Social Justice Midterm

materialism

a philosophy that prioritizes physical possessions and comfort over spiritual or moral values

common good

the total of social conditions that allow all individuals and groups to reach fulfillment and flourish

• opposes self centered or competitive attitudes that undermine community well being

Catholic social teachings - 7 Principles

1. life and dignity of the human person

2. call to family, community, and participation

3. rights and responsibilities

4. option for the poor and vulnerable

5. the dignity of work and rights of workers

6. solidarity

7. care for god’s creation

last judgment

moment when christ reveals the truth of each person’s life , showing how their actions affected others and the world

rights

• moral or legal entitlements that belong to every human being

saint

a holy person recognized for extraordinary virtue and closeness to God, often formally canonized

social responsibility

a moral duty to contribute to the common good, promote justice, and care for society

golden rule

treat others as you wish to be treated- central to Christian ethics

moral law

ethnical principles that guide human behavior according to Gods design

generosity

freely giving/sharing with others

legal justice

fair application and enforcement of laws

mystical body of christ

a title for the church emphasizing unity through diverse members

natural law (st Thomas aquinas)

human reason participating in God’s eternal law

dignity

 Inherent worth of each person, independent of status, background, or ability.

Spiritual Goods

 Those that help a person pursue truth, moral goodness, and a relationship with God.

Totalitarianism

● A system where the state holds total authority and suppresses individual freedom.

pastoral letter

 A formal teaching letter from a bishop addressing moral, spiritual, or social issues.

sin

● A deliberate offense against God and neighbor; contrary to God’s eternal law.

Public Good

● A resource available to everyone that is not diminished by individual use (e.g., clean air).

capitalism

 An economic system based on private ownership, markets, and limited government intervention.

Divine Revelation

• God making Himself and His plan known through Scripture and tradition.

Preferential Option for the Poor

● Helping the vulnerable first; ensuring their needs are prioritized.

Freedom (Christian Understanding)

● The capacity to choose the good and live according to moral truth.

The Last Judgment

 Christ’s final revelation of truth at the end of time.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux

● Entered a convent at 15; Doctor of the Church; taught the “Little Way” of small acts done with great love.

10 Commandments

• 1.) I am the Lord thy God. ...

• 2.) Thou shall not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.

• 3.) Remember to keep holy the Lord's day.

• 4.) Honor thy father and mother.

• 5.) Thou shall not kill.

• 6.) Thou shall not commit adultery.

• 7.) Thou shall not steal.

• 8.) Thou shall not bear false witness against thy neighbor.

Themes You Should Know

● Christ uses people who surrender to Him, regardless of their background.

● Humans have inherent dignity because they are made in God’s image.

● The common good includes everyone, not just some.

● Golden Rule teaches selfless love, not self-centeredness.

● Friendship is essential because humans are relational. We are not meant to be alone.

● Property includes legitimate possessions and fruits of labor.

● CST calls us to honor the dignity of the vulnerable most particularly so we can be their voice.

● Pope Leo XIII is the founder of modern CST.

● Prudence involves careful, wise, moral decision-making.

● Public goods are available to all and not diminished by use.

Communism definition - MUST KNOW

Eliminates private property; government controls wealth.

Tyranny - MUST KNOW

Oppressive absolute rule.

 Social Responsibility

Duties owed to society in charity and justice.

 Anarchy

Absence of authority or law.

 Law

Ordinance of reason for the common good.

Divine Revelation

God revealing Himself over time.

 Prudence

Virtue of right reason in action.

Distributive Justice

What society owes individuals.

common good

conditions for human flourishing

Private Good

Belongs to an individual by right.

St. Martin de Porres- SHORT ANSWER

Know facts such as:

● Mixed-race heritage; faced discrimination.

● Dominican lay brother.

● Known for humility, charity, miracles of healing.

● Patron saint of social justice, mixed-race people, and the poor.

St. Bernard of Clairvaux - SHORT ANSWER

Know:

● A major monastic reformer.

● Doctor of the Church.

● Spiritual writer; emphasized love of God.

● Found inspiration in nature.

St. Katharine Drexel

Know:

● American heiress who founded Xavier University.

● Founded Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.

● Served Native American and African American communities.

● Devoted her wealth and life to justice and education.

False Gods & Distractions

Examples:

● Wealth, popularity, power, technology, celebrities, achievements.

● Anything that becomes more important than God or moral values.

Justice & Charity Relationship

 Justice: Giving others what is owed to them by right.

● Charity: Giving beyond what is owed out of love.

● Both together promote harmony, fairness, and community.

Essay Option 1: How the Church Influences Society

Be able to explain:

 Teaching authority (Magisterium), not political authority.

● Promotes dignity, justice, peace, moral truth.

● Forms consciences through CST.

● Advocates human rights, charity, and solidarity.

Essay Option 2: Individualism & Human Dignity

Study:

● Definition of individualism: prioritizing self above community.

● How it harms community, solidarity, interdependence.

● Impact on dignity: leads to isolation, inequality, and neglect of the vulnerable