Marxist Ideas and the Liberalistic Ideas of Capitalism - Essay Example

On Human Work: Laboren Exercens Laboren Exercens was John Paul II’s effort to bring to light the relationship of man’s work and capitalism. He focused on four main fronts i.e. “work and man, conflict between labor and capital in the present phase of history, rights of workers, elements for a spirituality of work”. Work and Man John Paul II begins by outlining that work is essential for humanities existence and survival on the planet. The main idea is that man’s power over earth is stems from and ensured through his work.

Technology can help ease the process of production and can enhance it as well; there are times when it helps man and other times when it becomes man’s enemy because it replaces the personal input he would have in his work otherwise. Man becomes divorced from his own work, while some even lose their livelihood to these machines as well. John Paul II further went onto state that it turns man into nothing but a slave. The late pope called for more harmony between workers in this section. Conflict between Labor and Capital in the present phase of history It was the pope’s point of view that capitalism and labor were at odds with each other and this conflict was born from the industrial developments that took place in the western world.

This conflict illustrated itself in the values found in liberalism and Marxism. He places more emphasis on the importance of labor than capital. He sees labor as essential to driving work, where as capital is only a mere tool. He also talks about property and the church’s stand on the principle of right. Here, the church disagrees not just with Marxist ideas that promote collectivism, but also the liberalistic ideas of capitalism. Right of workers Human rights that come within the circumference of one’s work are the very basic rights that are allotted to a person.

The Pope outlined unemployment as a great social problem, which didn’t just break down the social fabric through economics, but also perpetuated weak morality. He wrote against one-sided centralization by the authorities that left many out of jobs. He referred to agricultural work and how it had its own dignified way. Work has to be organized in a way that suits a person and their life. Demographics need to be taken into account such as a person’s age and gender etc. Women, according to John Paul II, should be allotted jobs that fit them without prejudice; but they must avail jobs without creating problems for their families.

He also emphasized on the importance of perks and benefits, along with time off from work so that workers do not burn out. Unions are of the utmost importance because they can ensure that the rights of the workers are attained. Laboren Exercens was also in favor of one migrating from their home base in search of work – such individuals as per the work, should be discriminated against in terms of employment and wages. Elements for a spirituality of work The last chapter of the volume talks about the value of labor in God’s eyes.

Staying productive and working is one of the best things that man can do. The prophets that have come in the past were all hard workers and appreciated work. By these acts a laborer redeems humanity itself just as Christ has done before us.