CST Historical Development Overview

Catholic Social Teaching (CST) Historical Development

• CST is the church's vision of the church in society
• Development is analyzed through several stages
• Early practices focus on charity
• Duty to give is established in scripture
• Living in luxury while others are in want is condemned and considered unfair
• Early church had charitable practices

Study

• Grounding lessons in real life circumstances is vital
• Recognizing prior beliefs and questions is necessary
• Addressing current concerns and realities is crucial
• Encouraging interest is important in learning

Research

• Approaching the subject from diverse opinions and angles is essential
• Evaluating various disciplines and perspectives is important
• Appraising different views is part of this stage

Analysis

• Articulating questions with other disciplines and reflecting on them is key
• Looking at the question in light of the Christian faith and other disciplines is crucial
• Considering other viewpoints is significant for a thorough understanding

Historical Development of Catholic Social Teachings

• The question: How did the Social Teachings of the Church develop? is explored.
• Discussion centers on justice, a key virtue for both God and humankind.

Justice

• Justice is a virtue that inclines people to give what is due—to God and humanity.

Micah 6:8

• This biblical verse highlights the importance of justice, mercy, and a humble relationship with God.

Christ's Role in Society

• Christ, as a teacher, prioritizes persons over laws and emphasizes virtues like justice and charity over legal codes.
• This principle is based on Luke 10:25-37.
• Christ preaches the Kingdom of God through metanoia (heart conversion), which is non-violent, and hopes for its future realization.
• Christ is a liberator, both physically and spiritually.

Early Christians' Social Involvement

• Early Christians followed Christ's example, including the duty to give to the needy, and ensuring the support of those like youths, widows, and those who are destitute.

Middle Ages

• Even with institutionalization within the Roman Empire, the church actively advocated for social justice
• St. Thomas Aquinas emphasized the importance of justice in wealth distribution
• This includes legitimate authority, just cause and right intention for just war situations.

Dark Ages/Medieval Period vs Age of Enlightenment

• Enlightenment values reason and autonomy, contrasting with the faith-based obedience of the Middle Ages
• The Church, during the Middle Ages, was perceived by Enlightenment thinkers as promoting ignorance and oppression through emphasizing faith and obedience.

Industrial Revolution

• Roughly 1760-1850
• Originated in England
• Saw new technology
• Led to factories and salaried workers
• Mass production led to excess
• This resulted in profit and the rise of the market.
• Capitalism emerged.

Birth of Capitalism and Critique of Socialism

• Capitalism prioritizes profit.
• Markets are designed for profit-driven capital owners.
• This prioritization aims to increase the initial capital.

Two Values Promoted by Capitalism

• Social Mobility: Earning a better social status based on effort
• Self-Direction: Taking responsibility for one's future.
• Private property.

Objections Against Capitalism

• Capitalism's self-direction, social mobility, and private property principles are criticized for primarily benefiting the wealthy and able members of society.
• Issues like unjust resource distribution, the gap between rich and poor, and the isolation of people are highlighted.

Socialism Promotes Two Alternative Principles

• Common Ownership: Replacing private property with shared ownership.
• Government Control: Government control to enact common good.

Modern Social Teaching of the Church

• The first social encyclical, Rerum Novarum, was written due to significant social changes, especially industrialization and conflicts.
• The encyclical shows that the church has always considered societal issues, but its teaching on social matters began in a new way.

Action and Assessment

• Design a slogan that promotes equality based on shared humanity

Explore the historical development of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) and its impact on the church's vision in society. This quiz analyzes the stages of CST, from early charitable practices to its broader ethical implications. Engage with diverse perspectives and real-life applications of CST principles.