Catholic Social Teaching Chapter 3 Study Guide (Waitkus)

In what stages does the Church support the protection of human life?

Every stage

What is the Church's moral position on abortion?

Abortion is wrong (in the majority of cases). Human life begins at conception; the right to life outweighs the freedom of choice and privacy.

What principles in abortion are violated and why?

Right to Life and Human Dignity

How many abortions are committed in the United States each year?

Approximately 1 million per year.

How many abortions are committed world-wide each year?

Approximately 73 million per year.

How many abortions (in the United States) have been committed since Roe v Wade?

Over 65 million abortions since Roe v Wade (1973)

What is the Principle of Double Effect?

There's two actions and both f*cking suck. As it relates to our class, in cases of pregnancy where the mother's life is at risk, abortion is morally permissible.

What is euthanasia?

The intentional ending of life to relieve pain and suffering. "Mercy killing"

What 4 factors have led to a greater acceptance of euthanasia in today's society?

1.Our culture sees no value in suffering. 2. Growth in individualism. 3. "Cost-effective" mentality. 4. "Right to Die" mentality.

What is the Seamless Garment?

The idea that we must maintain a constant ethic of life. Human dignity is constant and cannot change. Cardinal Joseph Bernadin said this.

What are some challenges associated with capital punishment?

It is a very uneconomical solution, as the court repeals and trials cost loads of money. It does not grant closure to most victims. The deterrence aspect has evidence against it, with lower murders in non-capital punishment countries. It is also subject to the inherent bias of the American legal system.

What is the purpose of punishment, and what factor is removed by capital punishment?

The purpose of capital punishment is to serve retribution, deterrence, and reform. You can't really reform if you're dead AF.

What motivations often exist FOR capital punishment?

Mainly revenge.

What is is the Church's teaching on capital punishment and its relationship with society today?

The Church gives a 100% hard NO.

What is the Church's history with capital punishment?

It used to be their #1 thing in the middle ages. Then, they changed it to, "well we don't like it but we're not gonna do anything about it. So add a clause that says 'extreme cases' and we good". Now, they just don't like it at all.

What is the Law of Non-Retaliation and some scripture to back it up?

Basically the idea of "turn the other cheek". Another example when Jesus says "let he who is without sin cast the first stone."

What is the difference between adult and embryonic stem cells?

Embryonic stem cells can turn into ANY type of body cell. Adult stem cells are limited in their choices.

What is the difficulty with harvesting adult stem cells?

There isn't a lot of them, they break easily, and can't multiply very well.

Why is obtaining embryonic stem cells so much easier?

The embryo makes a TON as fetus development begins. So, they can just isolate an egg and sperm into a test tube, and farm it like a roblox tycoon.

What is the Church's position on stem cell research? Why?

They are fine with most adult stem cell research. But, they HATE embryonic research. It's because they're basically farming a baby and then just sliming it out once they are done with it (considering that conception, and therefore life, occurs)

What was the famous court case that legalized abortion in the United States?

Roe v Wade

What stage does life begin?

Conception

What were the three over-arching factors that influence abortion?

1. Breakdown of family structure 2. Outside influence 3. Growth of individualism

What are the different circumstances tied with abortion, and what is the Church's teaching on those?

Rape & Incest are examples. The Church teaches a consistent ethic of life; life is life despite how it came into being.

In what situation is it allowed to get an abortion?

When the mother's life is at stake because at that point it's preservation of life.

What is the difference between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells?

Adult stem cells are more limited in what they can become, embryonic stem cells can become anything. Embryonic cells are more easily obtained and are used in research. Adult stem cells are more used in treatment.

What is the morale problem with embryonic stem cell research?

Life begins at conception, you're conceiving a living being and then killing it in a lab setting.

What determines if something is considered ordinary means?

It depends on the individual and circumstance. What is considered ordinary means to one person may be extraordinary to another.

What are extraordinary and ordinary means NOT determined by?

Treatment

What are the 3 reasons for punishment?

1. Reform 2. Retribution 3. Deterrence

What is the reason the Church opposes capital punishment?

One purpose of punishment is to reform. When you're dead you can't exactly be rehabilitated so like... at least the other 2 reasons are still there

Briefly describe the Seamless Garment

We uphold the value of life consistently and seamlessly, in every situation. We are strengthened if we are consistent across the board.