Every true religion preaches justice and compassion. The modern capitalist economy requires systematic disobedience of these, our most cherished principles. This column will defend these principles and fight to do away with the system that attacks them. This is the meaning of good news to the poor and liberation of the captives in today's world. But the success of the great religions is their mass appeal which socializes an ethic of benign aspiration.
Worship comes from contemplation.
The easing of material suffering leads to a fuller appreciation of life, the universe and everything, and on to the self-fulfillment and spiritual realization that could develop better thereby. It does not happen more or better the other way around, if at all or ever. The worship and adoration of the godhead does not increase in proportion to hunger and pain. That is the road to peace and freedom both in the real world and spiritually. Fidel Castro took a novel approach for his meeting with the Pope, i.e., they were both dedicated to helping the poor.