Opinion: Is 'Occupy Wall Street' an opportunity for Christians?
Most of what politicians are saying about the movement is wrong.
Say what you will about Occupy Wall Street (OWS). Say that it's a communist movement, or that it's financed by the very same establishment it appears to criticize. Say that it's anti-American, anti-freedom, and anti-church. Say that it's filled with anarchists. Say that it's going to be short-lived. But regardless of what critics say, the movement should cause us to stop and think.
Christians praying during an OWS protest in this AP photo. The movement has a surprising Christian undercurrent--which is growing.
PrintNEW YORK, NY (Catholic Online) - OWS may have some of the problem elements listed above. Without question, there are communists, sinister evildoers, ne'er-do-wells, anarchists, and anti-church elements within the movement. Every popular social movement must contend with these elements. However, OWS is a broad, popular social movement that is growing. Some may draw comparisons between OWS and the "Summer of Love" which inspired the flower power--hippie movement of the 60s. And they would be wrong about that too.
The movement is drawing support across social classes and across every age group. The face of the group appears to be young, and educated. It even involves some sincere Christians. While the cameras tend to focus on protesters dressed as zombies, or running the streets shirtless, and engaging in some of the antics that have become the staple of protests for decades, the majority of the protesters are educated, civil, and very intent. The question is, intent on what?
The protesters contend that the status quo is untenable. That, wealthy elites control the vast majority of the nation's wealth and resources through banks and other financial institutions which have routinely engaged in unscrupulous behavior to secure those riches. Throughout all history, there have been the unscrupulous wealthy who have taken advantage of people.
However, the problem isn't just 'the wealthy'. That very claim has an inherent danger hidden within it. Some Democrats are remaining silent on the matter of OWS, while others are using the movement to foster their own goals. Some Republicans are claiming it's a conspiracy made of misguided labor unions, Communists, socialists, anarchists, and anti-American, anti-freedom atheists. And this political melodrama is precisely what occupy Wall Street is protesting.
Despite the powerful political polarization that has gridlocked our government, and prevented meaningful social change (a movement sometimes known as the zeitgeist--a term roughly meaning the morality or spirit of the times) the OWS protestors claim that the political elites remain largely in the service of the wealthy.
Politicians, almost to a man (or woman), make their careers about getting reelected. To accomplish this, they need the support of the wealthy because political campaigns don't come cheap. When they pander to the wealthy, they can end up ignoring the needs of the middle class and poor who make up the vast majority of the American population.
Meanwhile, Americans often complain that they have no real choice in elections. All too often, we feel compelled to choose between the lesser of two evils. In other words, the people (meaning you) no longer have a voice in government, unless that voice happens to agree with some of the wealthy to whom the politicians on both sides of the aisle must swear their allegiance.
The people of OWS claim they want to see meaningful social change. Many want affordable health care, affordable education, and they don't want it to be subject to the vagaries of an unregulated market. To some, that may sound socialist, but it need not be. It's more populist than anything.
Not all Occupy Wall Street protesters are opposed to the free market. But they do believe that certain basic human necessities, such as education and healthcare, should not ruin people financially, or be the privilege of only a wealthy elite. The sad fact is, these two very basic (very human) necessities are becoming increasingly expensive, and out of reach for an increasing number of Americans.
Meanwhile, the American dream is becoming ever more elusive. Despite the fall in home prices, home ownership is becoming increasingly difficult. Unemployment remains high, preventing people from working -- something which is necessary not only for financial well-being, but for the good of the soul.
Many of the OWS participants believe that unregulated market forces have allowed banks and politicians working in collusion, to cheat middle America and the poor out of the American dream. Repeated attempts at the "reform" of one sector of industry or another, have too often simply exacerbated the problems. For example, bank reform has apparently only made the banks richer.
Health care reform, so far seems to mostly benefit the profiteers in the country where the average citizen pays more money for less healthcare than in any other industrialized nation in the world. The sense of outrage is growing with the new threats to Social Security, and pensions, and benefit packages of workers, while some of the ultra rich and the politicos live without any fear of cuts to their health care, or their wages. So, as a result, some feel we should not expect solutions from the same entities who created the problems in the first place.
Sympathetic protests are beginning to spread even to small towns in America's heartland. This is not something that has happened during any other time in recent American history. The protests may have been started by the young, but they are being joined by middle America. This is the most profound sign that the movement is larger than most observers realize.
It is important for us to understand that the movement is not going away, and it is not merely a fad. As the shape and identity of the movement develops, Christians have an amazing opportunity to weigh in and examine the populist ideals of the movement. Are there some which are consistent with Christian vision? Specifically, the dignity of the individual, equality of access to opportunity, and the viewing of people as a means for obtaining wealth rather than the viewing wealth as a means for helping people.
A great opportunity for change has arisen. If the movement focuses on authentic human and social ideals, while avoiding the seductive pitfalls of the very secularism that has created so many of our problems in the first place, then an opportunity may be at hand.
We have a solemn duty to pray, AND make ourselves heard.
© 2011, Catholic Online. Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.
The movement is drawing support across social classes and across every age group. The face of the group appears to be young, and educated. It even involves some sincere Christians. While the cameras tend to focus on protesters dressed as zombies, or running the streets shirtless, and engaging in some of the antics that have become the staple of protests for decades, the majority of the protesters are educated, civil, and very intent. The question is, intent on what?
The protesters contend that the status quo is untenable. That, wealthy elites control the vast majority of the nation's wealth and resources through banks and other financial institutions which have routinely engaged in unscrupulous behavior to secure those riches. Throughout all history, there have been the unscrupulous wealthy who have taken advantage of people.
However, the problem isn't just 'the wealthy'. That very claim has an inherent danger hidden within it. Some Democrats are remaining silent on the matter of OWS, while others are using the movement to foster their own goals. Some Republicans are claiming it's a conspiracy made of misguided labor unions, Communists, socialists, anarchists, and anti-American, anti-freedom atheists. And this political melodrama is precisely what occupy Wall Street is protesting.
Despite the powerful political polarization that has gridlocked our government, and prevented meaningful social change (a movement sometimes known as the zeitgeist--a term roughly meaning the morality or spirit of the times) the OWS protestors claim that the political elites remain largely in the service of the wealthy.
Politicians, almost to a man (or woman), make their careers about getting reelected. To accomplish this, they need the support of the wealthy because political campaigns don't come cheap. When they pander to the wealthy, they can end up ignoring the needs of the middle class and poor who make up the vast majority of the American population.
Meanwhile, Americans often complain that they have no real choice in elections. All too often, we feel compelled to choose between the lesser of two evils. In other words, the people (meaning you) no longer have a voice in government, unless that voice happens to agree with some of the wealthy to whom the politicians on both sides of the aisle must swear their allegiance.
The people of OWS claim they want to see meaningful social change. Many want affordable health care, affordable education, and they don't want it to be subject to the vagaries of an unregulated market. To some, that may sound socialist, but it need not be. It's more populist than anything.
Not all Occupy Wall Street protesters are opposed to the free market. But they do believe that certain basic human necessities, such as education and healthcare, should not ruin people financially, or be the privilege of only a wealthy elite. The sad fact is, these two very basic (very human) necessities are becoming increasingly expensive, and out of reach for an increasing number of Americans.
Meanwhile, the American dream is becoming ever more elusive. Despite the fall in home prices, home ownership is becoming increasingly difficult. Unemployment remains high, preventing people from working -- something which is necessary not only for financial well-being, but for the good of the soul.
Many of the OWS participants believe that unregulated market forces have allowed banks and politicians working in collusion, to cheat middle America and the poor out of the American dream. Repeated attempts at the "reform" of one sector of industry or another, have too often simply exacerbated the problems. For example, bank reform has apparently only made the banks richer.
Health care reform, so far seems to mostly benefit the profiteers in the country where the average citizen pays more money for less healthcare than in any other industrialized nation in the world. The sense of outrage is growing with the new threats to Social Security, and pensions, and benefit packages of workers, while some of the ultra rich and the politicos live without any fear of cuts to their health care, or their wages. So, as a result, some feel we should not expect solutions from the same entities who created the problems in the first place.
Sympathetic protests are beginning to spread even to small towns in America's heartland. This is not something that has happened during any other time in recent American history. The protests may have been started by the young, but they are being joined by middle America. This is the most profound sign that the movement is larger than most observers realize.
It is important for us to understand that the movement is not going away, and it is not merely a fad. As the shape and identity of the movement develops, Christians have an amazing opportunity to weigh in and examine the populist ideals of the movement. Are there some which are consistent with Christian vision? Specifically, the dignity of the individual, equality of access to opportunity, and the viewing of people as a means for obtaining wealth rather than the viewing wealth as a means for helping people.
A great opportunity for change has arisen. If the movement focuses on authentic human and social ideals, while avoiding the seductive pitfalls of the very secularism that has created so many of our problems in the first place, then an opportunity may be at hand.
We have a solemn duty to pray, AND make ourselves heard.
© 2011, Catholic Online. Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.
- - -
Pope Benedict XVI's Prayer Intentions for January 2013
General Intention: The Faith of Christians. That in this Year of Faith Christians may deepen their knowledge of the mystery of Christ and witness joyfully to the gift of faith in him.
Missionary Intention: Middle Eastern Christians. That the Christian communities of the Middle East, often discriminated against, may receive from the Holy Spirit the strength of fidelity and perseverance.
Keywords: occupy Wall Street, morality, Christians, opportunity, protests, corruption, politics, wealthy, 99 percent, 1 percent
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I'm not sure if the question posed in the title to this article was ever directly addressed in any of the comments made thus far. But the answer, by the reaction and comments of the many contributing here, says, "yes." And it is the Catholic understanding of "social justice" that must necessarily answer the concerns of the nation in these and future times.
Rob: What you said to Occupy Come Home was beautiful. If I weren't already Catholic, it would make me want to check it out. God bless you.
Coming Home: Catholicism has not lost its way only some Catholics have lost their way. It is the same Faith that Jesus founded 2000 yrs ago. It's just that there are a few Judas's in the Church that chase some of the flock away because of their insensitivities or lack of understanding. I wish you all the best and a happy and properous life. I will continue to pray for you because I still consider you my sister in Christ. God bless.
"coming home" don't let anyone on here or anywhere for that matter cause you to leave the Church. We are all a bunch of sinners that need to repent every day. But I challenge you to think about ways you can bring your zeal to your own faith before you jump ship. There is nothing wrong with Catholicism or the Church, just the people in it. We are all broken but every person on this blog, especially the regulars loves the Church and loves their country. As Judy stated, it comes out differently, but you have to look past all that. Seems to me that 30% seems to be the percentage of any parish community that carries all the weight. I suspect that of this blog, the regulars are part of that 30% working hard to evangelize the other 70%, and sometimes I'll admit, very poorly. I'll be praying for you and others who are leaving or thinking about leaving. We all have to make sure our witness speaks of our devotion to Christ.
New Yorker: I applaud your words. Katherine McNamee: Right on! Mike, Elcid, A J Masek, Kevin, and JoAnn to mention a few, keep up the Good debate. Of course there are others and you know who you are. Bulbajer: God love you. As for the article, an editor picks a story he/she thinks will get a good response...and this did! One thing is clear from all of the replies: I think We all Love Jesus. We all Love the poor and down trodden. We all are dissatisfied with government. Though it comes out in different ways and with definite distinct opinions. A few Good quotes that bear repeating:
"Our Constitution we made only for moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other". -John Adams
"No one can be at the same time a sincere Catholic and a true Socialist". -Pope Pius XI
Other words that Need repeating: Pray, Pray, Pray! Also: Action, Action, Action!
It is our responsibility as Christians to follow the example of Jesus Christ and take apart this criminal government. What did Jesus do when he came to Jerusalem and found capitalist criminals everywhere? He broke open the money chests for everyone to grab. So we need to march down to wall street, and break open chase bank, to give people back their homes.
JoAnn: Thanks for helping me make my decision with all of your comments here. I've found another Religion to call home, and I'm 100% committed to its mission of social justice. I and a lot of Catholicism's young adults will find another place to build our faith and our families and a, particularly, better world for ourselves, our neighbors, and our children. Catholicism has lost its way.
Rob, if the majority of Catholics were like you, I'd happily stay on board. I hope you and those like you will someday Occupy Catholicism and save some of these lost souls.
Give me a break. I work in NY and have walked by these protests many times. They are definitely not churchgoers. Anyone who believes they are is taking in too much of the marijuana fumes eminating from the group. Sure, there are legitimate concerns when guys like Bernie Madoff and the Enron crowd rip off innocent people. Everyone can sympathize with that. But the handing out of condoms and the waving of flags with Che Guevera's likeness on them is an indication of the type of people in this group - the same type of people whose methods of fixing things brought us the French and Bolshevik Revolutions - and those did not turn out too well. If the OWS protesters went to Mass and lived good Catholic lives by voluteering their time to help others, THAT would speak volumes and that WOULD change things in a positive way. Otherwise they are just a bunch of angry people with no more ethical grounding then the "fat cats" they despise.
Hey, I'll take any prayers I can get, even from Stephany who doesn't read well. Just kidding Stephany. Pete, I'm with you my friend. Go out with a fight. But I think this time things are different. As a people we are so fundementally divided that I just don't see any way we can come together. And it will be that fact alone that brings this country down. People have stopped listening to eachother and are so dismissive that it's no wonder most of our discourse these days is so hateful. It's so apparent that we've lost complete sight of the truth and the whole concept of love you neighbor is completely thrown out the window. Jesus spoke pretty plainly about loving your enemy, but somehow we translated that into destroy your enemy. My only point on these blogs has been to get those of us who claim to be conservatives which I have always associated with honesty to make sure we aren't hypocrites. I'll spend time listening to conservative talk and liberal talk and have listened enough and studied enough to know that mostly they speak to our passions with just enough truth to push us over the edge. Half the articles on this website fall into that category. But at the end of the day, both sides fall way short. So I really don't know what to do. You can't embrace the party of death and you can't embrace the party of greed so where does that leave Christians? I am tired of pretending that one provides a better option than the other. Because no matter what, government spending remains high, deficits persists, our debt to China grows and abortion remains legal. Those are the facts whether we like them or not. JoAnn, as for this being the end times, I guess it sure does feel that way. I'm sure they thought it was the end time too during WWII. I'll stick with scriptures. No one knows the day or the time. As Christians we are to always be ready. Doesn't matter what's going on. And as for puppet politicians, that's the entire group of them. Don't believe me, follow the money. Maybe as time goes on it's becoming more apparent, but that fact has been around for a long time.
Rob: There is no need for apology. You said what you are feeling. That is your right and I respect your right to say it. I may not agree with all that you express, but I respect it. There are too many thin-skinned people in the world and everybody has to watch what they say for fear of offending someone. I'm from the old school. I was brought up with the reality that if you can't take some unpleasantness in your life, you are going to get eaten and will never amount to anything in this world. I'm sorry but I don't believe in political correctness. As Jesus says "Let your yes mean yes and let your no mean no." We need to speak out. That way everyone will know what you are really talking about. That's our 1st amendment right - right? I don't believe there will be any effort to repeal anything at this time because Obama will veto it. Reid is already holding several bills from the Repubs and will not bring them to the floor for voting, making everyone think that the Repubs. are doing nothing. The only way anything conservative is going to get done in DC is if the Conservatives get a majority in both house and senate at election time. Frankly, at this point, I don't know what can be done. We are in major need of a miracle from God. But I think God is so angry with us He's letting us hang ourselves. But one wise man once said "Never give up." That man was Winston Churchill. Besides, we have more to worry about than party squabbles. God bless.