I have updated the post bellow, adding my own views.
The encylical for which William F. Buckley’s commentary is most remembered. If National Review makes available their issue addressing Mater et Magistra or any of WFB’s subsequent writings, I would be more than happy to link to them. The Jesuit periodical America recounts the controversy here, and they reprint his article offered on what he would discuss with the Pope if given several minutes. Here with is a brief excerpt from that encyclical.
When Differences Arise. . .
238. Differences of opinion in the application of principles can sometimes arise even among sincere Catholics. When this happens, they should be careful not to lose their respect and esteem for each other. Instead, they should strive to find points of agreement for effective and suitable action, and not wear themselves out in interminable arguments, and, under pretext of the better or the best, omit to do the good that is possible and therefore obligatory.
239. In their economic and social activities, Catholics often come into contact with others who do not share their view of life. In such circumstances, they must, of course, bear themselves as Catholics and do nothing to compromise religion and morality. Yet at the same time they should show themselves animated by a spirit of understanding and unselfishness, ready to cooperate loyally in achieving objects which are good in themselves, or can be turned to good. Needless to say, when the Hierarchy has made a decision on any point Catholics are bound to obey their directives. The Church has the right and obligation not merely to guard ethical and religious principles, but also to declare its authoritative judgment in the matter of putting these principles into practice.
The Layman’s Responsibility
240. These, then, are the educational principles which must be put into effect. It is a task which belongs particularly to Our sons, the laity, for it is their lot to live an active life in the world and organize themselves for the attainment of temporal ends.
241. In performing this task, which is a noble one, they must not only be well qualified in their trade or profession and practice it in accordance with its own proper laws, they must also bring their professional activity into conformity with the Church’s social teaching. Their attitude must be one of loyal trust and filial obedience to ecclesiastical authority.
They must remember, too, that if in the transaction of their temporal affairs they take no account of those social principles which the Church teaches, and which We now confirm, then they fail in their obligations and may easily violate the rights of others. They may even go so far as to bring discredit on the Church’s teaching, lending substance to the opinion that, in spite of its intrinsic value, it is in fact powerless to direct men’s lives.
– Mater et Magistra, Pope John XXIII
Update: I haven’t really offered my view up until this point. To keep it brief, anyone who claims that they have never been challenged by a teaching of the Church is either a liar or a Saint. Anyone with a written record will find times where they have lacked tact, or if given the benefit of retrospect, one would have engaged an issue differently. At the time (citing America) he expressed regret for the appearance of being flippant. He has also expressed regrets over using the expression “Mater Si, Magistra No.” In both cases, I take him at his word. That a largely secular writer takes it upon himself to engage the teachings of the Church speaks highly of him. For too many today, the teachings of the Church and of bishops are merely a cudgel to use against political opponents. It is not my job to coronate him or condemn him. Like others I offer prayers for his immortal soul.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In