Is Capitalism Catholic?

Film Focus Point: This report by Catholic News Service explains the purpose of the Acton Institute which defends free-market economics. It poses provocative questions about the relations between capitalism and Catholic concern for social justice.

Text Focus Point: Pages 232-233

Discussion Questions:

1. What aspects of capitalism are problematic with principles of Catholic social teaching? Why is the Acton Institute perceived to be controversial within the Catholic Church?
2. What does Fr. Robert Sirico mean when he says, “The problem of capitalism is not the economic system as such, but the distorted values that may be present among actors in a market economy.”