Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching & Biblical Social Justice

Vocabulary flashcards to review key terms and concepts from the lecture on Catholic Social Teachings, its seven principles, and biblical foundations of social justice.

Catholic Social Teaching (CST)

The Church’s body of moral teaching—rooted in Scripture, Tradition, and papal encyclicals—that applies faith to real-world social issues such as poverty, inequality, and care for creation.

Seven Principles of CST

Core themes that guide Catholic moral action: (1) Dignity of the Human Person, (2) Call to Family, Community, and Participation, (3) Rights and Responsibilities, (4) Option for the Poor and Vulnerable, (5) Dignity of Work & Rights of Workers, (6) Solidarity, (7) Care for God’s Creation.

Dignity of the Human Person

The teaching that every human being possesses intrinsic worth because they are created in God’s image and likeness (Gen 1:26-27).

Imago Dei

Latin for “image of God”; source of human dignity, meaning dignity is a gift, not earned.

Call to Family, Community, and Participation

Principle that people have both the right and duty to participate in society; the family is the central social institution that must be supported for the common good.

Common Good

The sum total of social conditions that allow people—individually and collectively—to reach their fulfillment more fully and easily.

Rights

Things every person is entitled to—such as life, education, and basic needs—arising from human dignity and meant to protect freedom and well-being.

Responsibilities

Moral and social duties that correspond to rights, requiring us to safeguard others’ rights and promote the common good.

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

A preferential love compelling Christians to place the needs of the poor, marginalized, and defenseless first in personal and social decisions.

The Poor and Vulnerable

Orphans, refugees, homeless, victims of injustice or discrimination, the elderly, sick, disabled, and all lacking food, shelter, or companionship.

Dignity of Work & Rights of Workers

Teaching that work is a form of participating in God’s creation; workers deserve fair wages, safe conditions, rest, and respect for family life.

Fair Wages

Just compensation that allows workers to meet basic needs and support their families, recognized as a fundamental worker right.

Solidarity

A firm commitment to the human family, standing with others—especially the poor—to pursue justice, peace, and the common good.

Care for God’s Creation

Responsibility to protect the earth, its resources, animals, and future generations because the world is God’s gift to all.

Social Justice

The pursuit of equal opportunity, protection of rights, and fair treatment for all people, with special concern for the poor.

Prophet Amos

Old-Testament shepherd called to preach to Israel during economic prosperity; denounced corruption, exploitation of the poor, and demanded social change.

Matthew 25:40

Jesus’ teaching that acts of love toward “the least” are acts toward Him: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did it for me.”

Acts 2:42 Community

Early Christian model of fellowship—sharing teaching, prayers, and material goods—illustrating participation and unity in community life.

Intrinsic Human Dignity

Inherent worth of every person that forms the basis for human rights and moral responsibility (CCC 1700).

Preferential Love

God-like attitude of prioritizing the marginalized, embodying the Option for the Poor and Vulnerable in personal and societal decisions.