Social-Justice-and-principles.pdf

CHRISTIAN MORALITY Theo3  How do our individual choices affect the world? Does Christian morality have anything to say about these issues? We are social beings by nature and we are linked to the rest of humanity. The choices we make affect others, even if we are unaware or unknowingly...

CHRISTIAN MORALITY Theo3  How do our individual choices affect the world? Does Christian morality have anything to say about these issues? We are social beings by nature and we are linked to the rest of humanity. The choices we make affect others, even if we are unaware or unknowingly of it. Even private thoughts and acts change us therefore they have the potential to affect others. Social Justice: Reflecting God's Image in Our Actions  Social Justice The moral principles God calls society to follow and the moral judgments.God calls society to make to ensure the rights of individuals and groups encompass what we call social justice. Social justice is fairness as it manifests in society. The Catholic Church defines social justice as actions that recognize the fundamental dignity and worth of every person, from conception until natural death. These groups of people that are organically bound together and that go beyond the individuality of any one person are called society. Biblical Roots of Social Justice And the prophet Amos condemned those who "trample on the poor and take from them levies of grain" and who "afflict the righteous... take a bribe, and push aside the needy in the gate" (Amos 5:11-12). He also told the story of the rich man and Lazarus, the poor beggar who sat at the rich man's door. When the rich man died, he was sent to hell because he had ignored the needs of poor Lazarus (see Luke 16:19-31). "Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?" Then he will answer them, "Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me." (Matthew 25:44-45) Ignoring social Justice is the same as ignoring Jesus.  Social Justice Principles Catholic social-justice teachings are based on some key concepts. By applying these concepts to different social issues, the Church makes judgments about the correct direction to follow. A. The Common Good  Common good “the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily.”Drawn from Pope St. John XXIII and quoted in the Vatican II document, Gaudium et Spes. Common good, that which benefits society as a whole, in contrast to the private good of individuals and sections of society.  What "Common" Means "Common" refers to all people, not just a majority The common good aims for the greatest good for all persons Not just the greatest good for the greatest number Certainly not the greatest good for only a specific group  The Common Good vs. Majority Good There's a crucial difference between: 1. The good for a majority of people 2. The good for all people The common good focuses on the latter How might this principle It seeks to include and benefit apply in your community everyone, not just the majority or campus?  Analogy: The Role of Leadership In a sports team, the coach protects the common good The coach focuses on the team's goal, not just individual players  Three Elements of the Common Good The Catechism of the Catholic Church outlines three essential elements: 1. Rights 2. Needs (or Prosperity) 3. Peace  Element 1: Rights The common good presupposes respect for the person Key principle: Respect people  Element 2: Needs (Prosperity) Requires social well-being and development of the group Key principle: Help people  Element 3: Peace The common good requires peace Key principle: Protect people  The Universal Common Good Beyond local communities, we pursue a universal common good The world is increasingly interdependent We all rely on other countries for our well-being. We are part of one human family B. The Responsibility of Political Authority: Political Authority and the Common Good the Church teaches that political authority (also called the state) has an important role: to defend and promote the common good of civil society. Political Authority and the Common Good Policy makers at all levels of government should ensure that each person has access to the resources needed to lead a truly human life: "food, clothing, health, work, education and culture, suitable information, the right to establish a family, and so on" (CCC, number 1908). C. Human Dignity C. Human Dignity Rooted in the Great Commandment: love God and neighbor as yourself Calls us to respect and love others as "another self" The Universal Nature of Human Dignity Human dignity applies to all, regardless of circumstances. Biblical Foundations Matthew 25:31-46 emphasizes treating others with dignity God calls us to see each person as "another self" (CCC 1944)  Personal Responsibility We must examine our own consciences Reflect on our actions and attitudes How can you personally contribute to promoting human dignity? D. Human Solidarity  Human Solidarity Solidarity means we are to think in terms of friendship and charity toward our brothers and sisters in society.  The Invisible Thread of Humanity This concept encourages empathy and compassion. It's like being connected by invisible threads to every other person in the world. When one of us is suffering, that suffering is transferred down that invisible thread to all of us.  Breaking Down Barriers Solidarity seeks to eliminate divisions in society. Maybe we cannot always share resources equally, but we can always share enough to meet everyone’s basic human needs to strive to break down barriers How can you help break down barriers in your community?  Inclusion in Social Circles We must find ways to include rather than exclude others This applies to our personal relationships and broader society Inclusion promotes understanding and unity What are some ways you can be more inclusive in your daily life?  Solidarity as Motivation for Justice The virtue of solidarity motivates us to act for justice It's rooted in the belief that we are all God's children This belief has inspired countless acts of charity and justice movements What injustices in the world motivate you to take action?  Serving the Marginalized Serving the poor and marginalized is a key aspect of solidarity It's a way to care for "the least of God's children" This service connects us to our shared humanity. How can you serve those on the margins of your community?  Living Out Solidarity Solidarity is not just a concept, but a way of life How can you incorporate solidarity into your daily routine?  Living Out Solidarity Living in solidarity can be challenging. What obstacles do you foresee in living out solidarity? The Power of Solidarity Solidarity has the power to transform our world It begins with recognizing our shared humanity It's realized through our actions for justice and equality Service and Justice: Two Feet of Faith in Action Charity and justice are like two feet walking together Both necessary for a comprehensive approach to social injustice