Catholic Social Teaching: Morality, Justice, and Human Dignity

MORALITY (M)

Anything having to do with right or wrong, whether personal or communal.

SOCIAL JUSTICE (SJ)

Anything having to do with right or wrong that affects us or occurs on a communal level.

ETHICS (E)

Systems of right & wrong within a specific context.

Creation

All that is created, is the work of God, a testament to God, and sacred.

Human Dignity

Being made by God and being made in God's image gives us high inherent dignity.

Stewardship

Moral responsibility for fellow humans: respect, care, and ultimately love.

Personhood

To be human is to be a person, never to be treated like an object.

Uniqueness

Each person is an end in and of themselves, never simply a means to some goal.

Existential Relationship

I exist in constant relationship with all other humans and all Creation.

Social Existence

We exist because of others and are sustained by others.

Justice

A concept that has many definitions, rooted in biblical justice.

Social Justice Definition

Society ensures social justice when it provides the conditions that allow associations or individuals to obtain what is their due, according to their nature and their vocation.

Common Good

Social justice is linked to the common good and the exercise of authority.

Genesis 1:27

Humans are made in the 'image of God' or imago dei.

CCC 356

The human is 'able to know & love their Creator.'

CCC 357

The human is 'capable of self-knowledge & a free self-gift.'

CCC 357 (2)

The human is 'not just something, but someone.'

Moral Responsibility

Being made in God's image gives us high moral responsibility for the rest of Creation.

Interconnectedness

Humans are relational, social beings interconnected and interdependent.

Biblical Justice

The definitions of justice in this presentation all have their roots in biblical justice.

Social Justice

The primary responsibility for social justice rests with the social institutions that make up society—governments, businesses, and other civic organizations.

Moral Consciousness

To be aware of right & wrong; to affirm the moral responsibility of humans for our actions.

Conscience

Moral judgement by the power of one's mind & reason.

Social Consciousness

Being aware of what is happening in the world around me and having an awareness of the effects of human actions on other humans and the rest of Creation.

Historical Consciousness

The development of awareness of historical events and their impact on society.

Dignity and Value of Human Life

A major tenet of Catholic Social Teaching emphasizing the inherent worth of every individual.

Essential Role of Strong Family and Community

A major tenet of Catholic Social Teaching highlighting the importance of family and community structures.

Recognition of Rights & Responsibilities

A major tenet of Catholic Social Teaching that acknowledges the rights of individuals and their corresponding responsibilities.

Option for the Poor and the Vulnerable

A major tenet of Catholic Social Teaching that prioritizes the needs of the marginalized.

Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers

A major tenet of Catholic Social Teaching that emphasizes the importance of fair treatment in the workplace.

Solidarity for Those Who Suffer

A major tenet of Catholic Social Teaching that encourages support for individuals in distress.

Care for God's Creation

A major tenet of Catholic Social Teaching advocating for environmental stewardship.

Sin

An act against God, neighbor, or self; an act against the eternal, universal law.

Criteria of Sin

Three criteria: matter, knowledge, deliberate consent. (CCC 1857)

Right/Wrong

Describing the moral quality of actions and decisions.

Good/Bad

Describing the moral quality of outcomes and individuals.

Character

The moral and ethical quality of who a person is becoming.

Love

To will the good of another. St. Thomas Aquinas.

Values

Ideals and visions in a moral sense - may or may not be realized.

Virtues

Positive habits in a moral sense.

Vices

Negative habits in a moral sense.

Cowardice

An unvirtuous extreme opposite of courage.

Courage

A virtuous habit characterized by bravery.

Recklessness

An unvirtuous extreme opposite of courage.