Social encyclical in the works?

Catholic World News reports here that Pope Benedict XVI's next encyclical is expected to focus on Catholic social teachings, in recognition of the 40th anniversary of Paul VI's social encyclical Populorum Progressio.

The Vatican hasn't officially confirmed that a new encyclial is in the works, but there were reports that a second encyclical was on the agenda for the Holy Father's vacation in the Alps last month. Among the social subjects to be discussed in the document - the evils of tax evasion, according to Times Online.

Comments

[M. Jordan Lichens]

I think Pope Benedict is, like many folks, becoming increasingly aware of the challenges we are facing as globalization becomes much more of an unstoppable force. Unfortunately, very few people are taking the risks of globalization seriously. I remember in Rome asking a very prominent historian and public speaker how the West can define itself against the backdrop of globablization and open borders; to my disappointment, the question was treated as a joke.

[MMajor Fan]

I think it's great. While Pope Benedict seems to be keeping people guessing, surprised and a little off balance, I see a very logical building up of his encyclicals from his first one of foundation to urgent topics in a way that will be seen as essential prioritization and leverage of key social and faith issues.

[carlos]

I hope that the Holy Father brings some balance to the chorus that daily chants that free markets have destroyed the world despite the evidence. I'm tired of so many critiques of the free market even though, without a doubt, Jesus engaged in such activity while he worked as a carpenter.

[Robert Miller]

I eagerly await Pope Benedict's encyclical on social justice. I suspect he will surprise us, as he usually does, with a profound departure from the secular and "progressive Catholic" "orthodoxy".

One thing I wish the Holy Father would do, in connection with his reflections on tax evasion, is to expunge the characterization of St. Matthew and others of his profession, in post-Vatican II translations of the New Testament, as "tax collectors". This term is right in there with "and also with you" -- close to my Scripural/liturgical gagline.

The "publicans" (as they were once translated), of course, were not "tax collectors". They were tribute-gougers from their own conquered people. They contracted with Rome for a quota, and kept whatever they were able to extort over and above their contractual obligation. Thus, they were traitors and extortionists. They belonged with prostitutes, in the ancient mind, because prostitution was associated both with moral turpitude and disloyalty to the people of Israel and their God (prostitution being being integral to various forms of Near eastern pagan ritual).

By calling them "tax collectors" and "prostitutes", the newer translations make their deeds sound "less evil", more "forgivable" in modern ears. In the process, modern eyes don't see nearly profoundly enough the Mercy of God in Jesus Christ.

[Catherine Harmon]

Robert, this could just be my English major showing, but when I hear "publican" I think of someone who runs a pub or tavern. Is there another word that could be used in translation that neither unjustly besmirches tax collectors nor leaves us with the impression St. Matthew tended a bar?

[Robert Miller]

Catherine:

You're right. And, of course, English publicans perform a much more useful social service than do tax collectors (even at their best and most righteous).

I think something that conveys "traitor" and "extortionist" is what's in order.