailpage

but it does not need to be large scale corporations, rather it ought to "remain under the people's control"-GS 65

For those questioning the role of the Church (or even organized religion), there is one very practical application of the Catholic Church's assets: global aid and relief.
Yes, public opinion of the Church has faltered in recent decades, 

 

but the Church's unyielding support for the poor and destitute is undeniable. The Church strongly supports sharing resources when there is an abundance in one country, or even one community. "Each citizen should remember they have the right and duty to contribute according to their ability and progress of their own community..."-GS 65

But why the Church, and not a country's government or individuals with a common motivation? It is because the Church is organized, not like a federal government which is fixated on the internal affairs of its own country, but upon the needs of the world's population. This can be seen by its Missions in prosperous countries, but as well as in hostile areas such as the Middle East and Africa. The Church also has a definitive presence in hundreds of countries (by presence I mean people who wish to live the message of the Gospel by caring for the poor).
More importantly, the hierarchy of the Catholic Church allows for a systematic approach to ending excessive economic and social differences. The pope down through the bishops, diocesan priests, and lay people forms a cohesive, but versatile unit that is capable of helping all peoples. Unlike corporations and governments, the Church is not seeking a competitive edge. Ironically, the disassociation of the Papal States and subsequent fragmentation of Catholicism has allowed the Church to become integrated into all facets of society: wealthy conglomerates, middle class workers, and homeless. It members are able to understand the condition of every human being, giving the teachings of the Church greater validity.

               

The members of the Church exist to serve the citizens of the world, despite having been marred with social debaucheries and scandals in the past. The Catholic Church in contemporary times must also be considered, given the eruption of political factions arises in all corners of the globe. The Church's teachings should not be mistaken for political positions or favoritism towards one existing form of government, but this is for another time.

Cooper's Compendium pt. II

Gaudium et Spes section 1: Economic Development
"The ultimate and basic purpose of economic production does not consist merely in producing more goods, nor in profit or prestige...it is meant to be a the service of humanity in its totality... to benefit all individuals and groups of people of whatever race, from whatever part of the world"-GS 64

There are (2) basic questions that ought to be given proper attention:

Question I. It is a matter of "who" not "how" in regards to using economic development for the service of all humanity. The "how" has become relatively simple, many countries are capable of producing basic goods (such as water, food, supplies for clothing and shelter) on an industrial level. So the issue of resources is not an issue, there is, so to speak, "plenty to go around".

The issue of distribution has also become traversable. In America, there is a competitive distribution market: which company's service do you prefer?
 

Would you rather send your package by sea or by land?

 
There are several companies that will transport your orders and gifts by plane!