Integral Humanism

Integral Humanism: Temporal and Spiritual Problems of a New Christendom by Jacques Maritain, translated by Joseph W Evans, 308 pages

 

In this classic work, Maritain considers the prospects for the emergence of a new Catholic engagement with society.  The old Christendom of the Middle Ages having fallen apart, this new Christendom must grow in the context of a post-Marxist, post-capitalist society.  It must avoid the danger of clericalization, instead trusting to the lay faithful to carry on the work of Christ in the temporal sphere.  It must be tolerant of differences in prudential judgement, and willing to work with those who reject or are openly hostile to Catholicism, without ignoring the dangers of such collaboration.  Above all, the new Christendom must arise from the metaphysical reality of man as taught by the Church, an integral humanism that understands human dignity in the light of the ordination to eternity of the human person.

 

With Maritain only sketching out a broad outline for future development, rather than making concrete, prudential proposals, the book remains relevant eighty years after its initial publication.  He did underestimate the vitality of capitalism, viewing it as already on its last legs, but given the view from France in the '30s, this is wholly understandable and does not touch on his central arguments.

 

This is a work of major significance which had a substantial impact on the fathers of the Second Vatican Council.