Catholic Social Teaching and Church History Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering Catholic Social Teaching, natural law, economic systems, Marxism vs CST, and key Catholic saints and figures.

Catholic Social Teaching

The Church's social doctrine, articulated as she interprets events in history with the assistance of the Holy Spirit in the light of Revelation.

Magisterium

The official teaching authority of the Church, bestowed by Jesus onto Peter, the Apostles, and their successors (the pope and College of Bishops). Its authority extends to specific precepts of the natural law.

Natural Law

Moral knowledge written in every human heart that every human person innately possesses; it is universal, permanent, and unchanging.

Natural Law (St. Thomas Aquinas Definition)

The light of understanding infused in us by God, whereby we understand what must be avoided, given to man by God at creation.

Ten Commandments (Division of Justice)

The first 3 deal with justice toward God, while the last 7 point to justice among social relationships with people.

Capitalism

An economic and political system in which trade and industry are controlled by private owners for profit.

Socialism

A social-economic system based on the common ownership of the means of production and exchange of wealth.

Communism

A social or political system in which all economic and social activity is controlled by a totalitarian government dominated by a single political party.

Solidarity

The virtue of social charity, friendship, and responsible sharing whereby the interdependence among all people is recognized.

Stewardship

The proper use of the gifts God has given us, in particular, the care for creation that will allow the earth and its resources to flourish and last for future generations.

Subsidiarity

The moral principle that large organizations or governments should not interfere with or take over responsibilities that can be administered by individuals and local organizations, but should support them focusing on the common good.

Karl Marx

A philosopher and revolutionary who worked for change to transform society and developed the Marxist program aimed at eliminating classes to eliminate class injustices.

Marxism

A system wherein the state owns and regulates the means of production and distribution of goods.

Eschatology

The branch of theology focused on the final events of history, the end of the world, and the ultimate destiny of humankind.

Anthropology (Marxism vs CST)

Marxism views the person as an economic, materialist being part of a class, whereas CST views the person as a child of God with dignity, a soul, and free will.

Social Driver (Marxism vs CST)

Marxism holds that progress comes through conflict, whereas CST holds that progress comes through communion and cooperation.

Means to a Change (Marxism vs CST)

Marxism relies on revolution and overthrow of the existing order, whereas CST relies on conversion of heart and structural reform via solidarity and subsidiarity.

Property (Marxism vs CST)

Marxism views private property as the root of oppression, whereas CST views private property as a right with a social mortgage.

Role of the State (Marxism vs CST)

Marxism asserts that the state owns and regulates all production, whereas CST asserts that under subsidiarity, the state supports local initiative.

The Problem (Marxism vs CST)

Marxism identifies the problem as a broken system (capitalism), whereas CST identifies sin as the root where persons and social structures both need healing.

Ultimate Hope (Marxism vs CST)

Marxism places ultimate hope in the Communist Revolution / Worker's Paradise, whereas CST places ultimate hope in the Kingdom of God / Redemption in Christ.

St. Mother Teresa

Canonized September 4, 2016; founded the Missionaries of Charity in 1950; patron saint of the archdiocese of Calcutta; associated with spiritual loneliness.

Pope Leo XIII

Began the Catholic Church’s teaching on social justice, felt justice for workers, created a St. Michael prayer, and lived to age 93 without being canonized.

St. JP2

Known as the 'White-Martyr', patron saint of World Youth Day, and forgave his would-be assassin in prison.

St. Lawrence

Martyred on a red grid iron, gave all his fortunes to the poor, and is the patron saint of cooks and librarians.

St. Martin de Porres

First black saint in the Americas, known as 'Brother Broom' for doing small things, could communicate with animals, and faced discrimination when trying to join the Dominican order.

St. Elizabeth of Hungary

Russian royalty who sold all her possessions, founded the Franciscan order, and is the patron saint of hospitals and nurses.

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

First American canonized saint and patron saint of Catholic schools; a widow with 5 children who took a vow of poverty.

St. Gasper

Fought unarmed, refused Napoleon (leading to imprisonment), helped provide safety for the homeless, and is the patron saint of travelers and pilgrims.

St. Pier Giorgio

Fought against Benito Mussolini's regime, contracted polio from helping the sick, and canonized in 2025.

Blessed Frederic Ozanam

Founder of the 'Society of St. Vincent de Paul' who died of tuberculosis.

St. Gianna Beretta

Known as the 'Martyr of Maternal Love', operated a clinic for the less fortunate, and insisted doctors save her baby.

St. Katherine Drexel

Racial activist during the Jim Crow era who built 60 schools, founded Xavier University of Louisiana, and received hate for helping minorities.

Dorothy Day

Began as an atheist, converted to Catholicism after personal struggles, held the title 'Servant of God', and iterated WWII.