Liberty, Equality, Fraternity

By Fulton J. Sheen Liberty, equality, fraternity: slogan of the French Revolution and, in the words of R. H. Tawney, “motto of a new world.” In that new world three major systems bristle, each selecting its cornerstone from that motto. Liberalism, with its economic partner of capitalism, takes liberty; communism, equality; and Christianity, fraternity. The paradox of human affairs is that only Christianity, with its bonds of fraternal charity, makes societies truly free. With his customary logic and compelling imagery, Fulton J. Sheen makes the case that justice and charity—twin treasures safeguarded by the Church—are the cure for the evils of the liberal capitalist and communist systems: the one, with its abuse of concentrated wealth and privilege and its subjection of millions to the lot of insecure wage-slavery, and the other, with its class-hatred and revolutionary technique of resentment. First published in 1938 in response to clamorous calls for social order, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity remains an unwavering affirmation of the truths that justice is a better remedy than reaction, charity a better solvent than revolution, and the sole solution to man’s struggle a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, “Exemplar of Capital and the Exemplar of Labor.” A true social order can be built only on the basis of fraternity… Start with fraternity, which means that all men are brothers under the Fatherhood of God, that all must function for the common good of society and for the peace of the world, and liberty and equality will follow. (Fulton J. Sheen) Fulton J. Sheen (1895–1979) was one of the most renowned Catholic priests of the twentieth century. An eminent scholar, prolific author, and natural entertainer, Sheen provided insight into the truth and beauty of the Catholic faith for millions around the world through his scores of books and countless radio and television programs. His cause for canonization was opened in 2002, and in 2012 Pope Benedict XVI declared him “Venerable.” * * * Paperback: 180pp. ISBN: 978-1685953409