“How, then, shall we live our life?”
Catholic Social Teaching (CST) contains a set of 'principles for reflection' to form our conscience, 'critera for judgement' to evaluate the framework of society, and 'directives for action'
Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
CHAPTER ONE - GOD'S PLAN OF LOVE FOR HUMANITY
CHAPTER TWO - THE CHURCH'S MISSION AND SOCIAL DOCTRINE
CHAPTER THREE - THE HUMAN PERSON AND HUMAN RIGHTS
CHAPTER FOUR - PRINCIPLES OF THE CHURCH'S SOCIAL DOCTRINE
CHAPTER FIVE - THE FAMILY, THE VITAL CELL OF SOCIETY
CHAPTER EIGHT - THE POLITICAL COMMUNITY
CHAPTER NINE - THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
CHAPTER TEN - SAFEGUARDING THE ENVIRONMENT
CHAPTER ELEVEN - THE PROMOTION OF PEACE
John Paul II wrote the Encyclical "Laborem Exercens" in 1981, on the occasion of the 90th anniversary of Leo XIII's Encyclical "Rerum Novarum" on the question of labor. It was signed on September 14, feast of the Holy Cross.
In it he develops the concept of man's dignity in work, structuring it in four points: the subordination of work to man; the primacy of the worker over the whole of instruments and conditioning that historically constitute the world of labor; the rights of the human person as the determining factor of all socio-economic, technological and productive processes, that must be recognized; and some elements that can help all men identify with Christ through their own work.
The Encyclical has an introduction and four chapters: "Work and Man," "Conflict Between Labor and Capital in the Present Phase of History," "Rights of Workers," and "Elements for a Spirituality of Work." catholic-pages.com
"Pope Paul VI wrote the encyclical Populorum Progressio in 1967 to address the world economy and its effect on peoples around the world. At this time many nations saw their economic development stall, while others continued to grow at a record pace. In the document he talks about the rights of workers to a just wage, job security, reasonable working conditions, and to join a worker’s association." justmecatholicfaith.wordpress.com
"Pope John XXIII begins this encyclical by reviewing the major points of The Condition of Labor and The Reconstruction of the Social Order. He notes that new political, social, and economic developments have necessitated Christianity and Social Progress. He confirms previous papal teaching on the value of private initiative, just remuneration for work, and the social function of private property. John XXIII then treats the questions of agriculture and aid to developing countries. He urges a reconstruction of social relationships according to the principles of Catholic social teaching and states the responsibility of individual Christians to work for a more just world." educationforjustice.org
"In Rerum Novarum Pope Leo XIII examines the situation of the poor people and workers in industrialized countries. He states several important principles that should guide the response to these people. He then articulates the role of the Church, workers and employers, and the law and public authorities in working together to build a just society. Employers are given the major role as agents for change." educationforjustice.org
2,000 Years of Catholic Ethics by Rob Esdaille
At its core, Catholic Social Teaching is simply the attempt to spell out the ethical consequences of the confession, “Jesus is Lord,” for the way in which we live. It is important to note that it is faith which is the starting-point for this reflection, not simply concern about particular issues facing society.
Such reflection has been a feature of Christian faith since the first Easter. The first believers in Jerusalem had to learn how to relate their new faith to the faith of Judaism (Ac 2.42-7) and how it should change their attitudes to property (Ac 4.32-7), to their pagan neighbours and to their persecutors. They had to come to terms with the ways in which paganism underpinned so much of public life, from the food in the markets (Ro 14.1ff) to the worship of the emperor (1 Tim 2.1-4). And they sought to make sense of their experience of the equality of all believers within the stratified and slave-owning society they knew (Gal 3.25-8; Col 3.11).
Later on, in the High Middle Ages, Catholic theologians were key players in the attempt to restrict the violence unleashed by warring princes, developing what became “The Just War” theory, with its various checks and balances.
St. Francis is now remembered for rethinking our relationship to the natural world. During the colonisation of the Americas Spanish, Dominican and Jesuit theologians upheld the dignity of the indigenous peoples whose lands were being invaded (Think of the film, The Mission), and laid the foundation for much of the modern concern for human rights. Whatever the limitations of their approaches, they made a serious attempt to think systematically about the moral value of human actions.
Introductory Statement: The Situation of Men in the Modern World
"Pope Paul VI begins this letter by urging greater efforts for justice and noting the duties of local churches to respond to specific situations. The Pope then discusses a wide variety of new social problems which stem from urbanization. These issues include women, youth, and the 'new poor.' Paul VI next treats modern aspirations and ideas, especially liberalism and Marxism. He stresses the need to ensure equality and the right of all to participate in society. He concludes this letter by encouraging all Christians to reflect on their contemporary situations, apply Gospel principles, and take political action when appropriate." educationforjustice.org
Biography: who is JORGE MARIO BERGOGLIO?
