Civics Essays - Hedgeschool

I have never had the occasion to teach civics, so although I have thoughts about it, not so many essays.

On this page, I would like to share a few significant essays of others, as well as my own.

Of course the papal encyclicals on social justice are also the repository of Catholic teaching on economics and social justice: Rerum Novarum, Quadragessimo Anno and Laborem Exercens, and others.

Economics is part of Civics

The American founders gave to Congress the power to set the value of our currency. But in fact, right now, the value of the currency is set by economic activity and especially by the actions of the Federal Reserve. While there is a reasonable argument for separating this power from people who run for office on grounds other than economic competence, it is essential to understand, as our founders did, that economic power is civic power. This short essay offers a few reasons why economics is part of civics. |Link|

Constitution

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John Adams

Thoughts on Government, April 1776

This letter from John Adams describes his thoughts on the government he had worked to compose. For a simple summary explanation of the reasoning behind the Constitution, it is as simple as an original document can be. Very thoughtful, and just think all the people you know who could sit down and write six such pages, without benefit of a word processor, just as it comes to mind.

There is reference to his possible approval of "sumptuary laws" — laws against excessive luxury. Clearly, the founders' concept of liberty was not about doing whatever; it was about being free to pursue goodness. |Link|

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Economics

Linda Specht

Economy of Communion Project

Here is how Focolare’s "Economy of Communion" (EoC) proposes to change the conversation about economics, centering it on the person and his need for communion, rather than on the outward matters of money and production. Bold thoughts, carefully explained, and they have acted on it, worldwide, involving at least 860 businesses. |Link|

Economy of Communion (EoC) Guidelines to Running a Business

The Economy of Communion is the economic outreach of Focolare, a Lay Association of the Faithful, founded by Chiara Lubich in the middle of the 20th century. Her vision was an ecumenical community with both married and unmarried members, committed to responding to Jesus’ prayer that all might be one: “ut omnes unum sint.”

This set of seven directives is attached to the EoC website. |Link|

I have downloaded their essay on running a business, because it will help you understand exactly what they have in mind. You don't have to join them to embrace their philosophy; you can just be getting ready!

For many beautiful thoughts and inspiring stories on this topic, visit their website.