In an address at St. Xavier University, Archbishop Blase Cupich said young people seem to be taught by society to care more about themselves instead of others.
“With this type of approach, people are living in a ‘you get yours and I get mine, as long as I’m self-sufficient,’ and then, damn with everyone else,” said Cupich on Thursday to about 100 people at the campus at 3700 W. 103rd St. in Chicago.
Cupich made his remarks as part of his address on how to incorporate the church into the economy and politics.
Catholic social teachings provide for “the inclusion of the church and what is best for the entire community, not just individuals,” Cupich said.
If these teachings are not applied, a “survival of the fittest” attitude could happen and “we will all get eaten,” Cupich said.
He also stressed some people might have difficulty taking care of themselves.
“Not everyone is or can be self-sufficient,” Cupich said. “The politics of today also contribute to ignorance and dishonesty among the human race.”
Cupich described “politicians taking on a more tribal approach than ever before, turning the world into a tribal community.”
“People are voting Republican just because they have always voted Republican, or people are voting Democratic, just because they have always voted Democratic,” Cupich said. “They are not really stepping outside of the box to look at the better picture and what is truly best for the people.”
He said, “Catholic institutions can contribute to correcting a very disoriented view of politics by enforcing the idea of what is best for everyone.”
At the same time, Cupich said, “I believe that Catholic colleges and universities have some of the best economic, business and accounting programs in the country. We are shaping future parishioners and leaders here and we need a moral compass more than ever.”
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Cupich also said it was important for society to take better care of the environment.
He said society has the ability to “destroy our own planet.”
“We need to have a sense of gratitude for our planet,” he added. “Every organism of God is good.”
Kelly White is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.