Can a Catholic Be a Socialist?

By: Trent Horn, Catherine R. Pakaluk

Narrated by: Trent Horn

Somehow, this long-discredited economic philosophy is making a comeback, not only on college campuses and political talk shows, but among sincere Catholics. Some think that it could be the answer to greed and globalism. Others even argue that it’s the best way to obey Christ’s command to help the poor. Let’s give socialism a fresh chance, they say. A democratic socialism, this time, friendly to religion and ordered to the common good like the church says the economy should be.

In Can a Catholic Be a Socialist?, Trent Horn and Catherine R. Pakaluk refute this tempting but false notion. Drawing on scripture, history, Catholic social teaching, and basic economic reality, they show - beyond a doubt - that Catholicism and socialism are utterly incompatible.

Along the way, they debunk many of the common claims used to keep afloat the fantasy of a Christian-socialist hybrid, including:

• Since the early Christians kept their property in common, so should we.
• Jesus would be in favor of an economic system that guarantees everyone food, health care, and education.
• The Church - especially Pope Francis - teaches that Catholics must find a “third way” between the extremes of communism and capitalism.
• Socialism would work if it were just done right, like in Sweden.

Although there is no one “Catholic” economic system, Can a Catholic Be a Socialist? also helps you understand commonsense economic principles that are truly in line with the faith. For, we all should work for an economy that gives life: fostering prosperity and the common good while providing opportunities to practice temperance and charity.

Praise for the book:

"[A] deep dive into socialism's fatal flaws, using the sharp tools of Catholic social doctrine for the excavation." (George Weigel, distinguished senior fellow and William E. Simon chair in Catholic Studies Ethics and Public Policy Center)

“[A] very helpful primer to a dangerous temptation. Concise, with the essentials.” (Kathryn Jean Lopez, senior fellow and editor, National Review)

©2020 Catholic Answers Press (P)2020 Catholic Answers Press

Excellent background!

Excellent overview on the Catholic Church teaching regarding socialism. Very informative, particularly for the younger generations who may not know the history or background of socialism.

Excellent!

This is so helpful. It clearly shows the inherent problems with all forms of socialism and debunks the myths that make socialism sound attractive.

Author-read audiobook!!

Trent is so knowledgeable. This books teaches a lot about both Catholic moral teaching and why socialism fails practically speaking. Also such a treat to have Trent read his own book

Must read!

If you are a Catholic who knows nothing about socialism and capitalism this book is for you!!

If you are a Catholic who believes that socialism is in accordance with Catholicism then this book is for you.

Trent goes over the history , philosophy and criticisms of both capitalism and socialism and their principles in accordance with the Catholic faith.

I learned a lot and I plan on listening again.

Also If you have family Catholic or not who are pushing socialism this is a must read.

Ok, but could have been better, too scholarly.

Learn what charity is and be charitable. That’s the Golden Rule.
You’ll have a lot better chance to do that in a capitalist country than a socialist country. A Catholic would better better off not having anything to do with socialism.

And remember:
-no form of earthly government is flawless
-a government’s role should not be to impose on the people it governs demands to be charitable
-this world is not our own

That probably suffices. Good luck!