Lecture delivered by Prof. Jung Mo Sung to Brazilian scjs
Date: May 5, 1998 (9h00 a.m to 04h00 p.m.)
Place: Saint Jude Sanctuary -- Sao Paulo, Brazil
Introduction
"The Economy and the Kingdom of God" is a theme that provides food for thought, not only for the Church. The challenge of inclusion is the great economic issue today. There is a general idea that not only are we undergoing fast changes but we are also facing a major change in our times. We are at the brink of a new world. According to Peter Drucker, the guru of gurus in Business Administration, we are moving towards a post Capitalist society, and the world that is emerging will have nothing to do with the old world. Nobody really knows what is ahead.
Background Information
To have a clear idea of the current situation, we should understand that it is a result of facts deriving from three major economic revolutions:
1. Agricultural Revolution - about 10,000 years BC to the 18th century
2. Industrial Revolution - 18th century to the 20th century
3. Technological Revolution -1975-85 (after the oil crises) till the present
The Agricultural Revolution occurred about 10,000 years BC, when the major religions emerged. Before it, several nomad peoples lived on earth (Neolithic age). They did not know how to control seeds and plow the land. The controlled production of seeds generated surpluses which were handled by the armies and priests. The tithe was imposed as a type of income tax. Prime products were offered to the temple. These are the so called tributary societies. Religion is the core of agricultural societies. Theology explains everything. Priests are also physicians, legal advisors, etc. The temple was the center of political and civil power.
The cosmic vision in traditional pre-modern societies, however, is different. The world consists of heaven and earth, and the earth is an image of heaven (Plato). In the Middle Age, Saint Augustine endeavored to discuss the hierarchy of angels. Christians say there is only one God in three persons, and no hierarchy. However, there is a hierarchy for angels. Therefore, the existence of a hierarchy on earth is justified. Several theological debates focused on social problems.
At the time of Industrial Revolution, man was threatened by machines. The technological revolution occurred after the two oil crises (1975-85), when alternative technologies had to be found.
Current Situation
The Personal Computer was developed in 1985, but it arrived in Brazil only in 1987. After the technological revolution, the main focus is technical progress. The world's powerhouse is the Market. Our temples are the shopping malls. After the breakdown of Socialism, the Market is the only sovereign. Economic theory rather than theology explains the meaning of life. Hayek says that understanding the Market is now the same as understanding good and evil for Adam and Eve. Market dynamics is self-organized and the system is self-regulating. Economists talk about a market spirituality. Globalization creates interdependence rather than solidarity. There is a gigantic financial market in operation. There is faith on the system. "In God We Trust", says the US dollar.
Today, one of the main international control mechanisms is the World Trade Organization (WTO). At present the great threat to Capitalism is Capitalism itself. The concept of work and employment has changed. The notion of national states is challenged. National states lost their intervention power. This also implies the loss of national sovereignty.
There are new social phenomena such as unemployment (1) of a structural nature, which does not depend on current economic fluctuations and (2) of an environmental nature, which depends on the economic situation.
The major pillars of capitalism are the market, the respect for private property and observance of sale agreements. For this reason, the Brazilian government is striving so hard to maintain the country's credibility on the international market so as to keep the current level of foreign capital inflow.
The great problem is that man existed before the market. How can we organize such a mess? Would it be possible to have solidarity in a globalized world? Solidarity could mean, for example unemployment salary and higher taxes for the rich.
Another major issue is our consumer model. Human value is measured by people's consumption level. The result is income concentration and social exclusion. Leonardo Boff, for example, proposes a simpler life style. Man should be able to control his desire to have things, and give a break for Nature to recover. However, there are inevitable crises. But undergoing periods of crisis in a loving and supportive community is very different from surviving in a cynical and aggressive society.
Can the system cope with too many excluded people? The social tissue has limited strength and might split. Even the World Bank (that, as a matter of fact, is losing importance on the international scene) is concerned about this problem.
Conclusion
The Ten Commandments are still the main guidelines for our action as Christians. The fifth commandment could be our starting point. "You shall not kill" must be understood mainly in its positive meaning of preserving life, and all the other commandments should be viewed as a manner of maintaining life with solidarity and hope.
Sao Paulo, May 15, 1998
Heloisa Perrone Attuy
Dear Heloisa,
I just read the Kin-dom talk. It was helpful in a few ways. One, the notion about the agricultural revolution and the role of priest and ruler gave me further insight into the synoptic Gospels. Second, it confirmed some of our thinking here at the 8th Day Center for Justice about the theology that undergirds the neo-liberal economy. Third, the notion of a postcapitalist world is interesting -- that capitalism destroys itself or, as some say, it always must be in a state of recreating itself by its very nature. (I just explored the concept with our resident economic specialist).
Finally, even in your notes there is a fatalism that nothing can be done to create a more humane society in the face of the power of the market. I'm reading a book on speculative capital which argues that this is exactly the position that such speculators and their supporters would have us take. Toward the end of the book it lays out some practical responses. If I find them worthy, I will let you know.
You'll notice my use of the word Kin-dom, which is an attempt to be non-hierarchical but, more importantly, to stress that God invites us to be one with Him/Her. As I suspect you know, "kin" means one's family. "Thy Kin-dom come."
Your kin,
bob