Traces of the Post Secular: Early Catholic Social Thought, the Association of Catholic Trade Unionists and the Pursuit of the Common Good

This paper will consider how early Catholic social encyclicals, while motivated by religious beliefs, often deployed secular language to describe and promote their view of social justice. A view that included a religiously motived critique of industrial capitalism and an ethical concern for the rights of workers. While these encyclicals view of justice was not acceptable to all members of society, they were expressed in language which was comprehensible to most members of the public. The article will explore how labor activists, such as the Association of Catholic Trade Unionists, understood and applied themes from these encyclicals, notably in their efforts to collaborate with non-Catholics in the formation of secular unions. It will advance the view that such collaboration may be understood as a precursor to some contemporary recommendations concerning post-secular dialogue and co-operation in the interests of justice. Particularly as formulated by Jurgen Habermas and Cardinal Blase Cupich.