Catholic Social Teaching: Interdependence, Sin, and Justice Principles

Interdependent

All creation is interconnected; human actions affect others and the environment.

Systems/Systems Theory

Society operates through interconnected systems (e.g., economic, political) that influence behavior and justice.

Ecological/Ethical/Theological/Physical/Political/Socio-economic

Dimensions of human life that intersect in justice issues (e.g., ecological justice considers environmental ethics).

Brokenness

The state of disharmony in relationships with God, others, self, and creation due to sin.

Personal Sin

Individual acts against God's will (e.g., lying).

Systemic Sin

Injustices embedded in societal structures (e.g., poverty perpetuated by economic systems).

Original Sin

The inherited tendency toward sin from Adam and Eve's disobedience.

Grace

God's free gift of love and strength to overcome sin and live justly.

Culture of Life vs. Culture of Death

Promoting dignity and life (e.g., protecting the unborn) vs. actions that devalue life (e.g., abortion, euthanasia).

7 Themes of Catholic Social Teaching

Life and Dignity of the Human Person, Call to Family, Community, and Participation, Rights and Responsibilities, Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers, Solidarity, Care for God's Creation.

Individualism

Focusing only on personal gain, ignoring others' suffering.

Hopelessness

Despair in the face of suffering.

Enlightened Self-Interest

Acting for others' good, recognizing mutual benefit.

Compassion

Empathetic action to alleviate suffering.

Marginalized

Groups excluded from societal benefits (e.g., the poor, refugees).

Participation

The right and duty to contribute to the common good.

Common Good

Conditions allowing all to thrive (e.g., access to education).

Subsidiarity

Decisions should be made at the lowest effective level (e.g., local communities handle local issues).

Survival Rights

Basic needs (food, shelter, water).

Thrival Rights

Needs for flourishing (education, freedom).

Responsibilities

Duties to respect others' rights and contribute to society.

Encyclical

A papal letter addressing moral or social issues (e.g., Rerum Novarum).

The Enlightenment

Emphasized reason, individualism, and secularism, influencing modern thought.

Industrial Revolution

Shift to factory-based economies, leading to worker exploitation.

Capital/Capitalism

Economic system based on private ownership and profit.

Socialism/Communism/Karl Marx

Marx critiqued capitalism, advocating collective ownership; communism seeks classless society.

Rerum Novarum (1891)

Pope Leo XIII's encyclical defending workers' rights and critiquing both capitalism and socialism.

Hope

Trust in God's plan for justice and redemption.

Catholic Worker/Dorothy Day

Movement founded by Day to serve the poor and advocate for peace and justice.