Rerum Novarum

1. Read your quote. Explain what your paragraph was about, in your own words. Give an example if it helps. For your assignment, write 20 quotes, and write at least 10 main points. The goal of this is to get an idea of what the document says, and HOW it constructs its argument. RerumNovarum

2. “…the spirit of revolutionary change…has long been disturbing the nations of the world…” Revolutionary change tends to be very intimidating, not only in the affect of politics, but economics, industry, and social life as well. Along with the expansion of industry and science, relationships between employers and employees have dictated the rich from the poor and theses changes have puzzled intellectuals and average people alike. Rerum Novarum, n. 1 As the cost of gas, water, and electricity rises, minimum wage has not raised enough to adapt with the cost of living.

3. RerumNovarum, n. (2) This paragraph talks about the fact that the Church is now bringing up the issue of worker’s rights and safe working conditions after a while. It also talks about how this issue is not easy to bring up, nor decide upon a good course of action. “Therefore, venerable brethren, as on former occasions when it seemed opportune to refute false teaching, We have addressed you in the interests of the Church and of the common weal, and have issued letters bearing on political power, human liberty, the Christian constitution of the State, and like matters, so have We thought it expedient now to speak on the condition of the working classes.” This applies to today’s world because the Church, today, still makes decisions that impact how we as human beings see the world today and live the world in our lives.

4. RerumNovarum, n. (3) This paragraph talks about the fact that the working class is being subjected to harsh treatment by their employers. It also talks about how today, people don’t take into account the fact that a few rich people are taking control of the lives of a lot of poor, working class people, and how this isn’t just and right. “In any case we clearly see, and on this there is general agreement, that some opportune remedy must be found quickly for the misery and wretchedness pressing so unjustly on the majority of the working class” This applies to today’s world because in June of 1964, 3 civil rights men were shot dead and buried on an unmarked road by police officers who didn’t respect their rights as human beings. A few months later, the murderers were convicted and sentenced from 3 to 10 years in jail.

5. “They are, moreover, emphatically unjust, for they would rob the lawful possessor, distort the functions of the State, and create utter confusion in the community. ” • Rerum Novarum, n. (4) Socialists believe that a solution to the problems that capitalisms causes would be to take away all possesions from the individual and to distribute them to the community equally so that each person has the same amount of possessions and rights. This would not work because it would rob the possessor of what he worked for and take away much of the incentive for people to work. This addresses the wide gap between the wealthy and the poor that is everywhere in our world today.

6. “If one man hires out to another his strength or skill, he does so for the purpose of receiving in return what is necessary for the satisfaction of his needs” • Rerum Novarum, n. (5) In todays society the reason workers work is so that they may obtain possessions and property with their earnings. A socialist society would take away this incentive to work and cause a decrease in effort in the workplace. This addresses the problem with solution that socialist offer.

7. “the fact that the remedy they propose is manifestly against justice” Every man by nature has the right to possess property of his own. If humans can not own possessions it makes them not much different than animals. Because of this the socialist solution to the problems of capitalism is unjust. • Rerum Novarum, n. (6) This addresses the problems with socialist societies in the world today.

8. “Man's needs do not die out, but forever recur; although satisfied today, they demand fresh supplies for tomorrow. Nature accordingly must have given to man a source that is stable and remaining always with him, from which he might look to draw continual supplies. ” The basic needs of humans will never change, so it us up to the community to provide the sources for these supplies. RerumNovarum, n. (7) Considering the recession that is occurring, it is important to continue to donate to the poor and needy because they lack the basic essentials for living that we are provided with.

9. “The fact that God has given the earth for the use and enjoyment of the whole human race can in no way be a bar to the owning of private property. ” This paragraph addresses the need to go green and respect the earth’s resources. It is necessary to understand that the earth’s resources are not abundant, so it is important to use them sparingly. Visual RerumNovarum, n. (8) This addresses several problems, for example, deforestation, or lack of recycling efforts that take place. Simple actions like these can be changed and tailored to the needs of our environment.

10. “Truly, that which is required for the preservation of life, and for life's well-being, is produced in great abundance from the soil, but not until man has brought it into cultivation and expended upon it his solicitude and skill. ” This paragraph, similar to the last, speaks about the production of substance for sustainable living from the environment. It also talks about the manual labor that is conducted to obtain these resources. RerumNovarum, n. (9) There is a large gap today between the rich and the poor, and additionally there is a large gap between jobs that are considered for the wealth and poor. This paragraph states that people who cultivate products, such as farmers, should be given the same amount of respect as those who have different jobs, such as doctors.

11. “That which has thus altered and improved the land becomes so truly part of itself as to be in great measure indistinguishable and inseparable from it” States that private ownership of land is a natural right, and that those who take away the right are not perceiving that they are defrauding man of what his labor has accomplished. The fruits of man’s labor can be enjoyed by everyone, but only if they give permission. RerumNovarum, n. (10) This addresses the issue of Comunism because the government takes the land from the people and turns it into public land.

12. “…in the laws of nature, the foundations of the division of property, and the practice of all ages has consecrated the principle of private ownership, as being pre-eminently in conformity with human nature, and as conducing in the most unmistakable manner to the peace and tranquillity of human existence.” The idea of private property can be found in the law of nature. The authority of the 10th Commandment condemns the nature of coveting others’ property. RerumNovarum, n. (11) This addresses the 10th Commandment which states that "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife; nor his house, nor his field, nor his man-servant, nor his maid-servant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor anything that is his."

13. “No human law can abolish the natural and original right of marriage, nor in any way limit the chief and principal purpose of marriage ordained by God's authority from the beginning: ‘Increase and multiply.’ ” • Rerum Novarum, n. (12) Marriage is a natural right. Families have rights and duties to uphold. This applies to every day life. People get married and have children all the time.

14. Rerum Novarum, n. (13) “It is a most sacred law of nature that a father should provide food and all necessaries for those whom he has begotten; and, similarly, it is natural that he should wish that his children, who carry on, so to speak, and continue his personality, should be by him provided with all that is needful to enable them to keep themselves decently from want and misery amid the uncertainties of this mortal life.” It is a father’s duty to provide for his children. Children should live with their parents as long as they are being properly taken care of. Today, some children are adopted because their parents do not have the means to care for them.

15. Rerum Novarum n.14 • “Paternal authority can be neither abolished nor absorbed by the State; for it has the same source as human life itself.” • The authority a mother or father has over their child cannot be questioned. The child has to obey his or her parents. The child is the offspring. • This addresses that children do not have the right to go and disobey their parents. This can be addressed to legally allow children to emancipate their parents.

16. Rerum Novarum n.15 • “Hence, it is clear that the main tenet of socialism, community of goods, must be utterly rejected, since it only injures those whom it would seem meant to benefit, is directly contrary to the natural rights of mankind, and would introduce confusion and disorder into the commonweal. “ • Socialism only hurts those people who would legitimately benefit from. It would also cause great amounts of confusion among people. Socialism goes completely against the rights of man. • This addresses socialist dictatorships around the world, in places like Cuba, North Korea, and China.

17. Rerum Novarum n.16 • “But We affirm without hesitation that all the striving of men will be vain if they leave out the Church. “ • It is the Church that improves the conditions in which people work, spiritually of course. The Church is what guides us and enlightens our mind. • The separation of Church and State in modern governments. People have become too sensitive over religion. Many people want to take “Under God” out of the Pledge of Allegiance.

18. “Cursed be the earth in thy work; in thy labor thou shalt eat of it all the days of thy life.” The rights of working men was unfair and disadvantageous. Every man had bodily labor and lost their innocence. RerumNovarum, n. (17) This defended the rights of the working men and their right to organize labor unions.

19. “Each [class] needs each other: capital cannot do without labor, nor labor without capital.” It’s impossible to change the societal classes to a homologous level, because individuals have different traits and experiences that accompany them throughout their entire life. Contrary to the popular belief that the working class and the wealthy class are naturally hostile toward each other, they must actually work mutually to maintain balance and order. In the US today, we see the occupy movement. This is a textbook example of the belief of hostility between the working and wealthy classes. Part of the reason that the US economy is not functioning like its expectations is that these two classes refuse to work harmoniously and restore balance and order. This “class war” is not beneficial to anyone, in fact, it is more of a harm to the individuals, the classes, and the nation as a whole. RerumNovarum, n. (17-19)

20. “Of these duties, the following bind the proletarian and the worker: fully and faithfully to perform the work which has been freely and equitably agreed upon…. The following duties bind the wealthy owner and the employer: not to look upon their work people as their bondsmen, but to respect in every man his dignity as a person ennobled by Christian character” The correct relationship involves mutual respect and lack of greed. They both need to find mid way point. RerumNovarum, n. (20) Hershey Pennsylvania 1905

21. “As for riches and the other things which men call good and desirable, whether we have them in abundance, or are lacking in them-so far as eternal happiness is concerned - it makes no difference; the only important thing is to use them aright. Jesus Christ, when He redeemed us with plentiful redemption, took not away the pains and sorrows which in such large proportion are woven together in the web of our mortal life. ” The church wants to make sure that we don’t focus on earthy thing to much. And instead think about the next world. Suffering is easier to bare when you follow Christ. Visual RerumNovarum, n. (21) Scrooge from a Christmas carol

22. “Whence the Apostle with, ‘Command the rich of this world... to offer with no stint, to apportion largely.’"(12) True, no one is commanded to distribute to others that which is required for his own needs and those of his household; nor even to give away what is reasonably required to keep up becomingly his condition in life, "for no one ought to live other than becomingly."(13) But, when what necessity demands has been supplied, and one's standing fairly taken thought for, it becomes a duty to give to the indigent out of what remains over. "Of that which remaineth, give alms."” People who have excess wealth should share with the poor. Extra riches won’t do you any good in the next world. RerumNovarum, n. (22) Bill Gates, Paul Newman, and other

23. “in God’s sight poverty is no disgrace” The poor and impoverished have nothing to be ashamed of. Jesus himself was just a lowly carpenter. RerumNovarum, n. (23) This addresses the poverty stricken and homeless members of our society.

24. “the true worth and nobility of man lie in his moral qualities” The true value of a person is not based upon wealth. It is based upon his/her moral characteristics and values. RerumNovarum, n. (24) This addresses all members of our society by teaching us the true value of another person.

25. “all men are children of the same common father, who is God” All different classes of society have the same origin. In the end, they will put aside their differences and join together in the Kingdom of God. RerumNovarum, n. (25) This addresses both the upper and lower classes of society, and encourages them to put aside their differences.

26. “She strives to influence the mind and the heart so that all may willingly yield themselves to be formed and guided by the commandments of God.” Summary: The church trains men who are willing to commit their lives to the teachings of God. They reach the innermost feelings of the man and drive him to his motive of duty. RerumNovarum, n. (26) This addresses, The Call to Family, Community, and Participation.

27. RerumNovarum, n. (27) “Of this beneficent transformation Jesus Christ was at once the first cause and the final end; as from Him all came, so to Him was all to be brought back.” Summary: This text recalls the beginning of life and how it has evolved in its changes in society. Jesus was the beginning of the world and its end, it only seemed fitting that he take back that which he created. This addresses, Caring for God’s Creation

28. RerumNovarum, n. (28) “Her desire is that the poor, for example, should rise above poverty and wretchedness, and better their condition in life; and for this she makes a strong endeavor.” Summary: The church has many issues to deal with in its time by caring for itself, but it never neglects the needs of the poor and lowly. The church teaches them and helps them to become better people. This addresses, The Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

29. “Those who were in better circumstances despoiled themselves of their possessions in order to relieve their fellow brethren” This passage talks about Christians that are in a better circumstances helping other in order to relive their brethren RerumNovarum, n. (29) Volunteering with local charity's, you could also donate your own possessions.

30. “The Church has provided aid for the needy” This passage talks about how the Church does provide Charities and supports the needy. Those who condemn the Church cannot be near Christ. Visual RerumNovarum, n. (30) The Catholic Church has their own charities such as the one above and the charity, Loaves and Fishes

31. “According to their ability to work together.” The talks about how all human agencies, charities, should be one mind and work together. The State should also help out in the work of remedy and relief. RerumNovarum, n. (31) When the Tsunami hit Japan in 2011 Charities and people from all around the world worked together to soften the blow.

32. RerumNovarum, n (32) “The foremost duty, therefore, of the rulers of the State should be to make sure that the laws and institutions, the general character and administration of the commonwealth, shall be such as of themselves to realize public well-being and private prosperity.” The purpose of this is to address the purpose of the government. Their purpose is to provide the people with security and a common good.

33. RerumNovarum, n (33) “As regards the State, the interests of all, whether high or low, are equal” This addresses that all working and social classes are equal. None of their best interest is higher or lower than the others. Workers dignity. Some jobs and ways of living are seen as lower than others.

34. “Some there must be who devote themselves to the work of the commonwealth, who make the laws or administer justice, or whose advice and authority govern the nation in times of peace, and defend it in war” • Rerum Novarum, 34 34 states everyone should contribute good to the commonwealth. The government, especially, should take all actions for the commonwealth. An example of contributing the commonwealth, or the common good is public healthcare provides by the government.

35. “Rulers should, nevertheless, anxiously safeguard the community and all its members; the community, because the conservation thereof is so emphatically the business of the supreme power, that the safety of the commonwealth is not only the first law, but it is a government's whole reason of existence” • Rerum Novarum, 35 35 explains it is the government’s responsibility to take action to benefit and protect the community. The government must take actions that benefit its people, instead of the government itself. An example of the government serving its people first is lowering taxes. Even though the government needs the money, the people can not afford to pay it.

36. “The limits must be determined by the nature of the occasion which calls for the law's interference - the principle being that the law must not undertake more, nor proceed further, than is required for the remedy of the evil or the removal of the mischief. ” It is saying that people should resolve each others differences by something less reckless of action. Meaning people should not result an argument to injuries between another instead of a more impunity approach. Visual RerumNovarum, n. (36) Rosie Parks who sat in the front of the bus and this resulted in a violent riot.

37. “The richer class have many ways of shielding themselves, and stand less in need of help from the State; whereas the mass of the poor have no resources of their own to fall back upon, and must chiefly depend upon the assistance of the State.” Each individual shall be respected, religiously of his or her own rights. It is important that we protect every one even in different religious views. Visual RerumNovarum, n. (37) After 9-11 people have been more aware of people in turbans, muslims, iranians or anyone from the middle east.

38. “Most true it is that by far the larger part of the workers prefer to better themselves by honest labor rather than by doing any wrong to others.” The law should intervene for restraint to save the working classes from being led away from their own. To Protect the lawful owners from spoliation. Visual RerumNovarum, n. (38) T-Shirt Waist Factory and how they weren’t in well working conditions and were beaten and jailed for protesting.

39. 39. When work people have recourse to a strike and become voluntarily idle, it is frequently because the hours of labor are too long, or the work too hard, or because they consider their wages insufficient. The grave inconvenience of this not uncommon occurrence should be obviated by public remedial measures; for such paralysing of labor not only affects the masters and their work people alike, but is extremely injurious to trade and to the general interests of the public; moreover, on such occasions, violence and disorder are generally not far distant, and thus it frequently happens that the public peace is imperiled. The laws should forestall and prevent such troubles from arising; they should lend their influence and authority to the removal in good time of the causes which lead to conflicts between employers and employed. 

40. 40. The working man, too, has interests in which he should be protected by the State; and first of all, there are the interests of his soul. Life on earth, however good and desirable in itself, is not the final purpose for which man is created; it is only the way and the means to that attainment of truth and that love of goodness in which the full life of the soul consists. It is the soul which is made after the image and likeness of God; it is in the soul that the sovereignty resides in virtue whereof man is commanded to rule the creatures below him and to use all the earth and the ocean for his profit and advantage. "Fill the earth and subdue it; and rule over the fishes of the sea, and the fowls of the air, and all living creatures that move upon the earth."(29) In this respect all men are equal; there is here no difference between rich and poor, master and servant, ruler and ruled, "for the same is Lord over all."(30) No man may with impunity outrage that human dignity which God Himself treats with great reverence, nor stand in the way of that higher life which is the preparation of the eternal life of heaven. Nay, more; no man has in this matter power over himself. To consent to any treatment which is calculated to defeat the end and purpose of his being is beyond his right; he cannot give up his soul to servitude, for it is not man's own rights which are here in question, but the rights of God, the most sacred and inviolable of rights.  • In all agreements between masters and work people there is always the condition expressed or understood that there should be allowed proper rest for soul and body. To agree in any other sense would be against what is right and just; for it can never be just or right to require on the one side, or to promise on the other, the giving up of those duties which a man owes to his God and to himself.

41. “Rest (combined with religious observances) disposes man to forget for a while the business of his everyday life, to turn his thoughts to things heavenly, and to the worship which he so strictly owes to the eternal Godhead.” This section of RerumNovarum addresses the issue of a “weekend”. Laborers deserve to be allowed a period of time to rest like God did. RerumNovarum, n. (41) God said to observe the Sabbath day and keep it Holy in the 10 Commandments.

42. “For, just as very rough weather destroys the buds of spring, so does too early an experience of life's hard toil blight the young promise of a child's faculties, and render any true education impossible.” This section of RerumNovarum addresses the issue of how some labor work is too demanding and hard on the body. This also includes work that a strongman can do, a woman and child should not. RerumNovarum, n. (42) Apple factories in foreign countries with undesirable working conditions.

43. “The only way, it is said, in which injustice might occur would be if the master refused to pay the whole of the wages, or if the workman should not complete the work undertaken; in such cases the public authority should intervene, to see that each obtains his due, but not under any other circumstances.” This quote explains that the only reason another source of authority should intervene is if there is injustice between the original two. People should be honest and honor their word and the other person or else action will be taken to make sure their word is valued. Visual RerumNovarum, n. (43) An example of this is if an employer of a company or business does not pay or give the employee what was promised and the employee sues them or has the government involved.

44. “It necessarily follows that each one has a natural right to procure what is required in order to live, and the poor can procure that in no other way than by what they can earn through their work.” This quote explains that the preservation of life is what every person must respect and if the only way the poor can value this is by working then one should not deny a man of the wages he has earned. People should not deny other people of what is required for them to live. Visual Rerum Novarum, n. (44) An example of this is when in the 1920’s everybody lost their money after the stock market crashed. People no longer had an money to survive or support their family so they scavenged for any jobs that will pay them so that they can survive. Many people were denied jobs and could not survive.

45. “If through necessity or fear of a worse evil the workman accept harder conditions because an employer or contractor will afford him no better, he is made the victim of force and injustice.” There is a delicate relationship between workers and employers. Employees have the right to be treated fairly and if not, they have the right to speak up for themselves against injustices. Visual RerumNovarum, n. (45) Florence Kelley assisted in the passing of the Illinois Factory Act of 1893, which prohibited child labor and limited women’s working hours.

46. “We have seen that this great labor question cannot be solved save by assuming as a principle that private ownership must be held sacred and inviolable.” People have to be good stewards of their own money. If people have the ability for private ownership, they will take more pride in what they possess. Visual RerumNovarum, n. (46) Leviticus 27:30 "And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the LORD'S: it is holy unto the LORD."

47. “Men always work harder and more readily when they work on that which belongs to them.” This chapter states the benefits that one would obtain if the law should favor ownership. These benefits include that the gap between the higher and lower classes will be bridged over, working men will find pride in their own achievements and work harder, and men will love their country in which they were born. Rerum Novarum, n. (47) An example of this idea is from the movie Cinderella Man, which is set to be during The Great Depression, and it shows a man working to support his family. The man takes it upon himself to work hard in order to find pride in the situation.

48. “… such associations and organizations as afford opportune aid to those who are in distress, and which draw the two classes more closely together.” This chapter states situations in which direct aid organizations would be appropriate. Some situations would be for employers and workmen, orphans, or someone who obtains a sudden sickness or death. RerumNovarum, n. (48) An example of an organization that provides emergency assistance and direct relief is the American Red Cross Association.

49. “It is gratifying to know that there are actually in existence not a few associations of this nature, consisting either of workmen alone, or of workmen and employers together, but it were greatly desired that they should become more numerous and more efficient.” This chapter states that it is great to have workingmen unions because history states that they have excellent results. However, this passage states that more of them are needed and that they can be improved. RerumNovarum, n. (49) An example of a current labor union is the AFGE, American Federation of Government Employees. This union is working for a change in law which will give them the same collective bargaining rights as other federal employees.

50. 50. The consciousness of his own weakness urges man to call in aid from without. We read in the pages of holy Writ: "It is better that two should be together than one; for they have the advantage of their society. If one fall he shall be supported by the other. Woe to him that is alone, for when he falleth he hath none to lift him up."(34) And further: "A brother that is helped by his brother is like a strong city."(35) It is this natural impulse which binds men together in civil society; and it is likewise this which leads them to join together in associations which are, it is true, lesser and not independent societies, but, nevertheless, real societies.