On Socialism

Quod Apostolici Muneris (On Socialism): Reflection

Eric Tam

HRE 4M1

Feb, 14, 2005

Summary of Content

This article condemns socialism as anti Christian philosophy. From beginning to end, its hateful tone and description of socialism does not change. In the first paragraph, it already denounces socialism as a deadly plague creeping into society. Later, it ends with calling socialism a step into wickedness.

Most concerning about socialism is condemning of two things. First, the Church (or so the article claims) was built on the inequality of men. Hence, socialism creates chaos because people refuse to obey higher power. This, to the church’s eye, is dangerous because it destroys God’s natural order.

As well, socialism permitting divorces is not viewed pleasantly by the Church. Divorcing, the article states, is not permitted even in barbarous people (keep in mind the date at which this article was written). In eyes of the Church at the time, socialists are regarded lower than even barbarous people are.

Questions On the Article:

1) Why is it that socialism is condemned in the Church’s eye since in Heaven, there is not supposed to be any ownership of property?

2) Why is it that the church seems to promote the inequality of men? Is that not contradictory to the Bible stating that all people are made in the image of God.

3) What is the reason that the Church forbids divorcing?

Objective Conclusion

It is evident that socialism is evil in the eyes of the Church. The church correctly claims that socialism cannot create the Utopia it promises. Most people in socialist nations are not happy. As seen in histories of China and Russia under a communist government, socialism creates tyrannical governments where civilians are lazy and unmotivated. Such is not someone beautiful in the Church’s eyes.

Reflection/Subjective Reactions

“Defile the flesh, despise dominion and blaspheme majesty” (POPE LEO XIII, 1878, 1); “Quod Apostolici Muneris (On Socialism)’s condemnation is devastating, and seem unfit for a social system created to imitate heaven; now, no longer are the poor oppressed and social inequality plaguing its unfortunate victims. Through invoking language, “Quod Apostolici Muneris (On Socialism) contrasts everything socialism represents with God’s will. From God’s marriage to church and “natural law”, it condemns socialism as “deadly plague that creeps into the very fibers of human” (POPE LEO XIII, 1878, 1). Unfortunately, the presented arguments victimize socialism more than to reveal its evils. The language, though full of