Paul VI: Octogesima Adveniens
A Summary Article by Gerald Darring
Pope Paul VI's analysis of the contemporary situation is presented in terms of a crisis which is unsettling society (a. 3). He sees many people reaching the point of questioning the very model of society (a. 45), and he says that a protest is springing up more or less everywhere as a sign of a deep-seated sickness (a. 37). At this turning point in human history (a. 5) people yearn for more justice and for a better guaranteed peace (a. 2), and they yearn to free themselves from need and dependence (a. 45).|
The modern economy is creating a number of problems: human conditions of production, fairness in the exchange of goods and in the division of wealth, the significance of the increased needs of consumption, and the sharing of responsibility (a. 7). Paul points out that, while Leo XIII addressed one specific social problem, the need today is to address a variety of problems (a. 5). The pope calls attention to these problems:
The keynote of Pope Paul's apostolic letter seems to be complexity and variety. He points out that the complexity of the problems raised is great, in the present intertwining of mutual dependencies (a. 43), and he recognizes that Christians must operate within a diversity of situations, functions, and organizations (a. 49). In line with this acceptance of complexity, Paul acknowledges that socialism takes on different forms according to different continents and cultures, and distinctions must be made to guide concrete choices between the various levels of expression of socialism (a. 31). He even recognizes that some people lay down distinctions between Marxism's various levels of expression (a. 32-34).
Paul accepts that fact that there is a wide diversity among the situations in which Christians find themselves according to regions, socio-political systems, and cultures (a. 3). In view of this diversity, he asserts that in concrete situations, one must recognize a legitimate variety of possible options, so that the same Christian faith can lead to different commitments (a. 50). Christians are to discern the options and commitments necessary to make social, political, and economic changes (a. 4).
Paul's response to complexity is to admit that in the face of such widely varying situations it is difficult for him to utter a unified message and put forward a universally valid solution. He says that he has no ambition or mission to do this, and he calls on local Christian communities to analyze their own situations and apply to them the principles of the social teaching of the Church (a. 4).
He is willing, however, to lay down certain principles and guidelines.
Having analyzed the contemporary situation and called attention to the principles that should guide Christians in dealing with this situation Pope Paul issues a call to action. Already in his opening lines the pope had expressed his conviction that Rerum Novarum continues to inspire action for social justice (a. 1), and later he asserts that Christians must involve themselves in the building up of a peaceful and just world (a. 37). The Christian faith demands a just transformation of society (a. 51), and Paul sees the power of the Holy Spirit working within the action of Christians in the service of others (a. 51). He therefore addresses to all Christians a fresh and insistent call to action: their recalling of principles, statements of intentions, pointing out injustices, and uttering prophetic denunciations must be accompanied by an awareness of personal responsibility and by effective action (a. 48). Everyone must determine, in their consciences, the actions which they are called to share in (a. 49).
What kind of action does Pope Paul call for? He points out that economic activity is necessary, but it runs the risk of taking up too much strength and freedom. Thus the need is felt to pass from economics to politics (a. 46), so that the action which the pope is calling for is political action. The passing to the political dimension expresses a demand made by people today: a greater sharing in responsibility and in decision-making (a. 47).
The church has a role to play in all of this: proclaiming its specific message and supporting people in their efforts to take in hand and give direction to their future (a. 5). The church wishes to assume a double function in the social sphere: to enlighten minds and to take part in action (a. 48).