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J. Scott Moody's avatar

This is an excellent point. As a former economist I railed against GDP as a measure of economic progress. It’s not, but it does maintain the illusion. Catholics do need to create a Catholic economy where we can financially support one another—Catholic Shires would go along way toward that end.

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Patrick Neve's avatar

We'll figure it out eventually. It's one reason why I'm so bullish on the local parish community

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The Coddiwomple Pilgrim's avatar

Real wealth isn’t about how much money you have. It’s about what you own and what value you can pass on to your kids and community.

Love this perspective.

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Patrick Neve's avatar

thanks!

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Javier Ros's avatar

I just watched a video explaining that Feudalism gave people stability that doesn't seem to be inherent in a capitalist system. That might explain Leo XIII's warning.

A peasant living on land that belongs to a Lord has a private plot that they have a right to live on and cultivate for themselves. Meaning they have a permanent home that's theirs and immediate access to work that provides for their family.

Nowadays it's possible to be barred from access to gainful employment in a way that wasn't before and your home isn't actually yours for most of your life.

The point you're making makes DeSantis's proposal to get rid of property tax a lot more interesting.

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Patrick Neve's avatar

We're making ourselves into serfs but worse. It's ridiculous

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Ronald Klingler's avatar

How many 50 year mortgages is it morally permissible for me to hold at once?

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Patrick Neve's avatar

We should start issuing as many subprime 50-year mortgages as possible, just to see what happens

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Alex Spieldenner's avatar

The best part of this is the end: it's on all of us to use our money to build up our families and God's kingdom, not just have "spending money."

I'll be thinking about this a lot as I think about how to direct our family's finances.

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