1.13 Catholic Social Teaching

Catholic social teaching is a set of principles about building a just and fair society.

Human Dignity

At the heart of Catholic Social Teaching is Human Dignity

S-I-L-D-I-L

  • S – Sacred – as we are Imago Dei each human life is sacred.
  • I – Imago Dei – humans were created in the image and likeness of God
  • ‘L – Love thy neighbour, as we love ourselves’ As every human being is sacred.
  • D – Disability – Catholics believe in supporting people during their life.
  • I – Inequality – Catholic Social Teaching addresses global inequality and shapes how they approach to civi rights issues
  • L – Life – Beginning and Ending of life must be kept sacred – Catholics have strong views on abortion and euthanasia.

TASK – Learn, repeat, practice and write out again and again.

CAFOD 7 Principles of CST

SCWOPD

Solidarity –

Solidarity arises when we remember that we belong to each other. We reflect on this in a special way at Mass. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “The Eucharist commits us to the poor. To receive in truth the Body and Blood of Christ given up for us, we must recognise Christ in the poorest.”

Solidarity spurs us to stand side by side with our sisters and brothers, especially those living in poverty. 

Common Good

The common good means that the fruits of the earth belong to everyone. No one should be excluded from the gifts of creation.

Care for Creation

In the first pages of the Bible we read how God created the sun and the stars, the water and earth, and every creature. We believe Christ is the redeemer of all creation.

Everything is interconnected, and all of creation praises God. It is our Christian vocation to care for creation. 

Work and Participation

The dignity of work has been a key principle of Catholic social teaching from the very beginning.

In 1891, Pope Leo XIII issued Rerum Novarum (On Capital and Labour). He shone a light on the injustice and exploitation of workers by the rich during the Industrial Revolution. He advocated for workers to join forces and fight against inhuman conditions.

Option for the Poor

The option for the poor reminds us of God’s preferential love for the poorest and most vulnerable people. God’s love is universal; he does not side with oppressors, but loves the humble.

Peace

Peace is a cornerstone of our faith. Christ, the Prince of Peace, sacrificed himself with love on the cross.  

Dignity

We believe very human person is made in the image and likeness of God. This is a gift that we all share as fellow human beings; we are all infinitely loved by our Creator.

God is present in every human person, regardless of religion, culture, nationality, orientation or economic standing. Each one of us is unique and beautiful. We are called to treat every person and every creature with loving respect. 

TASK – Learn, repeat, practice and write out again and again.

TASK Which quote goes with which teaching?

A small number of very rich men have been able to lay upon the teeming masses of the labouring poor a yoke little better than that of slavery itself. Rerum Novarum, 1891, #3  
In truth I tell you, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers [or sisters] of mine, you did it to me. Matthew 25:40  
Who turned the wonderworld of the seas into underwater cemeteries bereft of colour and life? Catholic Bishops of the Philippines, 1988  
The spirit of the Lord is on me, for he has anointed me to bring the good news to the afflicted. He has sent me… to let the oppressed go free. Luke 4:18  
Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you. Jeremiah 1:5  
Peace… is an order that is founded in truth, nurtured and animated by charity, and brought into effect under the auspices of freedom. Pacem in Terris, 1963, #167  
You are not making a gift of your possessions to the poor person. You are handing over to them what is theirs. Saint Ambrose (340-397 AD)  

Justice, Peace and Reconciliation

Peace and reconciliation are at the heart of the gospel.

  • Catholic Social Teaching condemns the arms trade
  • It supports those who refuse to take up arms on the grounds of conscience
  • It looks to create a lasting peace in the world like there is in the Kingdom of God.
  • A peace that is experience and learn about from a relationship with God.

THE COMMON GOOD

  • The Church promotes the idea of the common good
  • This means seeking the conditions in society that promote the fulfilment of all people, both as individuals and as groups.
  • In order for people to flourish and achieve their full God-given potential society needs to promote respect for human rights and dignity of each person, space to develop spiritual and material well-being, and peace and security within society.

GAUDIUM ET SPES 29 and 78

Gaudium et Spes is a document from the Second Vatican Council and it outlines the responsibility of the Church towards social issues:

Since all men possess a rational soul and are created in God’s likeness, since they have the same nature and origin, have been redeemed by Christ and enjoy the same divine calling and destiny, the basic equality of all must receive increasingly greater recognition….

Therefore, although rightful differences exist between men, the equal dignity of persons demands that a more humane and just condition of life be brought about. For excessive economic and social differences between the members of the one human family or population groups cause scandal, and militate against social justice, equity, the dignity of the human person, as well as social and international peace.

Gaudium et Spes complete is here:

Gaudium et Spes 29

Since all (people) possess a rational soul and are created in God’s likeness, since they have the same nature and origin, have been redeemed by Christ and enjoy the same divine calling and destiny, the basic equality of all must receive increasingly greater recognition.

True, all (people) are not alike from the point of view of varying physical power and the diversity of intellectual and moral resources. Nevertheless, with respect to the fundamental rights of the person, every type of discrimination, whether social or cultural, whether based on sex, race, color, social condition, language or religion, is to be overcome and eradicated as contrary to God’s intent. For in truth it must still be regretted that fundamental personal rights are still not being universally honored. Such is the case of a woman who is denied the right to choose a husband freely, to embrace a state of life or to acquire an education or cultural benefits equal to those recognized for men.

Therefore, although rightful differences exist between (people), the equal dignity of persons demands that a more humane and just condition of life be brought about. For excessive economic and social differences between the members of the one human family or population groups cause scandal, and militate against social justice, equity, the dignity of the human person, as well as social and international peace.

Human institutions, both private and public, must labor to minister to the dignity and purpose of (humankind). At the same time let them put up a stubborn fight against any kind of slavery, whether social or political, and safeguard the basic rights of (people) under every political system. Indeed human institutions themselves must be accommodated by degrees to the highest of all realities, spiritual ones, even though meanwhile, a long enough time will be required before they arrive at the desired goal.

RED ZONE

Describe Catholic Social Teachings about Human Dignity

Describe Catholic Social Teachings about the common good

Explain why Catholics believe in human dignity

Explain why Catholics believe they should work for peace, justice and reconciliation

Summarise the key messages of Gaudium et Spes 29 and 78 in your own words.

How might a Catholic use Catholic Social Teaching to respond to a religious reason being given for terrorism carried out on abortion clinics. Use Gaudium Et Spes in your answer