Seven Major Themes Of Catholic Social Teaching
Seven major themes of Catholic Social Teaching and current world issues
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." Matt. 5:9
"Peace" and "justice" are powerful words, inspiring words, and extremely challenging words. There is a large body of Catholic Social teaching today that calls us to be disciples of Christ in the world and "peace and justice" are at the heart of that discipleship. So what are the seven basic themes of Catholic Social Teaching and how do they challenge us to live in today's world? They are often referred to as "the best kept secret of the Catholic Church." Maybe that's because many Catholics are just not aware of these teachings and the challenges they present.
The Church views itself as a community that struggles to shape a world where each person is treated with dignity and respect. In Pope John Paul's encyclical, "The Gospel of Life," he appeals to every human person, in the name of God, to respect, protect and serve, every human life!" The Church calls us to respond to people's present needs such as hunger and homelessness, but we must not stop there. We are also called to work to change the policies, structures, and systems that perpetuate injustice through legislative advocacy, community organizing, and work with social change organizations.
Here are listed the seven major themes of Catholic Social Teaching and current world issues which challenge these teachings as they are listed on "Justice and Service Ideas" by Joe Grant, St. Mary's Press.
Life is sacred, and the dignity of the human person is to be respected.
World practices: Capital punishment, legalized abortion, materialism, pornography, unrestrained commercialism, drug trafficking, abuse, and euthanasia.
All people are equal and have the right to participate fully in the life of their community.
World practices: Individualism, class divisions and stereotyping gender discrimination, ethic, racial and religious intolerance, neglect of immigrants and refugees.
All people are to be afforded human rights and challenged to live up to human responsibilities.
World practices: Institutionalized racism, neglect of minority communities, ethnic genocide, imprisonment of political dissidents, abuse of prisoners, denial of political and social freedom.
We are called to emulate God by showing a special preference for those who are poor and weak.
World practices: Neglect of those who are poor, those who are older, women and children, lack of affordable housing and medical care for those who are needy, a growing gap between impoverished and wealthy people and nations.
We work to continue God's plan for the earth. Work is dignified when worker's rights are protected, and the economy serves the needs of all people.
World practices: Displacement of people from their land, widespread unemployment, unjust labor practices, low wages in impoverished countries, sweatshops, child labor, global systems of economic injustice.
We belong to a global family and are challenged to promote peace and solidarity.
World practices: Nationalism and economic competition, ethnic division, persecution of minority populations, small and large scale military conflicts, gang violence.
We share one planet; we are stewards of God's garden earth.
World practices: Environmental destruction, loss of habitat for creatures and people, unsustainable consumption of global resources.
"Let justice flow like a river." Amos 5:24
'-from: Holy Name of Jesus church bulletin 10/20/2002 Rochester, New York-'
