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by Demetria Martinez on Oct. 12, 2009
After seeing Michael Moore’s "Capitalism: A Love Story," I wanted nothing more than to walk from the dark theater into a church to discuss with others what I had seen. Moore’s documentary, a brilliant expose of the ways the rich get richer and the poor poorer included clips of discussions he’d had with Catholic priests, both of whom called capitalism "evil."
Bishop Thomas Gumbleton also put in his two cents, explaining that the teachings and the life of Christ are simply not compatible with an economic system that puts profits before people.
Moore’s critique rises not from having read Karl Marx but from hearing the gospel preached as a Catholic boy, which begs the questions: Why aren’t those of us steeped in that same tradition discussing capitalism and its effects on our communities? Why do we hear so little from the pulpit about church documents focusing on the dangers of unfettered capitalism and the rights of the laborer? How many Catholics can even explain what capitalism is? Why aren’t we holding teach-ins and consciousness raising groups that take as a starting point encyclicals focusing on economics? Of all people, Catholics should be literate in these matters, given our wealth of teachings about social justice. Instead, we have let the rich and powerful highjack religion in this country; they have Christians believing, as Moore also shows in his film, that the so-called free market is sanctioned by God.
According to Moore’s documentary, every seven and a half seconds a family loses its home to foreclosure. Across the land churches are rising heroically to the occasion, working hard to aid those who suddenly find themselves homeless. However, if we do not step back and critique the system that has created this mess in the first place and think about possible alternatives, we will be guilty of perpetuating a travesty for which God shall surely judge us.
I propose that Moore’s film, once out in DVD, be shown in churches as part of a national faith-based teach-in on capitalism. Our churches are full of experts who could facilitate discussions, including economists, peace and justice ministry committee members, community organizers and -- most important -- people who have lost their homes, jobs and health insurance. It would be fascinating to examine alternative economic arrangements that Moore documents -- such as small worker-owned businesses.
There are no easy answers but it’s high time we assume our rightful place, as Catholics, in helping shape a new national discourse on capitalism that is rooted in the realities of the poor. That’s a love story I want to be part of.
NCR: February 3-16, 2012
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Demetria, this is an
Demetria, this is an important suggestion, one that I would hope would find a positive response not only among Catholics but among peoples of all faiths and none. No one who claims to love God and/or other humans should be able to tolerate the morass of profit and greed Moore's new film lays out so eloquently. I too left the theater yearning for forums leading to action and change. When will those who can stand up do so?
Demetria, this is a wonderful
Demetria, this is a wonderful piece, and so important. I too left the theater after viewing Capitalism: A Love Story yearning for viable forums that would lead to action and change. Not only Catholics, but those of all religious persuasions or none, who claim to love God and/or our fellow human beings, must be horrified by what our society has become: the extent of profit motive and greed, the disrespect for simple human decency and survival.
This movie was produced by
This movie was produced by Morre's long time sponsor, Harvey Weinstein, who is the leading advocate for Polanski. Any guess what their next cause will be?
There are at least 260
There are at least 260 American Bishops who have already beat them to this cause. No one enabled more pedephelia so my suggestion would be that Moore start with American Catholic bishops rather than Roman Polanski.
In line with this excellent
In line with this excellent article from Ms. Martinez, may we remember today and pray deeply within the spirit of our new saint and Little Sister of the Poor, Sainte Jeanne Jugan, and make ourselves now the least in the family of the poor of this earth who build up riches in heaven, who build together the Reign of God in Love.
Here is the opening of Bishop Robert Finn's homily October 11 at the Jeanne Jugan Center Chapel in Kansas City in her memory, as reported at the Catholic Key Blog:
"Jeanne Jugan – the humble, holy foundress of the Little Sisters of the Poor has been declared a Saint! Our Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI, in an exercise of his infallibility as Vicar of Christ on earth, has made this solemn and definitive declaration in St. Peter’s Basilica this morning. Referring to her under her title in Religious life, Marie de la Croix, or Mary of the Cross, the Pope raised her to the “honors of the altar” today with four other new Saints: Saint Zygmunt Felinski, a Polish archbishop; Saint Francesco Coll y Guitart, a Spanish Dominican priest; Saint Rafael Baron, a Spanish Cistercian; and Saint Damian de Veuster, renowned for his life and death among the lepers in Molokai, Hawaii. Jeanne Jugan, the founder of the Little Sisters of the Poor, is a saint! Thanks be to God!"
What follows in the homily is a summary of her life and work and spirituality, which we do well to read, slowly, pausing, as lectio divina, and whose saintliness informs this great film. Let us let her inform and fill our hearts as well, our souls, our prayers, our lives, and our renewed and growing love for the poor, the elderly, the lost, the rejected, the forgotten.
as littlest brother and sister
frère charles du désert OSB OBLAT (Congrégation de Subiaco)
Yes consciousness raising
Yes consciousness raising groups! I'm not hungry for such "aware" Catholic groups. I am starving for groups like this.
There must be some somewhere. Please blog responders do you know of any? Or if someone is starting one, please let me know where I can join. (I will try to bring up the conversations in my small locale.) Maybe on Catholic campuses somewhere?
Michael Moore is "begging" us to respond.
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