Full Description
Throughout history, but particularly in the last century or so, the Catholic Church has developed a formal body of teaching on economic and political matters. Other Christian faiths have absorbed much of that work, as have non-Christians, and thus the body of Catholic Social Teaching has often been influential in the public policy arena.This volume, taking account of recent developments in both political economy and Catholic Social Teaching, examines the extent to which that teaching can be used to justify the free market, or alternative forms of political and economic organisation, in areas such as taxation, welfare, foreign aid, labour markets and business. It also critically examines the general case for an interventionist state in the economic sphere, as well as the importance of the development of responsible culture, underpinned by sound education, in a free society. The book is relevant to all Christians, and others, who take an ethical approach to the analysis of public policy issues.
Contents
Foreword by John Kennedy; Preface by Leonard P Liggio; Introductionunderstanding Catholic Social Teaching in the light of economic reasoning; Rethinking welfare, reviving charity: a Catholic alternative; Aid, governance and development; The unanswered questions of the just wage; Taxation and the size of the state; Free markets and the culture of consumption; Business and the common good; The entrepreneur in the life of the Church and society; Education and the Catholic Church in England and Wales; Subsidiarity and solidarity; Catholicism and the case for limited government.
