The Cardijn Model in the Modern World
It’s all about economics!
By Richard C. Pütz
The Cardijn model in the Modern World and the rise of the Autonomous Revolution are bringing about change. It’s all about economics!
First, I highly recommend that everyone read the book “Cathonomics: How Catholic Tradition Can Create a More Just Economy.” by Anthony (Tony) M. Annett. In this article, I will expand on the chapter summaries of Tony’s book. We will all agree we see how integral the See-Judge-Act methodology of Cardinal Cardijn weaves Cathonomics into a seamless garment for living in the modern world.
The Challenge of Technology in every age begs the question, “How should we live our journey in life?” The one question that we all must grapple with, no matter our background, is whether we are just users or creators of technology. We are called upon to think, see, judge, and, most importantly, act to answer this question! Act in a manner that brings about the greater good for the common good.
No matter where you live on this planet, the question remains, “Are we becoming a society where No Human will be Required?” Joseph Cardijn and his early followers found their focus in the world of “work” and expanded into the world of students and families in various movements. We are all involved in some shape or manner.
Understanding the foundation of Cathonomics in the context of the Cardijn Methodology allows us to create capabilities through Cultural Change & Emerging Technology.
As we evolve away from the industrial revolution and to a world where new technologies are boldly taking Humanity where it never dreamed of going, will Humanity, social and religious organizations, and businesses adapt to the change? What possibilities will change society as we move forward in this new era? From the accelerating technological evolution of computers, artificial intelligence, robots, and other surprising technological developments, we are now beginning to experience a recent societal phase change. Do we know how it is happening? Do we understand how technology changes our lives, jobs, society, culture, and even how religion is practiced? The cause/effect on healthcare, shopping, customer service, and manufacturing is changing.
We are finding ourselves right back where Joseph Cardijn began with the world of work. But this time, we will address the nature of work, human dignity, what it means to be a human, and the difference it makes.
For the 3rd time in the history of Humanity, civilization is undergoing a phase change. The 1st was the Agricultural Revolution. The 2nd is the Industrial Revolution. We are now in the midst of an Autonomous Revolution. Do we understand the brutally Darwinian nature of technological evolution?
I am suggesting “Cathonomics” not just as a history of Catholic Social Teaching but as an integral philosophy of economics woven into our Cardijn movements using the See-Judge-Act methodology to rapidly bring about change for the greater good for the common good of all humans.
The integration of “The Capability Approach” with the “See-Judge-Act” methodology will focus our understanding of the economic impact the technological change is bringing to society and allow us to demonstrate to the world it is all about “Cathonomics.”
Technology will drive us to grapple with questions about the nature of being human, and this is where we will find ourselves employing the See-Judge-Act methods to implement the characteristics of the “Capabilities approach” to work towards an understanding of what it means to be free as humans to achieve prosperity is of primary moral importance and, second, that well-being must be understood in terms of people’s talents, capabilities and functionings as a human being and not just productivity.
Cathonomics will become a practice of economic thinking about new prosperity for a global world. Understanding the importance of caring for the planet and being human is not just about hours worked or “punching a clock.”
“Cathonomics” with the Cardijn Methods will allow us to address the issues we face regarding food, energy, education, healthcare, and the nature of work.
The future, as envisioned in the encyclicals, the documents of Vatican II, and the vision of Pope Francis, is entirely possible, and it’s our choice. The only question is: Are we going to be active leaders and participants in it? Historically speaking, in free societies, political leaders don’t lead; they follow. They follow the movements of the people.
As you read the book Cathonomics, we see the Cardijn vision; we know where the image comes from – the Hebrew Scriptures, the teachings of Jesus, the Church Fathers, Aristotelian virtue ethics, the synthesis of Thomas Aquinas, Joseph Cardijn, Dorthy Day, Thomas Merton, and Pope Francis.
The See-Judge-Act methods will drive home Modern Catholic social teaching into people’s lives; this is not an academic exercise. Consider the encyclicals and the fundamental principles of Catholic social teaching as they become central to how we address a changing world through technology.
Use the See-Judge-Act method to bring alive the “Principles of Catholic social teaching” coupled with economics to better align with the scientific evidence and our understanding of being human in the image and likeness of our God.
The Global Economy is changing and changing fast. Faster than what we experienced in the previous two revolutions. We need to think in terms of global prosperity, people’s well-being, the planet’s sustainability, and prosperity for the common good of all humans.
In a free society, economics and the Role of Government, business, and Labor must be collaborative. Innovation must align with activities for the common good. Our Catholic Social Teachings imply a crucial point here, and one we see in the work of Cardijn and others is the rejection of libertarianism and neoliberalism.
Especially in the Industrial Revolution, we all took part in that revolution as it was in its final stages, and we experienced all the inequality and Social injustices. The future of work and a new definition of what work means will need to be developed into our policies and global policies as we become more globally interconnected. This will require a strong emphasis on collaborating with government, business, and academics to bring about innovation, education, and the greater good.
The Cardijn methods are of utmost importance in helping people come to an understanding about why as Christians, we need to focus on the Care for our planet. Using the See-Judge-Act method to frame a deeper understanding of Laudato Si’ so we better educate our fellow human being to take action on all aspects of sustainable development, with particular attention to climate change.
Cathonomics, the See-Judge-Act methods, the work of Joseph Cardijn and his followers, and the essence of Catholic Social Teachings all argue in favor of ethical globalization in climate change, tax havens, debt relief, financing sustainable development, trade, capital movements, and migration.
My fellow Cardijnians, we have our work cut out for us ~ the result will be found in our acts of love for all human beings and the planet.
“On the Day of judgment, Christ’s sentence will not bear on your assistance at Mass, reception of Holy Communion, your fasts, and abstinence, nor will good intentions be of any avail; these are a means to an end, but it will call for your concrete acts of love.” ~ Louis J Putz CSC