Thy 3 - Compiled Unit 1 and 2 PDF

THY 3 – COMPILED PRELIMINARY PPTs... but the exercise of freedom does not entail the putative right to say or do anything (CCC 1747). UNIT 1: HUMAN DIGNITY IN THE HISTORY OF SALVATION True freedo...

THY 3 – COMPILED PRELIMINARY PPTs... but the exercise of freedom does not entail the putative right to say or do anything (CCC 1747). UNIT 1: HUMAN DIGNITY IN THE HISTORY OF SALVATION True freedom is the power and right to do that LESSON 1: Human Dignity in the Story of Creation which is right and good. It is rooted in reason and will, to act or not; to act to do this or that, and so to perform deliberate HUMAN BEINGS AS THE CROWNING actions on one's own responsibility (CCC 1731). The more one does what is good, the freer one GLORY OF GOD’S CREATION becomes. There is no true freedom except in the service of what is good and just. The choice to disobey and do evil is Genesis 1:26-27 – Then God said: "Let us make man an abuse of freedom and one becomes a slave to sin. in our image, after our likeness. Let them have dominion over (CCC 1733). the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, and the cattle, and over all the wild animals and all the creatures that crawl on the Article 2 Section 11 of the Philippine Constitution ground." God created man in his image; in the divine image states that “The State values the dignity of every human he created him; male and female he created them. person and guarantees full respect for human rights.” “The dignity of the human person is rooted in his or her creation in the image and likeness of God. Endowed with a spiritual and immortal soul, intelligence and free will, the human person is ordered to God and called in soul and in HUMAN BEINGS AS STEWARDS body to eternal beatitude.” (CCC, 1699 – 1715). "God created man in his own image, in the image of God OF GOD’S CREATION he created him; male and female he created them" Being an image of God also implies our This statement is the basis of Christian anthropology, because it identifies the foundation responsibility to His creation (Stewardship). of man's dignity as a person in his creation "in the "In our day, there is a growing awareness that world peace is threatened not only by the arms race, likeness" of God. At the same time, the passage clearly says that neither man nor woman regional conflicts and continued injustices among peoples and nations, but also by a lack of due respect for nature, by separately are the image of the Creator, but man and woman in their reciprocity. Both are equally the plundering of natural resources and by a progressive God's masterpiece (St. John Paul II in his decline in the quality of life.“ St John Paul II during the Celebration of World Peace January 1, 1990. General Audience 1999). Caring for and cultivating the world involves the IMAGO DEI following: Joyful appreciation of the God-given beauty and CCC 1702 – 1711 states that the divine image is present in wonder of nature; every man. He is endowed with: Protection and preservation of the environment, ✓ “a spiritual and immortal” soul; which would be the stewardship of ecological concern; ✓ Intellect (knowledge); and Respect for human life—shielding life from threat ✓ Freewill (freedom). and assault, doing everything that can be done to enhance this gift and make life flourish; and Development of this world through noble human ENDOWED WITH A SPIRITUAL AND effort—physical labor, the trades and professions, the arts IMMORTAL SOUL and sciences. We call such effort "work." Work is a fulfilling The human person is composed of body and soul. human vocation. "Then the LORD God formed man of dust from the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living being." (Gen. 2:7) LAUDATO SI Every spiritual soul is created immediately by God Pope Francis in his encyclical Laudato Si presents and also that it is immortal. current ecological problems our world is facing such as the variety of forms of pollution, increasing deforestation, a disturbing warming of the climate, depletion of natural INTELLECT resources (especially quality drinking water), loss of God gave us the ability to learn about things and biodiversity, the decline of quality of human life and understand them by the use of our intellect. Through our relationships, and the global inequality gap between the senses, we gain knowledge of things around us. poor and the rich. “Throwaway culture” that ruthlessly consumes, FREEDOM AND RESPONSIBILITY exploits, and discards human life and our natural resources God created man a rational being, conferring on as one of the root causes. him the dignity of a person who can initiate and control his own actions (CCC 1730). ==== END OF UNIT 1 LESSON 1 ==== LESSON 2: Human Dignity in the Redemptive Act of Typology Old Testament New Testament Christ and Ultimate Destination of Human Pilgrimage TREE Tree of Knowledge Cross (Tree of Life) Gethsemane – GARDEN Eden INTRODUCTION ANGEL Lucifer Golgota Gabriel The Philippine government adheres and believes that all WOMAN Eve Mary persons have dignity whether one is a criminal or not. The MAN Adam Jesus following are the functions of Bureau of Corrections: Safe keep prisoners convicted by courts; Prevent prisoners from committing crimes; THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS IS THE Provide inmates basic needs; CROWNING TRUTH OF OUR FAITH IN CHRIST Ensure rehabilitation programs are made available to the inmates for their physical, intellectual A faith believed and lived as the central truth by the first and spiritual development; Christian community; handed on as fundamental by Develop livelihood programs to assist inmates Tradition; established by the documents of the New earn a living and develop their skills while in prison. Testament; and preached as an essential part of the Paschal mystery along with the cross. The Bureau of Corrections' logo or seal also summarizes Jesus‘ words, deeds and suffering had for its aim its goal featuring a rehabilitated inmate (white) while in restoring fallen man to his original vocation. custody of the seven (7) prisons and penal farms (bars) thru This is a testament to the dignity of human beings educational, therapeutic, productive approaches and that despite of the Fall and sinful nature, God affirms, restorative justice. transcends the elevated nature of humanity. He looks forward to a brighter future (rays of the sun), Christ continues to reveal Himself to us and expresses in but would need the assistance of his family and loved ones, different ways particularly through our conversion and the society and the church, for him to completely undergo redemption. transformation and re-integrates successfully in the Restoration of those who sinned and became slave of sin community. finds its foundation in the dignity of the human person and “Prison life can acquire human features and be enriched redemption by Christ through the programs of the Church, by a spiritual dimension... should be considered an essential government and other groups. element in a penal system that is more in conformity with human dignity. RESTORATIVE JUSTICE Punishment cannot be reduced to mere retribution, much Restorative justice in the criminal justice system is less take the form of social retaliation or a sort of institutional a way of responding to ending the effects of crime that vengeance. makes the people affected. Punishment and imprisonment have meaning if, while Restorative justice seeks to repair harm, to maintaining the demands of justice and discouraging crime, appropriate responsibility for the harm and to involve those they serve the rehabilitation of the individual by offering who have been affected by the harm, including the those who have made a mistake an opportunity to reflect community, in the resolution. and to change their lives in order to be fully reintegrated into society (St. John Paul II). THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION HUMAN DIGNITY IN THE OF OUR HUMAN PILGRIMAGE: REDEMPTIVE ACT OF CHRIST TO RETURN TO THE FATHER PROTOEVANGELIUM – The promise of salvation brought Our pilgrimage here on earth will be finally fulfilled about by sins of our ancestors is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. together with all creation, to share in Christ's resurrection GENESIS 3:15 – “I will put enmity between you and in the eternal communion of life with the Father and the and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; He Holy Spirit. will strike at your head, while you strike at his heel.” Redemp4on comes to us above all through the blood of ISRAELITES IN THE PROMISED LAND his cross, but this mystery is at work throughout Christ's In the Old Testament, the Israelites journeyed to entire life: the Promised Land led by Moses. This pilgrimage of faith In His Incarnation – “Word made flesh” from deliverance from Egyptian slavery to the land given to In His Hidden Life – Obedience them by God so that He can establish Himself a relationship In His Word through Teachings, Parables, that was lost due to sin of Adam. Beatitudes, Prayers and Proclamation of the Kingdom The covenant that God established with Abraham, of God; chosen to be the father of a multitude of nations, opens the In His Healings and Exorcisms way for the human family to make a return to the Father. And in His Resurrection.  PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON Society is a requirement of man‘s nature through In the parable of the Prodigal Son, Pope Francis exchange, mutual service and dialogue with others. By this described the father, with patience, love, hope, and mercy he develops and responds to his vocation – love for had never for a second stopped thinking about his lost. neighbor and love for God. And as soon as he sees him still far off, he runs Each community is defined by its purpose and out to meet him and embraces him with tenderness, the consequently obeys specific rules; but “the human person. tenderness of God, without a word of reproach: his son has.. is and ought to be the principle, the subject and the end returned! And that causes the joy of the father. In that of all social institutions.” (CCC 1881) embrace for his son, the Pope exclaimed, is all that joy. “Socialization" also expresses the natural The Pope reminded us that God is always waiting tendency for human beings to associate with one another for us; he never grows tired. Jesus shows us this merciful for the sake of attaining objectives that exceed individual patience of God so that we can regain confidence, hope- capacities. It develops the qualities of the person, especially always. God's patience has to call forth in us the courage to the sense of initiative and responsibility, and helps return to him, however many mistakes and sins there may guarantee his rights. (CCC 1882) be in our life. For we are not numbers, we are the most important thing to him. (Merciful Father, 2016) PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY – "a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a ==== END OF UNIT 1 LESSON 2 ==== community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but rather should support it in case of need and help to coordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society, LESSON 3: Introductory Concept on Man and Society always with a view to the common good." (CCC 1883) and Human Dignity as Inviolable and Inalienable THREE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF COMMON GOOD The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is a 1. RESPECT FOR THE PERSON AS SUCH – milestone document in the history of human rights. Drafted Fundamental and inalienable rights of the human by representatives with different legal and cultural person. backgrounds from all regions of the world, the Declaration 2. SOCIAL WELL-BEING AND DEVELOPMENT OF was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in THE GROUP ITSELF. – Development is the Paris on 10 December 1948 (General Assembly resolution epitome of all social duties. 217 A) as a common standard of achievements for all 3. PEACE – The stability and security of a just order. peoples and all nations. It sets out, for the first time, fundamental human rights to be universally protected and it Our laws also support the formation of has been translated into over 500 languages. The UDHR is widely recognized as having inspired, and paved the way these organizations: for, the adoption of more than seventy human rights treaties, 1987 Philippine Constitution Article applied today on a permanent basis at global and regional XIII. Section 23. – The State shall encourage non- levels (all containing references to it in their preambles). governmental, community-based, or sectoral organizations that promote the welfare of the nation. The human person is by nature a social being. Civil Code of the Philippines Article 32 They are relational beings, who are free and – The right to become a member of associations or societies responsible, recognizes the necessity of integrating for purposes not contrary to law; themselves in cooperation with fellow human beings, and who is capable of communion with them. They belong to various societies such as family, Both the Church and the State recognize civil and religious communities, and are bound together by family as the most important unit of the society. a principle of unity and common good. The family is the original cell of social life. A natural The human person is an image of God and society in which husband and wife are called to give resembles the communion of the divine persons in the themselves in love and in the gift of life… The family is the Trinity, he must therefore establish himself a community with community in which, from childhood, one can learn moral other persons in order to live in a society. values, begin to honor God, and make good use of freedom. Family life is an initiation into life in society. (CCC 2207). A society is a group of persons bound together organically by a principle of unity that The family must be helped and defended by goes beyond each one of them. As an appropriate social measures assembly that is at once visible and spiritual, ARTICLE 15. THE FAMILY OF 1987 PH. CONSTITUTION a society endures through time... He rightly SECTION 1. The State recognizes the Filipino owes loyalty to the communities of which he family as the foundation of the nation. Accordingly, it shall is part and respect to those in authority who strengthen its solidarity and actively promote its total have charge of the common good. - CCC 1880 development.  SECTION 2. Marriage, as an inviolable social The dignity of human person is institution, is the foundation of the family and shall be INNATE – we were born with it protected by the State. INVIOLABLE – cannot be violated Where families cannot fulfill their responsibilities, INALIENABLE – cannot be taken away from us other social bodies have the duty of helping them and of supporting the institution of the family. Following the UNIVERSAL – encompasses all humanity. principle of subsidiarity, larger communities should take care not to usurp the family's prerogatives or interfere in its life. (CCC 2209). BRIEF DEVELOPMENT OF For example, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has a mandate to take custody HUMAN DIGNITY IN RELATION of abandoned children: ✓ “In response to inquiries on cases of child TO HUMAN RIGHTS abandonment, the Department of Social Welfare Dignitas by the Early Romans & Cicero and Development (DSWD) stressed that its ✓ Early Romans used the term dignitas referring to primary mandate is to intervene on behalf of people appointed to public offices and with higher status in abandoned children to ensure their welfare and the society. Then Cicero redefined dignitas referring to all protection. This came at the heels of cases of humans by making distinction against animals where the children being abandoned in public places… former are governed by reason while the latter by bodily pleasures and instinct. To him, dignity encompasses not The dignity of the human person is the only of those who were persons of authority and wealth but primary principle and the heart and soul of the includes all humanity. social teaching of the Catholic Church. This teaching rests on one basic principle: Imago Dei by St. Leo the Great individual human beings are the foundation, ✓ St. Leo the Great and St. Thomas Aquinas also the cause and the end of every social used the term dignitas referring to dignity of human person. To St Leo, persons have dignity due to the fact that man is institution. That is necessarily so, for men are by nature raised up among other beings and made in God’s image social beings. On this basic principle, which guarantees the (Imago Dei). sacred dignity of the individual, the Church constructs her social teaching. Being in the image of God the human individual Great Chain of Beings by St. Thomas Aquinas ✓ St. Aquinas adopted these elevated beings of St possesses the dignity of a person, who is not just something, Leo to his concept of great chain of beings which means the but someone. (CCC 357). higher the status of a being, the more dignity one possess. For the Christian faith, the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ demonstrate that God has a special purpose for human beings. This remnant of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) divine image and purpose conferred by God carry the The United Nations was established (1945) on implication that people are to be honored and treated as accounts of horrors experienced from World War 2 sacred. particularly from Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. It Human life is seen to be essentially social recognizes the dignity of every person in Universal because human beings have been created in the image of Declaration of Human Rights (1948). The Preamble and first God who is Trinity and who combines both unity and three articles of the declaration serve as its foundation of relationship in self. other rights. Persons sometimes exercise power in a way which dehumanizes other persons. For this reason, Christian ethical PREAMBLE reflection has arrived at the category of human rights. Human rights are a mechanism to control the exercise of power so Whereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal that it does not become dehumanizing of persons. and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is Human rights may be defined as those fundamental the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world… rights of human beings which are essential to the exercise of … that human rights should be protected by the rule of law. human dignity. ✓ These rights are possessed by human beings ARTICLE 1. All human beings are born free and equal in by the mere fact of their being human. dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and ✓ They are inherent in their nature, and far from conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of being concessions by society or by the state, brotherhood. instead society and the state have the duty to ARTICLE 2. Everyone is entitled to all the rights and defend and promote them. freedoms set forth in this Declaration, without distinction of any kind, such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Furthermore, no distinction shall be Pacem in Terris by St John XXIII & other made on the basis of the political, jurisdictional or Church documents on human rights international status of the country or territory to which a St John XXIII's encyclical Pacem in Terris (1963) person belongs, whether it be independent, trust, non-self- was a landmark in the acceptance by the Catholic Christian governing or under any other limitation of sovereignty. Church of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. For ARTICLE 3. Everyone has the right to life, liberty and the first time, the Papal magisterium presents a relatively security of person. complete and systematic catalogue of human rights, comparable to those in contemporary declarations of human Since the Philippines is one of the signatories of the rights promulgated by national or international entities. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, our 1987 Philippine Constitution adheres to these freedoms through the creation During the 60th anniversary of the Declaration, the of Commission of Human Rights and by directing the Vatican reaffirmed its support to the goals of United government to value the dignity of all human persons through Nations. ensuring full respect for human rights such as: “The Holy See celebrates the 60th Anniversary of ARTICLE XIII. SOCIAL JUSTICE AND HUMAN RIGHTS the UDHR, first, by recalling the great sense of unity, solidarity and responsibility that led the United Nations to Section 1. The Congress shall give highest priority to the proclaim universal human rights as a response to all enactment of measures that protect and enhance the right persons and peoples weighed down by the violation of their of all the people to human dignity, reduce social, economic, dignity, a task that even today challenges us. and political inequalities, and remove cultural inequities by Then, it has promoted events, educational equitably diffusing wealth and political power for the programs, assistance initiatives worldwide, in particular for common good. children, women and vulnerable groups, so that God, as His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI said on December 10, 2008, Section 17. (1) There is hereby created an independent "may allow us to build a world where every human being will office called the Commission on Human Rights. (Note: the feel accepted in his/her full dignity, and where relations first CHR in the country was established during Marcos time among persons and among peoples are based on respect, two days before the start of People Power 1) dialogue and solidarity.” Section 18. The Commission on Human Rights shall have the following powers and functions: “The promotion of human rights remains the most effective strategy for eliminating inequalities between ✓ Investigate, on its own or on complaint by any countries and social groups, and for increasing security” party, all forms of human rights violations involving civil and political rights; The chart depicts the levels of ✓ Adopt its operational guidelines and rules of rights and the relationships procedure, and cite for contempt for violations thereof in between them according to the accordance with the Rules of Court; rights theory found in the ✓ Provide appropriate legal measures for the encyclical, Pacem in Terris. protection of human rights of all persons within the Rights theory in the social Philippines, as well as Filipinos residing abroad, and provide tradition recognizes the for preventive measures and legal aid services to the importance of the social nature underprivileged whose human rights have been violated or of the person and role that need protection; context plays in the promotion ✓ Exercise visitorial powers over jails, prisons, or and guarantee of rights. detention facilities; */Kindly revisit slides 44 and 47 of Lesson 3 for the ✓ Establish a continuing program of research, List of Human Rights cited from Church education, and information to enhance respect for the primacy of human rights; documents and The Two Feet of Love in Action, ✓ Recommend to the Congress effective measures respectively. to promote human rights and to provide for compensation to Persons sometimes exercise power in a way which victims of violations of human rights, or their families; dehumanizes other persons. For this reason, Christian ✓ Monitor the Philippine Government’s compliance ethical reflection has arrived at the category of human rights. with international treaty obligations on human rights; Human rights are a mechanism to control the exercise of ✓ Grant immunity from prosecution to any person power so that it does not become dehumanizing of persons. whose testimony or whose possession of documents or other evidence is necessary or convenient to determine the ==== END OF UNIT 1 LESSON 3 ==== truth in any investigation conducted by it or under its authority; ===== END OF UNIT 1 ===== UNIT 2: THE SOCIAL MISSION OF THE CHURCH AND JESUS’ PROCLAMATION OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD THE COMMITMENT OF THE LAY FAITHFUL Jesus‘ initial proclamation of the justice of God ― to bring good news to the poor, to proclaim release to the LESSON 1: Social Mission of the Church captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free and announce the Lord‘s year of FOUNDATION OF THE SOCIAL mercy/favor (Lk. 4: 18-19) resonates the prophet Isaiah‘s announcement of God giving ― justice to His people (Is. 60: MISSION OF THE CHURCH 21; 61: 1-3). Jesus‘ proclamation of the Kingdom of God also BIBLICAL FOUNDATION – rooted in the Judeo- entails renewal and righteousness by witnessing the Christian tradition. Gospel. OLD TESTAMENT – Yahweh is the righteous God. NEW TESTAMENT – Jesus proclaims the THE BEATITUDES. The Beatitudes of Jesus are also Kingdom of God is at hand. considered as expressions and ways to realize the right relationship in the Kingdom of God. The following are the IN THE OLD TESTAMENT. The Judeo-Christian beatitudes of Jesus Christ according to Matthew 5:3-10: Tradition Expressions of Justice are: Sedakah, Mishpath, Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the Hesed, and Dikaiosune. Kingdom of God. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be SHALOM – Yahweh is a righteous God in the Old comforted. Testament so He encourages His people as well to become Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. just and righteous in order to realize peace or shalom (over- Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake all harmony) in His Kingdom. of righteousness, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. SEDAKAH – right relationship Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied. Manifested by Yahweh in His relationship with Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown Israel and things He has made; Yahweh’s righteousness mercy. Manifested by Israel through her response of Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. obedience, reverence, and faithfulness Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called The right relationship that God has established children of God. demonstrates the way of justice for human beings in dealing with one another The Gospel shows in an abundance of texts that Jesus MISHPAT – forensic nature of justice was not indifferent or extraneous to the problem of the Justice based on the context of the failure of the dignity and rights of the human person, nor to the needs of right relationship. the weakest, the neediest, and the victims of injustice. Yahweh is a judge who punishes the wicked one Jesus‘ concern was not limited to the forgiveness of sins: and rewards the righteous one. At all times He stressed a real solidarity with the poorest and It implies deliverance for those who are just and lowliest (Matthew 11:28-30). He cured the sick, lepers and innocent, but harsh for the wicked and sinful. blind men, and many more. He fed thousands of hungry HESED – loving kindness people. He personally took upon Himself the description of Manifested in Yahweh’s everlasting love for Israel. the Suffering Messiah as foretold by Isaiah. Yahweh is the epitome and example of doing hesed to others. THE CHURCH CONTINUES THE MINISTRY DIKAIOSUNE – righteousness or justice OF JESUS is embodied by the way God relates with his GAUDIUM ET SPES, 1. “The joys and the hopes, people. the griefs and the anxieties of the men of this age, especially those who are poor in any way afflicted, these are the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of the followers of Christ” The Church is always mindful of the conditions of IN THE NEW TESTAMENT. Jesus Christ the people in society. She has the mission to proclaim the proclaims that the Kingdom of God is already at hand and Gospel not only to those who are privileged and fortunate in the Beatitudes are the ways to attain its fullness. life but also those who are poor, marginalized, deprived, and voiceless in the society. GOD REIGNS WHERE THE DIVINE WILL IS DONE Social issues are also of prime concern of the (THE LORD’S PRAYER) Church. The Lord‘s Prayer in Luke 11: 2-4 are petitions for the coming of God‘s Kingdom and for the doing of the divine The Church continues to struggle for the realization of will. The right situation is doing justice to humankind for it is the Kingdom of God through ongoing renewal and the one willed by God. consistent propagation of the Gospel through words and deeds.  The social mission of the Church is rooted in the ministry AS AGENT OF HOPE AND TRANSFORMATION and mission of Jesus Christ to love and serve by promoting Christ commanded his disciples: “Go therefore and protecting the wellbeing of the human persons. and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Just like the mission of Jesus Christ, the mission of the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” Church to the society is threefold: Kingly, Priestly and (Matthew 28:19). Prophetic. It is through baptism that members of the Christian KING – Ones commitment to serve others through community ―are called to a holiness of life in the world active participation to integral human development. befitting disciples of Jesus. PRIEST – Our capacity to pray for one another Discipleship is the fundamental vocation in which and our ability to establish a deeper relationship with God the Church's mission and ministry find full meaning. through prayer and worship. As disciples of Jesus, we are called into PROPHET – Proclaiming peace founded on truth, communion with both God and others and are sent in built according to justice, integrated by charity and practiced mission to proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom. in freedom. The Synod of Bishops spoke about the relation between the Gospel and justice: ―Action on behalf of justice and participation in the transformation of the world fully appear to us as a constitutive dimension of the THE CHURCH AND THE preaching of the Gospel. The Church fulfills her mission of preaching the QUESTIONS OF JUST Gospel when it teaches the demands of justice. BEING INVOLVED IN SOCIAL QUESTIONS: THE CHURCH AND THE QUESTIONS ✓ The Church offers not mere technical OF ‘JUST RELATIONS’ AMONG PEOPLE solutions The Church in the Philippines has been known as ✓ She inspires policies in keeping with the the forerunner of truth and justice among the Filipinos Gospel through social encyclicals regardless of ethnicity, gender and religion. ✓ Central themes: wage, property, unions, It is not to be identified with any political partisan peace, etc. in order to become a credible herald of peace, justice and ✓ Intervention is for Christian laymen truth; and proponent of unawa (understanding), awa (mercy) and gawa (deeds) among people particularly the RESPONDING TO THE DEMANDS OF marginalized. OUR CONTEMPORARY COMMUNITIES RESPECT VS. DISCRIMINATION THE FACT OF RELIGIOUS PLURALISM The Church in the Philippines is expected to be The Church recognizes and defends the the advocate of impartiality that shuns any form of fundamental dignity of man to be free from coercion in discrimination, conflict and political animosity. matters religious. The Church is also called to promote respect for The Church position on religious pluralism: All races, genders, religions and point of views so that national men are called in freedom to Jesus Christ and to his Church, unity and healing are attainable. which has a divine mission, indeed a mandate, to Discrimination and neglect are obstacles to the full evangelize the whole world, so that at the name of Jesus development of persons and of society as a whole. every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth, and every Everyone has a role and needs to have the tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God opportunity to improve themselves so that they can take the Father (Phil 2:10–11). their place in society and participate fully in the community To all peoples, the Church preaches Christ they find themselves in. crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and a folly to Gentiles, This aspiration can only be achieved through the but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ recognition of people’s capacities, potentials, and rights as the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:23–24). well as in ensuring that the structures in the communities All men and women are called by God to faith and and in society as a whole support this goal. baptism in Jesus Christ. TRUTHFUL TOLERANCE DUC IN ALTUM (Put out into the deep, Lk. 5): The Declaration on Religious Freedom of Vatican Each Catholic is a missionary. II, Dignitatis Humanae, cast a new light. He/she is immersed and conscious of the signs of The human person has a right to religious the times making him/her capable of bringing people closer freedom. This freedom means that: to the Kingdom of God. ✓ All men are to be immune from coercion on Like the apostles of Jesus Christ, we are also the part of individuals or social groups and fishers of men by witnessing our faith. of any human power. ✓ No one is to be forced to act in a manner contrary to his own beliefs  ✓ Not to be restrained from acting in every person’s life. However, because of their neglect to talk accordance with his own beliefs, whether about God in their endeavours, they have instead also privately or publicly, whether alone or in contributed to the increasing problems of poverty and association with others, within due limits. injustice in the community. Hence, the modern social encyclicals were FIDELITY TO PROCLAIM THE Catholic contributions to the talk about human flourishing pointing out especially the important points from these two KINGDOM OF GOD ideologies. The Church, endowed with the gifts of her founder and faithfully observing his precepts of charity, humility and The Catholic Church has issued important documents in selfdenial, received the mission of proclaiming and order to officially announce its stand on pertinent social establishing among all peoples the Kingdom of Christ and issues that confront our communities at particular moments of God, and she is, on earth, the seed and the beginning of in history. that Kingdom. These are Catholic contributions to the talk about The Church‘s mission is the same as it was human flourishing based on important principles such as the yesterday, today, and tomorrow: to evangelize the whole dignity of the human person, subsidiarity, solidarity and the world. ―It is the duty of the Church, therefore, in her preferential option for the poor. preaching to proclaim the Cross of Christ as the sign of Moreover, each of these documents, while God‘s universal love and the source of all grace. sensitive to the historical conditions of particular times, are grounded in the Tradition of the Church that finds its ==== END OF UNIT 2 LESSON 1 ==== beginning in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. LESSON 2: Nature of the Social Teaching of the Church NATURE OF SOCIAL TEACHING NATURE OF THE SOCIAL 1. THE HUMAN PERSON AS THE IMAGE OF GOD TEACHING OF THE CHURCH Church’s understanding of human dignity - is the conviction that the human person occupies a central role in The Social Teaching of the Church is at the core of the creation of God, and that the human person is the only Christianity. It needs to be pointed out that Jesus is an active creature that is created in the image and likeness of God, agent in the renewal of the Society. and is the only creature that has the capacity for God. His proclamation of the Kingdom of God means that Human dignity is a core-concept in the social certain practices in the community would even have to be teaching of the Church. The Church believes that the human renewed in order to show to the people that indeed God’s dignity is a concept that is both inviolable and inalienable, reign is at hand, even if at the same time, it cannot be fully that is, it can never be compromised regardless of the fulfilled in the present. circumstances and consequences of the action. The apex of the affirmation of human dignity is the THE TRUTH OF FAITH coming of Christ. Christ embraces humanity through the mystery of Incarnation, which affirms that humanity is central The First Christians were true followers of Christ in the to God’s plan. sense that they have endeavored to persevere in the The centrality of the dignity of the human person ministry that Christ has started. This is especially shown in is even highlighted more with the Paschal Mystery of Christ. their commitment to equality, respect and love for each He showed us that the cross is not a meaningless symbol, other. but is rather a testimony of God’s love. Moreover, decisions in their communities are done “in remembrance” of the memory of Christ. The Middle Ages Church, despite the infamous abuses of some members of the hierarchy and the clergy, 2. CELEBRATING OUR SHARED HUMANITY, OUR remains faithful to Christ’s call to bring about the reign of HUMAN INTERCONNECTEDNESS love in our communities. Yahweh’s covenant with Abraham and the people of Important thinkers in the Middle Ages especially Israel is Yahweh’s own initiative and gift which is even Thomas Aquinas continues to talk about justice and charity beyond what humanity deserves. for the poor. The covenant is an expression of Yahweh’s willingness to reach out to His people. In fact, by the The challenge to aid the needy in the community has covenant, Yahweh makes himself bound to fulfil his become more pressing with the emergence of modern promises to His people. ideologies that were brought about mainly by the Industrial In turn, the covenant becomes the people’s Revolution. assurance that Yahweh will never abandon them. Capitalism and Socialism were two ideologies that were both supposedly aimed at improving the conditions of  Moreover, “there comes from the Decalogue a 1. THE WAY OF LOVE AND JUSTICE commitment that concerns not only fidelity to the one true God, but also the social relations among the people of the In the Church’s perspective, love as a value is “the Covenant… The gift of freedom and the Promised Land, and highest and universal criterion of the whole of social ethics.” the gift of Covenant on Sinai and the Ten Commandments (CSDC, 171). are therefore intimately linked to the practices which must “From the inner wellspring of love the values of truth, regulate, in justice and solidarity, the development of freedom, and justice are born and grow. Love is what makes Israelite society. us able to see the other as a friend, as another self, so that A society that wishes and intends to remain at the the needs and requirements of others seem as one's own.” service of the human being at every level is a society that (CSDC, 205). has the common good – the good of all the people and of Love presupposes and transcends justice. This the whole society – as its primary goal. means that love builds upon justice just like grace In the diversity of cultures, the natural law unites builds upon nature. peoples, enjoining common principles. Since something of For what happens when love meets justice, look the glory of God shines on the face of every person, the at the cross of Christ, the cross of Christ which is our law. dignity of every person before God is the basis of the dignity Without justice, there is no love. Without justice, love does of man before other men. not survive. Justice is the prerequisite of love. Justice is fulfilled by love. Kant insisted that, in justice, the law of punishment 3. TOWARD A JUST AND HUMANE SOCIETY was a categorical imperative which admitted no exception. For if justice goes, there is no longer any value in human ACCORDING TO GOD’S PLAN beings living on the earth. Kant is entirely correct. A world God destined the earth and all it contains for all men and without justice is, to be sure, too horrible to behold. peoples so that all created things would be shared fairly by However, a world with justice but without love is all mankind under the guidance of justice (CSDC, 165). equally as bad or worse. Human relationships cannot be The principle of the Universal Destination of governed solely by the measure of justice. The prophet Goods is an invitation to develop an economic vision Malachi tells us that God requires more than doing justice. inspired by moral values that permit people not to lose sight He requires us to love mercy and to walk humbly with Him of the origin or purpose of these goods, so as to bring about (Malachi 3:3). fairness and solidarity. Summum ius, summa iniuria was a Roman maxim Everyone has the right to enjoy the conditions of mentioned by Cicero. It is a brilliant, ambiguous saying social life that are brought about by the quest for the which can be translated, “extreme justice is the greatest conditions of social life that are brought about by the quest injustice,” or an "extreme justice is an extreme wrong. for the common good. Here is a truly radical challenge: to take love, which, as St. Thomas mentions in his Summa Theologiae, Pope Pius XI: ‘the distribution of created goods, which, is the form of the virtues, and to socialize it or institutionalize as every discerning person knows, is labouring today under it into social and political charity. This task is the modern the gravest evils due to the huge disparity between the few challenge of our time. exceedingly rich and the unnumbered property less, must Social charity makes us love the common good. It be effectively called back to and brought into conformity with makes us effectively see the good of all people, considered the norms of the common good, that is, social justice. This not only as individuals or private persons but also in the then prompts the Church to call for a more just distribution social dimension that unites them. (CSDC, 207) of the world’s wealth (CSDC 171). We need a new world order that is grounded not Man, then, must never forget that his capacity to only on secular values but on Christian love, on social and transform and in a certain sense create the world through political charity, which is identical with solidarity, i.e., a direct his own work… is always based on God’s prior and original demand of human and Christian brotherhood. gift of the things that are. Social and political charity is not exhausted in relationships between individuals, but extends to the network formed by communal relationships, which is precisely the social and political community; it THE PARADIGM OF LOVE AND intervenes in this context seeking the greatest good for the community in its entirety. (CSDC, 208) JUSTICE VERSUS THE WAY OF VIOLENCE 2. VERSUS THE WAY OF VIOLENCE Love is the most identifying value of the Church's social teaching. It is what makes us uniquely Christians. It is, in The Church does not approve the use of violence and fact, unachievable without grace, but the grace is freely the use of arms because it is aware that violence only leads supplied to the willing, which is grace itself. to more violence, which often results only in new forms of oppression.  Violence is never a proper response. The Church The distinction between the Church and the State proclaims that violence is evil, that violence is unacceptable does not imply a complete separation, nor does it mean that as a solution to problems, that violence is unworthy of man. the Church should restrict her activity to the private and Violence is a lie, for it goes against the truth, the truth of spiritual sphere. our humanity. Violence destroys what it claims to defend: the Certainly, the Church “cannot and must not dignity, the life, the freedom of human beings. replace the State. Yet at the same time she cannot and must not remain on the sidelines in the fight for justice.” (Benedict 3. UNDERSTANDING ‘CRITICAL COLLABORATION’ CVI, Deus Caritas est.) WITH STATE The Church has the right and the duty “to teach her social doctrine, to exercise her role freely among men, The Church recognizes its autonomy from the State. and also to pass moral judgment in those matters which However, many understand this to mean that the Church regard public order when the fundamental rights of the should not be involved in political issues, or with politicians human person or the salvation of souls require it.” (Gaudium and public policies. This is not the meaning of the separation et Spes, 76). of Church and State. Both the Church and those who govern society are FROM SEPARATION seeking to serve mankind (although under different titles), What really is the meaning of this separation? There are and they “will carry out this service with greater efficacy, for three main ideas: the good of all, the healthier and better is the cooperation the state has no official religion, between them.” (CSDC, 425) the state should not discriminate any religion; and the Church should not control or dominate any ==== END OF UNIT 2 LESSON 2 ==== religious group, the police or armed unit of the State. The principle of the separation of Church and State is a reaction to some medieval arrangement of church- LESSON 3: The Response of the Catholic Church: sponsored religions or a State persecution of some Renewed Integral Evangelization undesirable religions. In order to respect the autonomy of the Church, The main task of the Church in the Philippines is to the State shall not establish one religion as the religion of encourage its flocks to become active members of Christian the State. communities and to lead people to authentic renewal It shall not favor one religion over the other. through meaningful proclamation of the Good News in order It shall foster the freedom of all religious beliefs to address some existing contradictions in the Philippines and should not interfere with their practices unless these such as massive poverty, unemployment, graft and actions become detrimental to public order. corruption and drug addiction. In order to respect the autonomy of the State, the Church prohibits its ministers and priests to run for public office or, if The Vision-Mission of the 2nd Plenary Council they do, they should resign from their ministry as priests. of the Philippines This is also done in order to guard the Church’s We, as church in the Philippines, with total trust in role as agent of unity as exemplified in a community of god‘s love, envision ourselves as the community of different political persuasions. disciples, who firmly believe in the Lord Jesus and joyfully Separation of Church and State does not mean, live in harmony and solidarity with one another, with however, that the Church and its ministers cannot take a creation, and with God. stand on social, economic and political issues affecting the Following the way of our Lord, we opt to be a welfare of the people. Church of the Poor, which demands evangelical poverty of And, if taking sides on these issues necessitates us all… choosing one candidate over another, the Church can To achieve this vision, under the leading of the encourage its members to pursue their own options to spirit of God and with Mary as our guide, we shall embark address the situation according to its moral values. on a renewed integral evangelization and witness to Jesus In the end, it is the individual Christian who decides Christ‘s Gospel of salvation and liberation through our based on his or her own conscience, not its leaders or words, deeds and lives. ministers. As bishops, priests, religious and laity, we together commit ourselves to implement the spirit and decrees of the TO COOPERATION Second Plenary Council of the Philippines in order to inculturate gospel values in our milieu by this shall kaayusan Using a bicycle, one can surely reach his or her (order in harmony) be achieved through persons who are destination if the two wheels are consistent in moving to the maka-Diyos, maka-tao, makabayan and maka-buhay. same direction. The same is true with the relationship between the Church and State, i.e., both have the same goal of reaching the common good and realizing the Kingdom of God. COMMUNITY OF DISCIPLES They actively participate in the building of the Kingdom of God, a kingdom of justice, peace and love. The Whose faith in Jesus is expressed in a Church in mission community of disciples is truly a servant community. that includes Asia and the whole creation. A real community of disciples is patterned after the Holy Trinity where the three divine Persons: unique, equal and 9 PASTORAL PRIORITIES OF united are in constant sharing and in mission. THE CATHOLIC CHURCH It also approximates the early apostolic Christian communities. INTEGRAL FAITH FORMATION At the heart of pastoral renewal is faith formation. We must have integral faith to fulfill our vocation THE CHURCH OF THE POOR and mission. It has to be a discerning faith that sees the action Our priority must be programs for the conscientization, of God in our lives and in our communities. evangelization and organization of the marginalized poor. First, into small communities of faith and EMPOWERMENT OF THE LAITY discernment. Second, into sectoral groups to attend to specific TOWARD SOCIAL TRANSFORMATION needs in cultural, political, economic and religious We shall promote and support the exercise of the institutions. God-given gifts and charisms of lay people. This is empowerment of the laity especially the poor for Lay people must take the lead in social active participation and leadership in the Church‘s life and transformation. mission. ACTIVE PRESENCE AND PARTICIPATION BASIC ECCLESIAL COMMUNITIES OR BECS AS OF THE POOR IN THE CHURCH COMMUNITY OF DISCIPLES If we are to become a Church of the poor, we must be evangelically poor. BECs are small communities whose members are in We shall learn from the poor and seek to liberate unity and solidarity with one another and with their pastors. ourselves from values, behavior and lifestyles that Patterned after the Domus Ecclesia or House discriminate against the poor. Church which was the Church known to the early Christians where they gathered at a house of a member and then there THE FAMILY AS THE FOCAL POINT they share the Word of God and partake of whatever each of them can offer. OF EVANGELIZATION The members have a strong sense of The family is the basic cell of the Church and belongingness and responsibility for one another. society, the Gospel has first to be shared in the family. They share the Word of God and are guided by Many cultural distortions originate in the family. regular catechesis. They gather around the Eucharist and Integral faith formation must, therefore, take place have a vibrant celebration of life in the liturgy. in the family for all members. They share not only their spiritual concerns but The family has to become a key agent of also the material concerns. proclaiming the Gospel. Their poverty and their faith lead them to involvement in action for justice and social transformation. BUILDING AND STRENGTHENING OF PARTICIPATORY COMMUNITIES THAT MAKE UP The vision of the Church as community of disciples THE PARISH AS A COMMUNITY OF COMMUNITIES can be concretely experienced in the BECs. We shall support the growth and strengthening of Without the BECs, the communitarian nature of Basic Ecclesial Communities and other forms of faith the Church and of discipleship remains an abstraction. communities as a vehicle of renewal. In the BECs, the ordinary Christians are We shall strive to integrate them in parish life and awakened to their call to live their discipleship fully and activities and develop structures of coordination and actively and in the context of the community. participatory decision-making. The community of disciples is an evangelized and evangelizing community. INTEGRAL RENEWAL OF THE CLERGY It witnesses to the coming of God's Kingdom. It is To address the lack of witnessing by some of the prophetic community that proclaims the message of the clergy, we shall ensure deeper dialogue of life between the Kingdom, i.e., the message of salvation and liberation. clergy and the poor so that lifestyles may conform to that of As Community of Disciples, the BECs celebrate the poor Christ. the presence of Christ in the Sacraments. For genuine servant-leadership, we shall provide Like Christ, BECs are concerned about the plight effective clergy formation in human development, of the poor and the needy, those who are sick, who are spirituality, scripture, theology, pastoral care and mission. hungry, who are in prison.  JOURNEYING WITH THE YOUTH The digital world is where people live today and The youth are the most numerous in our where they can be reached. To neglect to use these means is to neglect one of population. They are some of the most active workers of the most potent instruments the Lord has given us to renewal in the Church and in society. But they are also most communicate the Good News to all peoples. vulnerable to the negative developments in our rising technological society. EVANGELIZATION AND CONVERSION We affirm their gifts and immense capacity to The first response that is expected of those who pursue the Christian ideal in their lives and in society. heard the preaching of the Good News is repentance. We shall dialogue with them, enter their world, and The Greek word used in the New Testament for journey with them toward the maturity of Christ to which we repentance is metanoia. all aspire. What is to repent? It is to change. ✓ First, it is a change of mind, a change in our ECUMENISM AND INTER- way of thinking, a change in our “pananaw.” RELIGIOUS DIALOGUE ✓ Second is a change of heart, a change in To achieve the unity that Christ willed, we shall our attitude, in our “kalooban.” strive to eradicate prejudices, grow in deeper understanding ✓ The third change is a change of behavior or and appreciation of other faiths, and religious traditions, “pagkilos.” especially Islam. As a way of healing, reconciliation and national ==== END OF UNIT 2 LESSON 3 ==== unity, we shall encourage dialogue among all sectors of society. ANIMATION AND FORMATION FOR LESSON 4: The Response Of The Catholic Church & “MISSIO AD GENTES” The Duty Of The Lay Faithful To The Society We shall respond to the Holy Father‘s challenge that Filipinos become ―the foremost missionaries for all of RATIONALIZING THE CHURCH’S Asia. Therefore, we shall ensure that mission animation and INVOLVEMENT formation will be integral to religious formation in the family, Due to current challenges and issues that exist in schools, and other institutes of formation. our contemporary society like massive poverty, inequality, discrimination, racism, gap between the rich and the poor and environmental degradation, the Church is called to be NEW EVANGELIZATION involved in responding and eradicating those social concerns in order to become effective herald of the Gospel. Is a technical term used by Pope John Paul II in his GLOBAL REALITIES OF THE encyclical Redemptoris Missio in 1992 in order to revitalize the faith, give dynamism to the building up of the Church and CHURCH’S INVOLVEMENT to draw people to unity. Due to global concerns like war, hunger, poverty, Evangelization can be new in its ardor, methods, and global warming, climate change, apathy; and challenges expression. brought about by secularism, materialism, neo-liberalism The call to the new evangelization is a call for the and globalization, the Church is called to be involved in baptized members of the Church to deepen their faith and responding to those issues. reach out to other Christians in deep need of a new LOCAL REALITIES OF THE encounter with Christ. CHURCH’S INVOLVEMENT In modern times this means re-proposing the Gospel to The Church is also called to be involved in people in countries and cultures heavily influenced by promoting justice, solidarity and the common good through secularization. active participation and cooperation in community NEW EVANGELIZATION IS DOABLE THROUGH: development, promotion of human dignity, justice, peace, and environmental education. EVANGELIZATION BY ATTRACTION When our communities show a Christ-like love characterized by joyful unity as exemplified by the first Christian communities the world will once more take notice DUTY OF THE LAYFUL TO THE and exclaim again, ―See these Christians, how they love one another! SOCIETY EVANGELIZATION IN A DIGITAL WORLD AS ONE CHURCH In today‘s world, you are not “in” if you are not in It is the proper duty of the lay faithful to proclaim the digital world. the Gospel with an exemplary witness of life rooted in Christ The Church has to enter this world and use it to and lived in temporal realities: the family; in the world of communicate the Good News to all peoples. work, culture, science, and research; the exercise of social, SALAMANCA CONGRESS: Dominicans in economic and political responsibilities. the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights The lay faithful are called to cultivate an authentic This congress is an integral part of this lay spirituality by which they are reborn as new men and “Salamanca Process” in bringing leaders of Dominican women, both sanctified and sanctifiers, immersed in the intellectual institutions together for the promotion and mystery of God and inserted in society. defense of human rights. Prompted by such spirituality, the lay faithful are Hopefully it will result in a deeper integration of the able to contribute to the sanctification of the world, as from intellectual and apostolic life of the Dominican Family within like leaven, by fulfilling their own particular duties. through concrete projects of collaboration with the following The role of the laity is in a special way to “seek the objectives: Kingdom of God by engaging in temporal affairs and ✓ Recover the history of the involvement of ordering them according to the plan of God. As such, lay Dominicans in the promotion and defense men and women are in a unique position to bring their faith of human rights; into all areas of society. ✓ identify and evaluate the current In their own way, the laity participate in the priestly, engagement of Dominicans in the prophetic and kingly mission of the Church by virtue promotion and defense of human rights at of their Baptism and Confirmation. the academic level and at a practical level on the ground; ✓ develop networks and policies that will enable the promotion and defense of PROMOTING THE CULTURE OF human rights to be integral to Dominican DIALOGUE preaching of intellectual and apostolic life; The sacred dignity of each person and the call to and love one’s neighbor as an essential element of one’s love of ✓ promote networks of collaboration at the God combine to demand that all differences be explored and zonal, regional and international levels all conflicts be addressed through respectful dialogue. through concrete projects in defense of This applies to religious differences as well as groups whose rights are violated. political, economic, social and cultural ones. Only through patient, respectful dialogue do UST-OCD-SIMBAHAYANAN people grow beyond the limitations of their experience, perceptions, opinions and values. (TOMAS) EXPERIENCE Each person is a unique part of the tapestry of The University of Santo Tomas, through the Office creation, of the mosaic of the human family. of Community Development – Simbahayan has conducted Only through dialogue can new level of community organizing through their partner communities. understanding and appreciation be achieved in the human UST has been successful in utilizing TOMAS community. experience in implementing its projects and programs. The art of dialogue is effective among Filipinos UST offers training in organizing, management, because they are used to start small talk like: Saan ka program and project analysis to become systematic in the pupunta? (Where are you going?), Kumusta? (How are field of community engagement. you?), OK ka lang ba? (Are you OK?) UST IR offers training and community building They are also comfortable to engage with serious through CREED, Aral, Asal at Dasal, among others. conversation or dialogue. This is the reason why they have a saying that: “Walang hindi nadadaan sa mabubuting usapan.” Every problem (issue or conflict) can be settled ==== END OF UNIT 2 LESSON 4 ==== through a peaceful dialogue. ===== END OF UNIT 2 ===== TRANSLATING FAITH INTO OUR THOUGHTS, WORDS, AND ACTIONS FROM CURIOSITY TO ADVOCACY As Catholics, we need to witness our faith not only by word of mouth but by concrete actions. Thus, we need to walk our talk. The first step in translating faith into action is by being aware of existing social problems and concerns through series of exposures and immersions. Followed by personal expression of commitment in initiating and organizing advocacy projects related to human promotion and development.