Philosophies at War: Essays on Christianity, Conflict and Democracy

Writing during World War II, bishop Fulton J. Sheen philosophically discusses the position of faith and Christianity in a world enveloped by violent conflict. The author is determined to voice how the totalitarian governments of the time, such as that of fascist Germany, are by nature opposed to religious faith. He also deems such extreme political creeds as 'anti-human', being as they seek to subdue faith and humanity's relationship with God in favor of utmost devotion to fascist-nationalist ideas. Thus the war is not simply a pursuit of defeating a hostile enemy and ideology, but a mission to lead the world back to peace, Godly morality, and American concepts of democracy and justice. Looking ahead to when peace is restored, Sheen calls for a deep reevaluation of the political and economic systems which prefaced the outbreak of totalitarian ideology and ultimately war. Quoting Pope Pius XII in support of his arguments, the author deems the ceaseless pursuit of material possession corrosive. The mechanical attainments of evermore efficient and abundant production are not accompanied by a moral betterment. Man's overarching command of the Earth and its resources, plus the emergence of mass media, increases the potential for the unscrupulous to do great harm.