For a relevant discussion of human nature, see the Canadian Jesuit theologian and Lonergan specialist Frederick E. Crowe's 1965 essay "Neither Jew nor Greek, but One Human Nature and Operation in All" as reprinted, slightly revised, in the anthology Communication and Lonergan: Common Ground for Forging the New Age, edited by Thomas J. Farrell and Paul A. Soukup (Kansas City: Sheed & Ward, 1993, pages 89-107).
But also see Martha C. Nussbaum's relevant article "Human Functioning and Social Justice: In Defense of Aristotelian Essentialism" in the journal Political Theory, volume 20, number 2 (May 1992): pages 202-246.
In my estimate, the most visionary part of Pope Francis' new social encyclical occurs under the major subheading "A New Culture" (paragraphs 215-221), in which he envisions a culture of encounter (paragraph 215).
Under the minor subheading "Encounter that becomes culture" (paragraphs 216-217), Pope Francis says, "The word 'culture' points to something deeply embedded within a people, its most cherished convictions and its way of life. A people's 'culture' is more than an abstract idea. It has to do with their desires, their interests, and ultimately the way they live their lives. To speak of a 'culture of encounter' means that we, as a people, should be passionate about meeting others, seeking points of contact, building bridges, planning a project that includes everyone. This becomes an aspiration and a style of life" (paragraph 216).
Under the minor subheading "The joy of acknowledging others" (paragraphs 218-221), Pope Francis is on a roll.
Then under the major subheading "Recovering Kindness" (paragraphs 222-224), Pope Francis says, "Saint Paul describes kindness as a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 5:22). He uses the Greek word chrestotes, which describes an attitude that is gentle, pleasant, and supportive, not rude or course. Individuals who possess this quality help make other people's lives more bearable, especially by sharing the weight of their problems, needs, and fears" (paragraph 223).
Now, elsewhere in his new social encyclical, Pope Francis says, "Certainly all this [that is, all his speculation about envisaging and engendering an open world] calls for an alternative way of thinking [such as what he is undertaking in his new social encyclical]. Without an attempt to enter into that [alternative way of thinking that he is advancing], what I am saying here [in the entire new social encyclical] will sound wildly unrealistic" (paragraph 127). This is a remarkably candid acknowledgment on his part.
Hmm. In the English-speaking world, the English singer, song writer, and peace activist John Lennon (1940-1980) wrote and recorded the song "Imagine." Granted, it would have been most extraordinary for Pope Francis to discuss the song "Imagine" in his new social encyclical. Granted, the pope does not want people to imagine "no religion" in the world. On the contrary, he explicitly discusses the roles of religions in the world he is imagining (paragraphs 271-287).
But the song's lyrics say, "Imagine there's no countries/ It isn't hard to do/ Nothing to kill or die for." "Imagine no possessions/ I wonder if you can/ No need for greed." "Imagine all the people/ Livin' life in peace."
I know, I know, Pope Francis could criticize Lennon's song "Imagine" as an "attempt to flee from reality" (paragraph 199). Granted, it is. But my point is that Pope Francis could say this, but then go on to explain that more than just dreamy imagining is needed - which is presumably why he keeps trying to iterate his vision as a more realistic alternative to Lennon's song "Imagine."
(Article changed on October 15, 2020 at 19:33)
(Article changed on October 15, 2020 at 19:57)
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