Rerum Novarum

In a world struggling with Socialist-leaning policies, it is refreshing for Catholics to see how well the Popes of the past had diagnosed and refuted the most fundamental tenets of Socialism. Not only does Pope Leo XIII rightly describe and condemn the dangers of Socialism, but he also proposes a true solution to the problems Socialism tries to address.

Even though it is unlikely that we will see these just and right ideas realized in our societies any time soon, it is still useful to understand how the doctrine of the Church regarding the social problems of the last centuries and even of today is beautiful and perfect, the only doctrine which is actually based on common sense and on the law of God. Against the perverted doctrines of Socialism, Catholics can propose a rightful system which also condemns the worst aspects of Capitalism, and rejects the utopic and egalitarian nature of Distributism. It is yet another example of the perfection of Catholic teachings, and another proof of their divine origin.

A commentary on the encyclical is available here:

Rerum Novarum Part I

Rerum Novarum Part II