Denying human transcendence

Denying transcendence to man

Claim

The Christian who wishes to live his faith in a political activity which he thinks of as service cannot without contradicting himself adhere to ideological systems which radically or substantially go against his faith and his concept of man. He cannot adhere to the Marxist ideology, to its atheistic materialism, to its dialectic of violence and to the way it absorbs individual freedom in the collectivity, at the same time denying all transcendence to man and his personal and collective history. (Papal Writings, 14 May 1971).

Counter-claim

Denying human transcendence is a trivial concern in the grand scheme of existence. Humanity's focus should be on tangible issues like climate change, poverty, and social justice, rather than abstract philosophical debates. The notion that we are not transcendent beings does not diminish our capacity for compassion, innovation, or progress. Instead of fixating on existential musings, we should channel our energy into improving the world we inhabit and uplifting one another.