Page 75 of 108
Did It Liberate? Liberation Theology: Post Mortem
Editors note: In the inaugural issue of this journal there appeared an article entitled “Death Knell for Socialism and Liberation Theology” [January/February 1991]. Subsequent to the appearance of the papal encyclical Centesimus Annus, Acton President Father Robert Sirico predicted in an article in National Review : “… this encyclical constitutes the epitaph for liberation and collectivist movements.… The ‘Christian-Marxist dialogue’ is dead.”Talents and Stewardship
R&L: In 1986 you were co-chairman of the Lay Commission which issued a statement on religion and the economy and which was signed by a number of lay Catholics. What motivated you to do this? What were some of the reactions, both positive and negative?The Transfer Society
R&L: You’ve written extensively on the development of the American economic system and in particular the growth of what you call the “transfer society.” Would you briefly define what a “transfer society” is?Religion, Man, and the State
R&L: Dozens of denominations and groups claim to be evangelical. Can you give us a definition of what the word means?Capitalism with Compassion
R&L: Do you see a potential contradiction between being a successful entrepreneur and a Christian believer?On liberty's moral superiority
R&L: Do you think the clergy’s view of the state as a means of solving the real problems minorities face has changed over the years?
The Time has Come to Reevaluate Strategy for Change
R&L: How valuable are mediating institutions to community life?Population Growth Benefits the Environment
- R&L: You have written extensively on the subject of population growth. Could you explain the thesis of your argument that population growth and density are beneficial for countries in the
-
Michigan Welfare Reform has Long Since Begun
R&L: Many conservative leaders, including yourself, have referred to the “paradigm shift” that is occurring in the nation’s approach to welfare. What does that term mean to you?Learning from Victorian Virtues
R&L: Let’s begin by discussing your latest book, The Demoralization Of Society . In it you state that Victorian society stigmatized the recipients of government assistance. Tell us about that.A Revolution of Compassion
R&L: You are viewed by many as one of the architects of the “Welfare Revolution”. Many believe that this revolution is motivated solely by financial concerns, but in your work The Tragedy of American Compassion, you speak of other dimensions and motivations. What do you believe are the strongest reasons for welfare reform?Current Government Policies are Hurting Our Families
R&L: Many Christians are not comfortable with Capitalism as an economic system, often blaming the “system” for such things as poverty and social ills. Often this fear of Capitalism leads many to endorse forms of Socialism as more Christian. What are your views concerning Capitalism?