In-Depth Notes on Catholic Social Teaching

The Church as a Guide in Social Justice

• Starting Points for Justice

  • Identifying where to begin
  • Determining the right course of action
  • Prioritizing societal issues

• Catholic Social Teaching (CST)

  • Definition: Framework for reflection, judgment criteria, and guidance for action.
  • Origins: Combination of Salvation History and Magisterium (Scripture and Tradition).
  • Goal: To work towards the Common Good.

Themes of Catholic Social Teaching

Theme 1: Life and Dignity of the Human Person

• Core Principles:

  • Human life, created and redeemed by God, is sacred.
  • Each person bears dignity as created in the image and likeness of God.
  • The Incarnation signifies Jesus's identification with all.

• Human Dignity Characteristics:

  • Inherent: It's part of our being.
  • Inviolable: Cannot be violated under any circumstances.
  • Inalienable: Cannot be taken away or diminished.

• Behavior Influences:

  • Personalistic norm: Treat persons as unique individuals, not means to an end.
  • Society should serve people, not the other way around.

• Current Cultural Challenges:

  • Issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and capital punishment.
  • Abortion defined as the intentional killing of a child; life begins at conception.

Theme 2: Call to Family, Community, and Participation

• Role of Family:

  • Foundation of society, moral education, and individual potential development.

• Nature of Marriage:

  • Built on God's design as a mutual good and fruitful partnership, reflecting the Trinity.

• Common Good:

  • Definition: Conditions allowing people to reach fulfillment.
  • Encourages all to participate for the common good, emphasizing subsistence and responsibility.

Theme 3: Rights and Responsibilities

• Fundamental Human Rights:

  • Rights grounded in human dignity and natural law.
  • Categories include:
  • Right to life
  • Moral and cultural rights (freedom of speech, worship, etc.)
  • Economic and political rights (employment, assembly, etc.).

• Balancing Rights and Responsibilities:

  • Rights come with duties to preserve and respect others' rights.

Theme 4: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

• Preferential Option for the Poor:

  • Prioritize the needs of the poor and transform unjust social structures.
  • Identify material and spiritual poverty, urging action.

• Universal Destination of Goods:

  • The earth's resources should benefit everyone. Responsibility to share them arises from ownership rights.

• Direct vs. Social Action:

  • Direct Action: Immediate charity and assistance.
  • Social Action: Addressing systemic root causes of poverty.

Theme 5: Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers

• Work's Significance:

  • Participation in God's creative action; work benefits society and individuals.

• Rights of Workers:

  • Just wages, safe working conditions, and the right to organize (e.g., unions).

• Keeping the Lord’s Day:

  • Importance of rest in maintaining spiritual and physical health.

Theme 6: Solidarity

• Understanding Solidarity:

  • Emphasizes interconnectedness as part of the human family, promoting common good.

• Moral Responsibility:

  • Solidarity demands collective action and compassion beyond passive feelings.

• Challenges to Solidarity:

  • Discrimination, prejudice, and racism that deny dignity and rights.

Conclusion

• Each theme emphasizes the intrinsic dignity of human life, interconnectedness, and the necessity of advocating for justice through a lens of care and respect. Engaging with these principles is crucial for fostering a community committed to the welfare of all individuals, particularly the most vulnerable.