unit 2 Catholic social jsutice

sin has three dimensions

personal social structural

every sin has a personal dimension in which

it harms our relationship with God and others

the social dimension of sin affects society and the world thorugh

hurting people through attacks on life, freedom, dignity, or human rights
hurting Gods creation through practices that harm the land and Gods creatures

three things we can do to respond to pain and suffering in the world

aware, analyze, action

awareness

who are the poor and vulnerable people in our community, our nation and in other parts of the world?

analysis

what is needed in order for the poor and vulnerable people of the world to experience love and justice?

action

how are we called to act so that poor and vulnerable people may live in dignity

two forms of social action

works of charity, works of justice

what are works of charity

direct response to someone in need
makes an immediate difference
symbolized by the corporal and spiritual works of mercy

what are works of justice

seeks to transform sinful social sturctures
provides a long term solution
requires coordinated, long term commitment to education, public witness and advocacy

corporal works of mercy

feed the hungry
give drink to the thirsty
shelter the homeless
adresses ones physical or bodily needs

spritual works of mercy

instruct the ignorant
counsel the doubtful
comfort the sorrowful
admonish the sinner

the role of the state

the state plays a part in Gods plan of salvation
the state is the civil authority intended to achieve the common good
the state recognizes, respects, defends and promotes citizens right and individuals freedom to pursue rights

three functions of civil authority

executive: essential services provided and regulated
legislative: laws and human rights protected
judicial: laws fairly enforced and injustices corrected

fuctions of public authroity

needed in a complex global society
support international justice and peace

the role of citizens

moral responsibility to fufil civil obligations
participation in the political life of society

if human reason and gods law lead us to believe a civil law or authority is morally wrong____

we are morally obligated to reset it