What is Distributism

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Della said:
…an article by Joseph Pearce: theimaginativeconservative.org/2014/06/what-is-distributism.html. Thoughts?
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In short, not true Socialism where the state controls everything. This is NOT the “Socialist” accusations thrown around politically by people who have little understanding of its real meaning. At the same time it is not unfettered Capitalism. Both of these Distributism sees as too far of an extreme.

It envisions everyone having what they need, no more no less, to live a fulfilling life with wealth spread out evenly. To me it’s the mate to Libertarianism, where everyone should be free to find their way to a fulfilling life, but where uneven wealth distribution is not a problem.
 
It is definitely not the ridiculous caricature that right wing Catholics portray it as.
 
Everyone having what they need, no more or less is a ridiculous requirement for an economic system. It is also what was professed by socialist systems, at their start.

You can get there in practically any current system by controlling your wants, be being spiritually mature. However, you can’t impose that understanding from above.
 
Theo520 said:
Everyone having what they need, no more or less is a ridiculous requirement for an economic system. It is also what was professed by socialist systems, at their start.

You can get there in practically any current system by controlling your wants, be being spiritually mature. However, you can’t impose that understanding from above.
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This is true. In an ideal world we’d all be satisfied with what we need and need no more than what truly satisfies us. But that we fallen creatures are prone to greediness and fulfilling our desires inappropriately is, as you say, the reality we live in. 🙂

But, it’s good for believers to keep in mind that we don’t need to have the biggest house, unless we have several children that need bedrooms. Nor do we need the flashiest car, but still there’s nothing wrong with loving a vehicle for it’s beauty and how well it performs on the road.

What’s bothersome is big government and/or big business gobbling up all the resources and then depriving ordinary people of basic sustenance. These are what Chesterton called Hudge and Gudge. Local government running local affairs is generally best, but having a higher authority to whom the individual can appeal is also good. And small businesses that can cater to individual needs is best, but having franchises at which one can get items not locally available is also good.

To me it’s a matter of common sense and balance–unfortunately, neither seem to be in fashion these days. 😉
 
Yes, every system can at most just reflect the nature of the people involved.
socialism has always failed because of greed etal by it’s participants.

The concept of compassionate conservatism relies upon maturity and christian beliefs putting a cap on individual wants, and self control.

I’m anxious for the future now that fewer and fewer people seek spiritual guidance from religion.
Della said:
This is true. In an ideal world we’d all be satisfied with what we need and need no more than what truly satisfies us. But that we fallen creatures are prone to greediness and fulfilling our desires inappropriately is, as you say, the reality we live in. 🙂

But, it’s good for believers to keep in mind that we don’t need to have the biggest house, unless we have several children that need bedrooms. Nor do we need the flashiest car, but still there’s nothing wrong with loving a vehicle for it’s beauty and how well it performs on the road.

What’s bothersome is big government and/or big business gobbling up all the resources and then depriving ordinary people of basic sustenance. These are what Chesterton called Hudge and Gudge. Local government running local affairs is generally best, but having a higher authority to whom the individual can appeal is also good. And small businesses that can cater to individual needs is best, but having franchises at which one can get items not locally available is also good.

To me it’s a matter of common sense and balance–unfortunately, neither seem to be in fashion these days. 😉
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Distributionism is the economic system that is endorsed by the Catholic Church. Everyone should read Rerum Novarum … check out GK Chesterton and Dorothy Day. Capitalism and Socialism are both tragically flawed
 
godisgood77 said:
Distributionism is the economic system that is endorsed by the Catholic Church. Everyone should read Rerum Novarum … check out GK Chesterton and Dorothy Day. Capitalism and Socialism are both tragically flawed
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You can read all three and get different impressions what Distributism is, except that Pope Leo XIII and Chesterton weren’t greatly different.

If one reads that self-proclaimed “Distributists” preach today, it’s wildly different still.
 
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