Papal Exceptionalism and Capitalist Banter

The enormity of the scandal facing the Vatican is daunting. Accusations abound, I started to think of the ways in which the papal reaction to this new travesty of trust and the rhetoric of capitalistic monetary systems are similar. 

First, new information sheds light on a history of seemingly half-hearted investigations into priests accused of predatory behavior within the Catholic Church. Pope Benedict now is defending his institution and has even allowed some of his most influential subordinates to compare anger and desire for reform of the Church to historical Jewish persecution. Apples and oranges.

So, the Catholic Church goes on record heralding its persecution by those who want the truth about child molestation and pedophile priests as comparable to the persecution of the Jews (unfortunately, the masses were not given a specific time period or event that was being referenced, which might have increased the associative power of linking a historically persecuted group to your defense).  In the end, we should all feel guilty, because that darn media and those pesky grown-ups who were once abused as children now are demanding answers.  They are mean, they are nosey, and therefore the Catholic Church is feeling anguish and despair similar to that of Jewish peoples who have suffered historic injustices (sometimes at the hands of the Church itself). Baffling, but fortunately this veiled attempt to drum up empathy for a declining institution has fallen on deaf ears. People want answers and they are not accepting the usual, “whoops, my fault” response bellowing from the Vatican. Put simply, I don’t believe people, and more importantly Catholics themselves, are going to eat that shit sandwich anymore.

Comparatively, opposition to some injurious and damaging aspects of the implementation of capitalist monetary policies in places such as Chile, Russia, and Bolivia have been similarly resisted by a pattern of deflection and misinformation. Sadly, some opponents of protectionist measures use inflammatory rhetoric and scare tactics to quell interest in alternative strategies. Un-American and unpatriotic become loaded labels that promote associative feelings of guilt, fervor, and unity against others.

Systems of extreme free market capitalism espoused by Friedman and Hayek, while arguably beneficial to overall economic functionality, remarkably have an ugly downside rarely discussed. Increasing unemployment and massive inflation are some negative consequences that are consequently felt by rapid changes in economic systems. Another is a growing divide between rich and poor. These aspects are frequently downplayed, misrepresented, or underreported. Worse, dissent to some of the most devastating and damaging domestic effects are discredited by appeals to nationalistic pride and solidarity.

We are presented with a situation in which proponents of both, Catholic reformers or individuals seeking reform and advocates of various types of economic philosophies are fighting an uphill battle to begin the day. Emotional appeals and language suggesting similarities to persecuted peoples can effectively wrestle strength from opposition. Similarly, language invoking seditious behavior or fear can cause pause in those favorable to change.

Now, how to tie in American economic woes with priestly predatory behavior and the need for change?

Would allowing priests human indulgences cripple the Church and its moral authority? Some would argue yes. I would argue that the rigid opposition to reform-minded forces within/without the Church will ultimately lead to its demise and that individual parishioners recognize that priests are men too and usually will satisfy their most primal urges. The point being, the failing of the Church to evolve structurally as an organization regarding priestly domestic matters has contributed to the predicament we currently find the Catholic Church in. The institutional rigidity and unwillingness to consider seriously the alternatives has led to a suffering by the very people supportive of the overall mission and purpose of the Church. Much like a business that does not keep up with evolving technology, the company will ultimately fail. 

Extreme free market capitalism has unfortunately sometimes been implemented with the aid of right-wing authoritarian regimes that have devastated populations (see Chile). Here, structurally blind adherence to free market policies were initially destructive to the economy. The point here being strict devotion to specific economic policy prescriptions can devastate certain segments of a given population. The workers and political dissidents in Chile, and the current dismantling of the American middle class are good examples.

Overall, we see that papal exceptionalism and the dismissal of needed, substantive change to policy has created an atmosphere in which predatory activity by adults in authoritative positions is tolerated and silenced. Also, some economic policies which have created devastation, hardship, and suspicion have been tolerated and silenced.

In the end, both systems demand a slavish acceptance while fabricating a bond of unity among adherents. The pope’s mouthpiece unifying Catholics everywhere against the attacks by the anti-Semitic media, and the Wall St. capitalists lining their pockets under a banner of patriotism while using socialist principles to enrich themselves.

Finally, in both instances, an awakening is occurring. Increased political participation in the wake of the American recession and increased attention to reform caused by the anger and embarrassment of most Catholics have emerged. We have found that free markets have negative consequences. We have also found that behavior by priests is not always saintly. We continue a path of failure unless alternatives are brought and considered for action. The fear that a reexamination  of certain philosophical questions or historical precedents (priestly celibacy) will alter the status quo must be faced head on in order to produce a more viable and sustainable economic and spiritual life.

Pivotal moments in history are occurring now. What an exciting time to be alive.

Aaron Ferreira