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TableofContentsTableofContents
RerumNovarum,PopeLeoXIII1891-TheConditionofLabor-DIGNITYOFTHEWORKER
QuadragesimoAnno,PopePiusXI1931-TheReconstructionoftheSocialOrder
MateretMagistra,PopeJohnXXIII1961-ChristianityandSocialProgress
PaceminTerris,PopeJohnXXIII1963-PeaceonEarth
GaudiumetSpes,SecondVaticanCouncil,1965-TheChurchintheModernWorld
PopulorumProgressio,PaulVI1967
OctogesimaAdveniens,ApostolicLetterofPopePaulVI,1971-ACalltoAction
JusticiainMundo,JusticeintheWorldStatementoftheSynodofBishops,1971
LaboremExercens,PopeJohnPaulII1981-OnHumanWork
SollicitudoReiSocialis,PopeJohnPaulII1987-TheSocialConcernsoftheChurch
CentesimusAnnus,PopeJohnPaulII1991-OneHundredYears-DIGNITYOFTHEWORKER
OutlineandReflectionsonDeusCaritasEst(GodisLove)PopeBenedictXVI2006
CARITASinVERITATEPopeBenedictXVI2009
LAUDATOSI2015PopeFrancis2015-Thesafeguardingofthecommonhouse
RerumNovarum,PopeLeoXIII1891-TheConditionofLabor-DIGNITYOFTHEWORKER
PopeLeoXIII,May15,1891
Theoriginalfulldocumentisavailableon:
www.bit.ly/SOCIALDOCTRINEOFCATHOLICCHURCH
Source:EducationforJusticewww.educationforjustice.org
OVERVIEW
InRerumNovarumPopeLeoXIIIexaminesthesituationofthepoorpeopleandworkersinindustrializedcountries.Hestatesseveralimportantprinciplesthatshouldguidetheresponsetothesepeople.HethenarticulatestheroleoftheChurch,workersandemployers,andthelawandpublicauthoritiesinworkingtogethertobuildajustsociety.
Employersaregiventhemajorroleasagentsforchange.
HISTORICALNOTE
TheterribleexploitationandpovertyofEuropeanandNorthAmericanworkersattheendofthenineteenthcenturypromptedthewritingofRerumNovarum.ThedocumentwasinspiredbytheworkoftheFribourgUnion,aCatholicSocialActionmovementinGermany,andbyrequestformthehierarchyinEngland,Ireland,andtheUnitedStates.
DOCUMENTOUTLINE
TheSituationofthePoorandWorkers
·Destitutionofthemassesandthewealthofafew(#1).
·Declineofpublicmorality(#2).
·Workersexploitedbygreedyemployers(#6).
·Publicauthoritiesnotprotectingtherightsofthepoor(#6).
GuidingPrinciples
·Allhavebeencreatedby,strivetoward,andhavebeenredeemedbyGod;divinegraceandthegoodsofnaturebelongequallytoall(#’s11,12,38).
·Naturalinequalitiesintalentsexistamongpeople,butGodhasgiftedallwithequaldignity(#26).
·Abilitytoreasonispartofhumannature;humansrulethemselvesbyreason(#’s11-12).
·Commongoodistheendofcivilsociety;allhavetherighttoparticipateinsociety(#71).
·Truedignityresidesinmoralliving;peopleofvirtuewillhaveeternalhappiness(#’s37,42).“LawsaretobeobeyedonlyinsofarastheyconformwithrightreasonandtheeternallawofGod”(#72).
·Nationalwealthoriginatesfromthelaborofworkers(#51).
·Allhavetherighttoownprivateproperty(Leocriticizedsocialismasinherentlyunjustforviolatingthisright);privatepropertymustservethecommongood(#’s2,9,10,15,23,36,55).
·Peoplehavetherighttothefruitsoftheirlaborbutshouldusethemtobenefitall(#14).
·Laborisnecessaryandtherewillbehardshipsinlife(#62).
·Wealthisahindrancetoeternallife(#34).
·Justownershipisdistinctfromjustuseofproperty(#35).
RoleoftheChurch
·TheChurchhastherighttospeakout;socialmattersaffectreligionand
morality(#24).
·ThroughuseofGospelprinciplestheChurchcanhelpreconcileandunifyclasses(#’s25,33,41).
·TheChurchcaneducatepeopletoactjustly(#’s40,42).
DIGNITYOFTHEWORKER
RightsandDutiesofWorkers/PoorandEmployers/WealthyofSociety(#’s30-32)
·Workers/Poor
·Rights:privateproperty,poormustbecaredfor,possessfruitsoftheirlabor,rightsoffamilies,freedomofaction,righttowork,justwage(enoughtosupportafamily),joinworkersassociations(whichupholdreligiousvalues)(#’s5,9,48,55,62,63,69).
·Duties:toworkwell,nottoharmpropertyofemployer,torefrainfromviolenceandrioting,tobethrifty(#30).
·Employers/Wealthy
·Rights:privateproperty,nocrushingtaxes,privatesocieties(#’s8,9,36,72).
·Duties:nottotreatworkersasslaves,upholddignityofworkers,letworkersattendtotheirreligiousandfamilyobligations,nottoimposemoreworkthanaperson’sstrengthcanendure,payajustwage,nottotamperwithworker’ssavings,togivetothepoorafterneedshavebeenmet(#’s31-32).
RoleofPublicAuthorityandLawinSociety
·Defendandfostertherightsoffamilies(#21).
·Supportthecommongood(#4).
·Safeguardwell-beingandrightsofnon-owningworkers(#49).
·Intervenewhennecessarytopreventharmtoindividualsorthecommongood(#52).
·Givespecialconsiderationtotherightsofthepoor(#’s51,54).
·Upholdrightsofprivatepropertyandenablealltopossessprivateproperty(#’s55,65).
·Upholdtherightsofassociationsandthereligiousrightsofpeople(#69).
·Safeguardwell-beingandrightsofnon-owningworkers(#49).
·Intervenewhennecessarytopreventharmtoindividualsorthecommongood(#52).
·Givespecialconsiderationtotherightsofthepoor(#’s51,54).
·Upholdrightsofprivatepropertyandenablealltopossessprivateproperty(#’s55,65).
·Upholdtherightsofassociationsandthereligiousrightsofpeople(#69).
DiscussionQuestions
TheworkingconditionsthatinspiredthisdocumentreflectedtheimagesofCharlesDickens’sBritishfactorieswhereworkerstoiledinhorribleconditions.Fromyourexperienceorknowledge,dosimilarconditionsstillexist?Whatprinciplesofthisencyclicalstillapply?
Whatistheconditionofworkersandtheirunionsinyourowncountry?
Aretheirbasicrightsupheld?Whatareconditionsofworkersinotherpartsoftheworld?
Howdoestheconceptofhumandignityrelatetotherightsofworkersandthoseinpoverty?
WhatistheChurchandyourgovernmentdoingtoimprovethesituationofworkersandthepoor?Howcanyouoryourgroupcontributetoeffortstochangeunjuststructures?
QuadragesimoAnno,PopePiusXI1931-TheReconstructionoftheSocialOrder
PopePiusXI,May15,1931
Theoriginalfulldocumentisavailableon:
www.bit.ly/SOCIALDOCTRINEOFCATHOLICCHURCH
Source:EducationforJusticewww.educationforjustice.org
OVERVIEW
PopePiusXIcoversthreemajorareasinhisencyclical.First,hedescribestheimpactofLeoXIII’sTheConditionofLaborontheChurch,civilauthorities,andothercon¬cernedparties.Secondly,PiusclarifiesanddevelopsthesocialandeconomicdoctrinecontainedinTheConditionofLabor.HearticulatesapositiverolefortheChurchineconomicandsocialaffairsandaffirmsthesocialrespon¬sibilityofownership.Headvocatesaunitybetweencapitalandlaborandurgestheupliftingofthepoorandareformofthesocialorderbasedonareestablishmentofvoca¬tionalgroups.Finally,Piustreatstheabusesofcapitalismandsocialismandcallsforthemoralrenovationofsocietycoupledwithactionforjusticebasedonlove.
DOCUMENTOUTLINE
PartI:ImpactofTheConditionofLabor
HISTORICALNOTE
TheReconstructionoftheSocialOrdercommemoratesthefortiethanniversaryofTheConditionofLabor.Piuswroteandissuedthisencyclicalduringatimewhenmajordepressionwasshakingtheeconomicandsocialfounda¬tionsinsocietyworldwide.HestronglycriticizedtheabusesofbothcapitalismandcommunismandattemptedtoupdateCatholicsocialteachingtoreflectchangedconditions.HebroadenedtheChurch’sconcernforpoorworkerstoencompassthestructureswhichoppressthem.
OntheChurch
·Doctrine
·Encouragedadaptabilitytochangingconditions(#18).
·CommittedmanypriestsandlaypeopletotheChurch’ssocialteaching(#19).
·InspiredatrulyChristiansocialscience(#20).
·Taughtinseminarsanduniversities(#20).
·HasinfluenceoutsidetheChurch(#21).
·PracticalApplication
·Efforttohelplowerclasses(#23).
·Influencededucationandculture(#23).
·Worksofcharitymultiplied(#24).
·Inspiredinstitutionsformutualsupport(#24).
OnCivilAuthority
·Definedpositiverole:toprotectlawandorderandtopromotepublicwell-being(#25).
·Governmentmusthaveaspecialregardfortheinfirmandneedy(#25).
·Leadersbecamemoreconsciousoftheirobligationstopromotesocialpolicy(#26).
·Lawsandprogramsforthepoorwerebegun(#28).
OnOtherConcernedParties
·Unions
·Confirmedtheirmission(#31).
·Clergyandlaityhelpedcreatethem(#33).
·Unionshaveflourished(#33).
·LeoXIII’scounselsshouldbeadaptedtodifferentsituations(#34).
·Other
·Associationsofemployersdidnotmeetwithmuchsuccess(#38).
·LeodrewhisinspirationfromtheGospel(#39).
PartTwo:SocialandEconomicDoctrine
RoleoftheChurch(#41)
·Churchhasarightanddutytodealwiththeseissues.
·Itisa“Godgiventask.”
·Churchmustpassjudgmentonsocialandeconomicquestionsastheyaffectmoralissues.
PropertyRights
·Two-foldaspectofownership:individualandsocial(concernsforthecommongood)(#45).
·Doubledanger:individualismandcollectivism(#46).
·Rightofpropertymustbedistinguishedfromitsuse(#47).
·Todestroytheindividualcharacterofownershipisagrievouserror(#48).
·Rightofownershipisnotabsolute(#49).
·Functionofgovernment:todefineindetailthedutiesofownership(#49).
·Twousesofsuperfluousincome:
·charity(#50);
·tocreateemployment(#51).
CapitalandLabor
·Onlybythelaborofworkingpeopledoesthestategrowrich(#53).
·Laborandcapitalneedeachother(#53).
·Inhistory,capitalclaimedalltheproductsandprofitsandleftthebarestminimumtolabor(#54).
·Unjustclaimoflabor:allproductsandprofitbelongtoworkingpeople(#55).
·Advocatesajustdistributionofwealthtoservethecommongood(#56).
UpliftingtheProletariat
·Upliftingtheproletariatisthemainobjective(#59).
·ThesituationofworkershasimprovedinWesternnations(#59).
·Butthesituationhasdeterioratedinotherpartsoftheworld(#60).
·Conditionofrurallaborersisextremelydepressed(#60).
·Workingpeopleshouldbesufficientlysuppliedwithfruitsofproductions(#61).
·Ajustwageshouldbepaidsopeoplecanacquiremoderateownership(#63).
·Theideaofawagecontractisnotnecessarilyunjust(#64).
·Wagecontractshouldbemodifiedbyacontractofpartnerships(#65).
·Demandofsocialjustice:wagesshouldsupportfamilies(#71).
·Womenandchildrenshouldnotbeabusedintheworkworld(#71).
·Publicauthoritiescanhelpbusinessespayajustwage(#73).
·Opportunitiesmustbeprovidedtothosewillingtowork(#74).
ReformofSocialOrder
·ThisisprimarilytheState’sresponsibility(#78).
·Principlesofsubsidiarity:activitythatcanbeperformedbyamoredecentralizedentityshouldbe(#s79-80).
·PrimarydutyoftheState:toabolishconflictandpromoteharmonybetweenclasses(#81).
·Importanceofvocationalgroups:commoneffortforthecommongood(#84).
·Properorderingofeconomicaffairscannotbelefttofreeenterprisealone(#88).
·Economicsupremacyhasreplacedfreecompetition(#88).
·Economicinstitutionsmustbeimbuedwithaspiritofjustice(#89).
·Callsforinternationaleconomiccooperation(#89).
·Supportspublicinterventioninlabor-managementdisputes(#93).
PartThree:Socialism
ChangesinCapitalism
·Economicconcentrationhasledtoastrugglefordomination(#105).
·Freecompetitionhasended(#109).
·Statehasbecomea“slave”servinggreed(#109).
·Economicimperialismthrives(#109).
ChangesinSocialism
·Dividedintotwocamps(#111).
·Communismsupportsviolenceandtheabolitionofprivateownership(#112).
·Socialismcondemnstheresorttophysicalforceandmoderatestheprohibitiononprivateproperty(#113).
Remedies
·NopossibilityofacompromisebetweenChristianityandSocialism(#116).
·SocialismperceiveshumansinawayalientoChristiantruth(#118).
·SocialreconstructionneedsareturntoChristianspiritandGospelprinciples(#36).
·Loveandcharitymustreinforcejustice(#137).
DiscussionQuestions
WhydoestheChurchhavearightandadutytospeakonsocialissues?Discuss
theweaknessesofcapitalismandsocialisminlightofCatholicsocialteaching.
MateretMagistra,PopeJohnXXIII1961-ChristianityandSocialProgress
PopeJohnXXIII,May15,1961
Theoriginalfulldocumentisavailableon:
www.bit.ly/SOCIALDOCTRINEOFCATHOLICCHURCH
Source:EducationforJusticewww.educationforjustice.org
OVERVIEW
PopeJohnXXIIIbeginsthisencyclicalbyreviewingthemajorpointsofTheConditionofLaborandTheRecon¬structionoftheSocialOrder.Henotesthatnewpolitical,social,andeconomicdevelopmentshavenecessitatedChristianityandSocialProgress.Heconfirmspreviouspapalteachingonthevalueofprivateinitiative,justremunerationforwork,andthesocialfunctionofprivateproperty.JohnXXIIIthentreatsthequestionsofagricul¬tureandaidtodevelopingcountries.Heurgesarecon¬structionofsocialrelationshipsaccordingtotheprinciplesofCatholicsocialteachingandstatestheresponsibilityofindividualChristianstoworkforamorejustworld.
DOCUMENTOUTLINE
HISTORICALNOTE
PopeJohnXXIIIissuedChristianityandSocialProgressinresponsetothesevereimbalancesbetweentherichandthepoorwhichexistintheworld.Theencyclicalcom¬memoratestheseventiethanniversaryofLeoXIII’sTheConditionofLabor.JohnXXIII“internationalizes”theCatholicsocialteaching
bytreating,forthefirsttime,thesituationofcountrieswhicharenotfullyindustrialized.HearticulatesanimportantroleforthelaityinapplyingtheChurch’ssocialteachingsintheworld.
NewDevelopments
·EconomicandScientific(#47)
·Discoveryofatomicenergy.
·Syntheticproductsandautomation.
·Conquestofouterspace.
·Newspeedoftransportation.
·Improvementsincommunications.
·Social(#48)
·Insuranceandsocialsecurity.
·Improvementsineducation.
·Increasedsocialmobility.
·Pronouncedimbalancesbetweenmoredevelopedandlessdevelopedareas.
·Political(#49)
·Increasedparticipation.
·Lesscolonization.
·Morepublicintervention.
DevelopmentofSocialTeaching
·PrivateInitiative
·Firstprioritytoprivateinitiative(#51).
·Supportsprincipleof“subsidiarity”(#53).
·Publicauthoritiescanintervenetoreduceeconomicimbalances(#54).
·Balancebetweenpublicandprivateinitiative(#55).
·“Socialization”:interdependentsocialrelationshipswithpositiveandnegative
consequencescreatedbynewdevelopments(#s59-67).
·JustRemunerationforWork
·Familiesneedappropriatewagetoliveindignity(#68).
·Worldimbalance:toomuchmoneyspentonnationalprestigeandarmaments(#69).
·Economicdevelopmentmustcorrespondtosocialdevelopment(#73).
·Economicprosperity:thejustandproperdistributionofgoods(#74).
·Workersshouldshareinrunningofcompanies(management,profits,ownership)(#75).
·Requirementsforcommongoodfornations(#79):
·createemployment;
·careforlessprivileged;
·provideforthefuture.
·JusticeandProductiveInstitutions
·Fostersmallandintermediaryholdings(#84).
·Encouragefamily-typeownership(#85).
·Alleviateimbalances(#84).
·Allshouldworkforthecommongood(#96).
·PrivateProperty
·Confirmsrightstoprivateproperty(#109).
·Encourageswidespreadownership(#115).
·Statecanownmeansofproduction(butaffirmssubsidiarity)(#117).
·Socialresponsibility:afunctionofprivateproperty(#119).
NewAspectsoftheSocialQuestion
·Agriculture
·Agricultureisadepressedsector;imbalancesbetweenitandindustryexist(#123).
·Churchcallsforservicesforruralareasandorderlyeconomicdevelopment(#127).
·Appropriateeconomicpolicyincludescapitalatsuitableprices,priceprotection,socialsecurity,andstrengtheningfarmincome(#s131-143).
·Principalagentforimprovementshouldberuralworkers,whohavedignityfromGod(#144).
·AidtoLessDevelopedAreas
·Needforcompetentadministrationandeconomicpolicies(#150).
·Citizensinlessdevelopedareasarechieflyresponsiblefortheirowndevelopmentandneedtorespectdignityandsubsidiarity(#151)
·JusticebetweenNationsDifferinginDevelopment
·Peaceismoredifficultasimbalancespersist(#157).
·Dutyofcountriestohelpthepoorandunfortunate(#157).
·Needtoestablishaneffectiveprogramofemergencyassistance(#161).
·Privateenterprisesandsocietiesneedtobemoregenerousincooperation(#165).
·Industrialcountriesneedtorespectthecultureofdevelopingcountries;aidshouldbeofferedwithouttheintenttodominate(#s170,172).
·RoleoftheChurch
·IndividualChristiansmustadvancecivilinstitutionsandhumandignityandfosteraunitybetweenpeoples(#179).
·ManyCatholicsarealreadyinvolvedintheseefforts(#182).
·PopulationIncreaseandDevelopment
·Humankindhasaninexhaustibleproductivecapacity(#189).
·Humansshouldnotresorttomeansofpopulationcontrolbeneathhumandignity(#199).
·InternationalCooperation
·Relationshipsareinterdependent;cooperationandmutualassistanceareneeded(#200).
·Causeofdistrustisfailuretoagreeonlawsofjustice;armamentsarea
symptomofthisdistrust(#203).
ReconstructionofSocialRelationships
·IncompletePhilosophiesofLife
·Manyphilosophiesdonotencompasstheentirehumanpersonorrespecthumandignity(#s213-214).
·ItisfollytoestablishatemporalorderwithoutGodasafoundation(#217).
·CatholicSocialTeaching(CST)
·Individualsarethefoundation,cause,andendofallsocialinstitutions(#219).
·CSTcannotbeseparatedfromChurchteachingsonlifeandshouldbetaughtatalllevelsandinthemedia(#s222-223).
·CatholicsshouldberearedonCSTandconformtheirsocialandeconomicbehaviortoCSTprinciples(#228).
·ApplyingCSTintheworldisdifficult(#229).
·HowtoapplyCST(taskforlaity)(#s236-241):
·examinesituation(observe);
·evaluateitwithrespecttoCST(judge);
·decidehowtoact(act).
·Conclusion
·Industriallifecandeformvaluesanddepartfromhumandignity(#242).
·ChurchneedstorenewitsdedicationinseekingtoestablishtheKingdomintemporalaffairs(#254).
DiscussionQuestions
Thisdocumentnotesthenewdevelopmentsbetween1931and1961.
What,inyourview,arethesignificantdevelopmentsthathaveoccurredintheworldsincethen?Namewaysin
whichthesenewdevelopmentsaffectyourlifeandthelifeofourcommunity.
HowdoyoudefineyourroleasaChristianintheworld?
PaceminTerris,PopeJohnXXIII1963-PeaceonEarth
PopeJohnXXIII,April11,1963
Theoriginalfulldocumentisavailableon:
www.bit.ly/SOCIALDOCTRINEOFCATHOLICCHURCH
Source:EducationforJusticewww.educationforjustice.org
OVERVIEW
InPeaceonEarth,PopeJohnXXIIIcontendsthatpeacecanbeestablishedonlyifthesocialordersetdownbyGodisfullyobserved.
Relyingextensivelyonreasonandthenaturallawtradition,JohnXXIIIsketchesalistofrightsanddutiestobefollowedbyindividuals,publicauthorities,nationalgovernments,andtheworldcommunity.Peaceneedstobebasedonanorder“foundedontruth,builtaccordingtojustice,vivifiedandintegratedbycharity,andputintopracticeinfreedom.”
DOCUMENTOUTLINE
HISTORICALNOTE
WrittenduringthefirstyearofVaticanII,PeaceonEarthwasthefirstencyclicaladdressedto“allpeopleofgoodwill.”IssuedshortlyaftertheCubanMissileCrisisin1962andtheerectionoftheBerlinWall,thisdocumentspoketoaworldawareofthedangersofnuclearwar.ItsoptimistictoneanddevelopmentofaphilosophyofrightsmadeasignificantimpressiononCatholicsandnon-Catholicsalike.
OrderBetweenpeople
Everyhumanisaperson,endowedwithintelligenceandfreewill,whohasuniversalandinviolablerightsandduties(#9).
Rights
·Rightstolifeandworthystandardofliving,includingrightstoproperdevelopmentoflifeandtobasicsecurity(#11).
·Rightsofculturalandmoralvalues,includingfreedomtosearchforandexpressopinions,freedomofinformation,andrighttoeducation(#s12-13).
·Rightstoreligionandconscience(#14).
·Rightstochooseone’sstateinlife,includingrightstoestablishafamilyandpursueareligiousvocation(#s15-16).
·Economicrights,includingrighttowork,toajustandsufficientwage,
andtoholdprivateproperty(#s18-22).
·Rightsofmeetingandassociation(#23).
·Righttoemigrateandimmigrate(#25).
·Politicalrights,includingrighttoparticipateinpublicaffairsandjuridicalprotectionofrights(#s26-27).
Duties
·Toacknowledgeandrespectrightsofothers(#30).
·Tocollaboratemutually(#31).
·Toactforothersresponsibly(#39).
·Topreservelifeandliveitbecomingly(#42).
SignsoftheTimes
·Workingclasseshavegraduallygainedgroundineconomicandsocialaffairs(#40).
·Womenareparticipatinginpubliclife(#41).
·Allnationsarebecomingindependent(#42).
II.RelationsbetweenIndividualsandPublicAuthoritiesinaSingleStateNatureofAuthority
·Authorityisnecessaryfortheproperfunctioningofsociety(#46).
·ItderivesitsforcefromthemoralorderwhichhasGodforitsend(#47).
·Astatewhichuses,asitschiefmeans,punishmentsandrewardscannoteffectivelypromotethecommongood(#48).
·Astatecannotobligeinmattersofconscience(#49).
·AcommandcontrarytoGod’swillisnotbinding(#51).
CharacteristicsofCommonGood
·Humanpersonmustbeconsidered(#55).
·Allmembersofthestateshareincommongood(#56).
·Moreattentionmustbegiventothelessfortunatemembersofsociety(#56).
·Statemustpromotematerialandspiritualwelfareofcitizens(#57).
CivilAuthority
·Chiefconcernshouldbetoensurethecommongood(#59).
·Coordinatessocialrelationsinawaythatallowspeopletoexercisetheirrightsanddutiespeacefully(#60).
·Athree-folddivisionofpowers—legislative,executive,andjudicial—
isrecommendedforpublicauthorities(#68).
·Oftenaprudentandthoughtfuljuridicalsystemseemsinadequateforsociety’sneeds(#71).
·Threerequisitesforgoodgovernment:
·charterofhumanrights(#75);
·writtenconstitution(#76);
·relationsbetweengovernedandgovernmentintermsofrightsandduties(#77).
III.RelationsBetweenStates
InTruth
·Eliminationofracism(#86).
·Righttoself-development(#86).
·Obligationofmutualassistance(#87).
·Objectiveuseofmedia(#90).
InJustice
·Recognitionofmutualrightsandduties(#91).
·Improvementofthesituationofethnicminorities(#96).
ActiveSolidarity
·Promotebycivilauthoritythecommongoodoftheentirehumanfamily(#98).
·Fosteringoffriendlyrelationsinallfields(#100).
·Reductioninimbalancesofgoodsandcapitalintheworld(#101).
·Rightofpoliticalrefugeestomigrate(#106).
·Armsrace:
·depriveslessdevelopedcountriesofsocialandeconomicprogress(#109);
·createsaclimateoffear(#111);
·“Justice,then,rightreason,andconsiderationforhumandignityandlifedemandthatthearmsracecease”(#112);
·peaceconsistsinmutualtrust(#114).
InLiberty
·Relationsbasedonfreedom;responsibilityandenterpriseencouraged(#120).
·Respectbythewealthynationsofthevalueingivingaidwithoutseekingdominance(#125).
III.RelationsofPeopleandofPoliticalCommunitieswiththeWorldCommunity
·Individualcountriescannotseektheirowninterestsanddevelopinisolationgivenmodernconditionsofinterdependence(#131).
·Underpresentcircumstances,thestructuresandformsofnationalgovernmentsareinadequatetopromotetheuniversalcommongood(#135).
·Publicauthoritymusthavethemeanstopromotethecommongood(#136).
·Needpublicauthoritytooperateinaneffectivematteronaworldwidematter(#137).
·TheUnitedNationsshouldbefostered(#145).
V.PastoralExhortations
·Peopleshouldtakeanactiveroleinpubliclifeandorganizationsandinfluencethemfromwithin(#147).
·Humansshouldcarryontemporalactivities“asactswithinthemoralorder”(#150).
·Aunitybetweenfaithandactionisneeded;solidChristianeducationwillhelpachievethisunity(#s152-153).
·Distinguishbetweenfalsephilosophicalideasandmovementsderivingfromthem(#159).
·Christiansneedprudenceindeterminingwhentocollaboratewithnon-Christiansinsocialandeconomicaffairs(#160).
·“Peacewillbebutanemptysoundingwordunlessitisfoundedon
theorderwhichthepresentdocumenthasoutlinedinconfidenthope:anorderfoundedontruth,builtaccordingtojustice,vivifiedandintegratedbycharity,andputintopracticeinfreedom”(#167).
DiscussionQuestions
In1963,PopeJohnXXIIIlistedsignificant“signsofthetimes.”
Whichotherswouldyouaddto(orsubtractfrom)thatlisttoday?
In2003theVaticandecidedtorepublishPeaceonEarth.WhydoyouthinktheVaticanthoughtthisdocumentwasrelevanttotoday’sworldissues?
Foryouandyourcommunity,whatarethemostimportantrightswhichPopeJohnXXIIIlisted?Explain.
Analyzethepeaceeffortsofyourcommunityfromtheperspec¬tiveofthisencyclical.
GaudiumetSpes,SecondVaticanCouncil,1965-TheChurchintheModernWorld
SecondVaticanCouncil,1965
Theoriginalfulldocumentisavailableon:
www.bit.ly/SOCIALDOCTRINEOFCATHOLICCHURCH
Source:EducationforJusticewww.educationforjustice.org
OVERVIEW
GaudiumetSpes,SecondVaticanCouncil,1965
VaticanII’sTheChurchintheModernWorldisseenbymanytobethemostimportantdocumentintheChurch’ssocialtradition.ItannouncesthedutyofthePeopleofGodtoscrutinizethe“signsofthetimes”inlightoftheGospel.Indoingso,itfindsthatchangecharacterizestheworld.
ThesetechnologicalandsocialchangesprovidebothwonderfulopportunitiesandworrisomedifficultiesforthespreadoftheGospel.TheChurch’sdutyintheworldistoworkfortheenhancementofhumandignityandthecommongood.
HISTORICALNOTE
Thisdocumentrepresentstheopinionoftheoverwhelmingmajorityoftheworld’sBishops.Originally,thematerialcontainedherewasnotscheduledtobeconsideredseparatelybytheCouncil.CardinalJosephSuenensofBelgium,however,intervenedattheendofthefirstsessiontourgeconsiderationofissuesmore“external”totheChurchthantheroleofBishopsortheuseofvernacu¬lar
intheliturgy.Thedocumentistheproductofacom¬missionandwasalteredbya2,300memberdeliberativeassembly.Infinalform,itrepresentsasignificantbreakfromtherigidtraditionalismoftheCouncil’spreparatorycommission.
Introduction
·The“joysandhopes,sorrowsandanxieties”ofthepeopleoftheworldaretheconcernsofthePeopleofGod(#1).
·Church’sduty:toscrutinizethe“signsofthetimes”(#4).
·Technologicalchangeshavecausedsocialchanges(#5).
·Thesechangeshaveaffectedeverybody—individuals,families,communities,andnations—withbothgoodandbadresults(#’s6-7).
·Conflictingforceshaveensued:tremendouswealthandabject
poverty,greatfreedomandpsychologicalslavery(#9).
·Convictionhasgrownthathumanitycanestablishapoliticalorderthatwillservehumandignity(#9).
PartOne:TheChurchandHumanity’sCallingHumanDignity
·NatureofHuman
·CreatedinGod’simage(freeandintelligent),andasasocialbeing(#12).
·Splitwithinself:inclinationtowardgoodandevil(#13).
·Dignitydependsonfreedomtoobeyone’sconscience(#16).
·ChristianityandAtheism
·Atheism:aseriousconcern,impedingtheliberationofthecompletepersonandantagonistictowardreligion(#19).
·ButrecognitionofGodisinnowayhostiletohumandignity(#21).
·Alivingfaith,activatingpeopletojusticeandlove,isneededtoovercomesuspicionofreligion(#21).
·Churchcallsalltoworktobettertheworld;thisworkcorrespondstotheworkofthehumanheart(#21).
·HumanCommunity
·Technologicalchangeshavecreatedinterdependencewithoutfosteringinterpersonalrelationships(#23).
·Advancementofindividualsandsocietydependsoneveryone(#25).
·Allmustworkforthecommongood(#26).
·Everythingnecessaryforatrulyhumanlifemustbemadeavailableforus(#26).
·Scripturemandatesloveofneighbor;everypersonisourneighbor;activeloveisnecessary(#28).
·JesuscallsusGod’schildrensoweshouldtreateachotherassistersandbrothers(#32).
·TheChurchintheModernWorld
·TheChurchandhumanityexperiencethesameearthlysituation(#40).
·History,science,andculturerevealthetruenatureofthehumanperson(#41).
·TheChurchisnotboundtoanyparticularpolitical,economic,orsocialsystem(#42).
·TheChurchneedstopurifyitselfcontinually(#43).
·IndividualChristiansneedtopenetratetheworldwithaChristianspiritandwitnesstoJesusinthemidstofhumansociety(#43).
·TheChurchcanbehelpedbytheworldinpreparingthegroundfortheGospel(#44).
·TheChurch’smission,partsavingandparteschatological,beginsinthisworld;JesusisLordofhistory(#45).
PartTwo:SpecialAreasofConcern
·MarriageandtheFamily
·Familiesarethefoundationofsociety(#47).
·Destructivetomarriageare:divorce,freelove,excessiveself-love,polygamy,worshipofpleasure,certainmoderneconomic-social-politicalconditions,overpopulation(#47).
·Marriageisintendedfortheprocreationandeducationofchildrenandawholemannerandcommunionoflife(#50).
·Responsibleparenthoodisadvocated(#50).
·Fromthemomentofconception,lifemustberegardedwithsacredcare(#51).
·Thehealthyconditionofindividualsandsocietydependsonstablefamilies(#52).
·TheDevelopmentofCulture
·CircumstancesofCulture
·Changesintechnologyhavecreatedfreshavenuesforthediffusionofculture(#54).
·Anewhumanismhasdawnedandanindividualisdefinedbyhis/herresponsibilitiestotheworld(#55).
·Culturemustevolvesoastofosterthedevelopmentofthewholeperson(#56).
·PrinciplesofCulturalDevelopment
·ThequestforheavenshouldinspireChristianstobuildamorehumanworldonearth(#57).
·Dangerexiststhathumansmayrelyonmoderndiscoveriesandstopsearchingforhigherrealities(#57).
·Godspeakstothevariouscultures(#58).
·Church,inwaysthatrespectitsowntradition,shouldusemodesofculturetospreadtheGospel(#58).
·TheGoodNewsrenewsandadvancesculture(#58).
·Cultureneedsfreedominwhichtodevelop(#59).
·CulturalDutiesofChristians
·Strenuousworkisneededineconomicandpoliticalfieldstoliberatepeoplefromignorance(#60).
·Everyonehasarighttoculture,thought,andexpression(#60).
·Womenshouldparticipateinculturallife(#60).
·Developmentofthewholepersonshouldbefostered(#61).
·Christianthinkingshouldbeexpressedinwaysconsistentwithculture(#62).
·Socio-EconomicLife
·BasicPrinciples
·Humanbeingsare“thesource,thecenter,andthepurposeofallsocio-economiclife”(#63).
·Fundamentalimbalancesbetweenwealthandpovertyexistintoday’sworld(#63).
·EconomicDevelopment
·Technologicalprogresswhichservesthewholepersonmustbefostered(#64).
·Progressmustbecontrolledbyhumanity(#65).
·Justicenecessitatesaquickremovalofeconomicinequities(#66).
·EconomicLife
·Humanlaborissuperiortootherelementsofeconomiclife;economicactivitydetrimentaltotheworkeriswrongandinhuman(#67).
·Workersshouldparticipateinrunninganenterprise(#67).
·Godintendedtheearthforeveryone;privatepropertyshouldbenefitall(#67).
·Allhavearighttogoodssufficientforthemselvesandtheirfamilies(#69).
·Distributionofgoodsshouldbedirectedtowardemployment(#70).
·Publicauthoritiescanguardagainstthosemisusesofprivatepropertywhichhurtthecommongood(#71).
·Genuinesharingofgoodsiscalledfor(#71).
·PoliticalCommunity
·Modernchangeshaveincreasedtheawarenessofhumandignityandthedesiretoestablishajustpolitical-juridicalorder(#73).
·Publicauthorities(andindividualcitizens)shouldworkforthecommongood(#74).
·Churchandpoliticalcommunity(#76):
·bothservethevocationofhumans;
·Churchhastherighttopassmoraljudgmentswhenhumanrightsareatstake;
·ChurchshouldusethemeansoftheGospeltofulfillitsmission.
·Peace
·BasicPrinciples
·Withmodernweapons,humanityisinacrisissituation(#77).
·Mostnoblemeaningof“peace”—basedonlove,harmony,trust,andjustice—shouldbefostered(#78).
·AvoidanceofWar
·Non-violenceandconscientiousobjectionarelegitimate(#79).
·Justdefenseispermissible,butnotwarsofsubjugation(#79).
·Participationinarmedservicesisallowed,butnotblindobediencetoorders(#79).
·Withnewweapons,anewevaluationofwarisneeded(#80).
·Armsraceisnotthewaytobuildpeace;itcanactuallyfosterwarsanditinjuresthepoor(#81).
·Noactofwaratpopulationcentersispermissible(#81).
·Deterrence“isnotasafewaytopreservesteadypeace”(#81).
·Everyonehasresponsibilitytoworkfordisarmament(#82).
·BuildingUptheInternationalCommunity
·Causesofdissension,especiallyinjustices,needtobeeliminated(#83).
·Greaterinternationalcooperationdemandstheestablishmentofaninternationalorganizationcorrespondingtomodernobligations(#’s84-85).
·Developmentofwholepersonistobefostered(#86).
·Ecumenicalcooperationisneededtoachievejustice(#88).
·Churchmustbepresenttoinjustice(#89).
DiscussionQuestions
Whatarethemostimportant“joysandhopes,sorrowsandanxieties”ofourcontemporaryworld?Whichonesaffectyouandyourchurchcommunitythemost?
Freudreferredtoreligion’sfunctionas“illusion”;Marxas“ideology.”Inwhatwaydoyouthinkreligionshouldfunctioninthehumancommunity?
ShouldtheChurchrespondtotheagendaoftheworld?Whatdoesthismeaninpracticalterms?
Listwhatyoubelievearethemajorthingsthatpeopleneedinordertorealizetheirdignity.Whatfactorsinyourcommunitycontributeto,orhinder,theachievementofthisdignity?
PopulorumProgressio,PaulVI1967
PaulVI(March1967)
byGeraldDarring
OVERVIEW
PaulVInotesthattodaythesocialquestionhasbecomeglobal(a.3)andthatsocialconflictshavetakenonglobaldimensions(a.9).Itsinternationalconcernsaremultiple.Itsinternationalconcernsaremultiple.Itisdisturbedbythecapitalistsystemthataccompaniesindustrialization,asystemthatcontainsabusessuchasprofitbeingtheprincipalmotiveforeconomicprogress,competitionthesupremelawoftheeconomy,andprivateownershipofthemeansofproductionanabsoluteandunlimitedright(s.26).Hefearsthatthedestitutionofentirepopulationswilltemptpeopletoresorttoviolence(s.30),althougharevolutionaryuprisingwillproducenewinjusticesunlessanestablishedtyrannyviolateshumanrightsandthecommongood(s.31).Henoteswithdisapprovalthatwithsomanyhungryanddestitutepeoplewithouteducationandhealthcare,moneyiswastedonnationalorpersonalostentationandthearmsrace(s.53).
HISTORICALNOTE
ThePopehadhaddirectexperienceoftheproblemofdevelopmentduringhistravelstoLatinAmerica,Africa,theMiddleEastandAsia(a.
4),andheseekstoconveytheseriousnessoftheproblem.
Whatwemustaimforiscompletehumanism:theintegraldevelopmentofthewholepersonandofallmen.ItmustbeahumanismopentothevaluesofthespiritandtoGodwhoisitssource(s.42).Thewiseareinsearchofanewhumanism(s.20),andthesupremegoalofpersonaldevelopmentisatranscendenthumanismrealizedthroughunionwithChrist(s.16).
ThedevelopmentofwhichPaulspeaksrequiresthesimultaneousdevelopmentofallhumanityinaspiritofsolidarity(s.43).
Hesaysthattheworldissick,hisdiseaseconsistingintheabsenceoffamilytiesbetweenindividualsandpeoples(s.66).
Countlesspeopleonentirecontinentssufferfromhunger,childmortality,retardedmentaldevelopmentanddepressingdiscouragement(a.45).Heinsiststhatnoonecanremainindifferenttothefateofthosewhoarestillburiedinpoverty,victimsofinsecurityandslavesofignorance(s.74).
Peoplemustgrasptheirseriousprobleminallitsdimensions(a.1).Thepresentsituationmustbefacedwithcourageandtheinjusticesassociatedwithitmustbefoughtandovercome(s.32).Thepresentmomentiscrucial,andtheworkisurgent(s.80).Wemusthurry:too
manypeoplearesuffering(s.29).
Afteridentifyingthenegativeandpositiveaspectsoftheworldproblemofunderdevelopment,thePopechallengesrichpeopleandrichcountries,stressingthatpeoplewhosufferfromhungermakeadramaticappealtopeoplewhoareluckyenoughtoliveinabundance(a.3).Therichshouldrealizethatthepoorarestandingoutsidetheirdoorswaitingtoreceiveremainsoftheirbanquets(s.83).
DOCUMENTPRESENTATION
PaulVInotesthattodaythesocialquestionhasbecomeworld-wide(a.
3),andsocialconflictshavetakenonworlddimensions(a.9).Hisinternationalconcernsareseveral.Heisdisturbedbythecapitalistsystemaccompanyingindustrialization,asystemwhichcontainssuchabusesasprofitbeingthekeymotiveforeconomicprogress,competitionthesupremelawofeconomics,andprivateownershipofthemeansofproductionanabsoluteandunlimitedright(a.26).Heworriesthatthedestitutionofwholepopulationstemptspeopletohaverecoursetoviolence(a.30),althougharevolutionaryuprisingproducesnewinjusticesunlessthereisanestablishedtyrannydamaginghumanrightsandharmingthecommongood(a.31).Henoteswithdisapprovalthatwithsomanypeoplehungryanddestitute,lackingeducationandhealthcare,moneyissquanderedonnationalorpersonalostentationandthearmsrace(a.53).
Oneofhismajorconcernsisthegapbetweentherichandthepoor:glaringinequalitiesexistnotonlyinpossessionsbutalsoinpower(a.9).
Thehardrealityofmoderneconomicsworkstowidendifferences:richpeoplesenjoyrapidgrowthwhilethepoordevelopslowly(a.8).Thedistanceisgrowing
thatseparatestheprogressofsomeandthestagnationandregressionofothers(a.29),andasaresultofuneventraderelations,thepoornationsremaineverpoorwhiletherichonesbecomestillricher(a.57).Thepopewarnsthatinpromotingdevelopment,wemustavoidtheriskofaddingtothewealthoftherich,themiseryofthepoor,andtheservitudeoftheoppressed(a.33),andheinsiststhatprogramstoincreaseproductionshouldreduceinequalities(a.34).
ThereexistsinthisthetraditionalChristianconcernforthepoor,andPaulremindsusthatChristcitedthepreachingoftheGospeltothepoorasasignofhismission(a.12).Heteachesthatourgoalisnotjusttoeliminatehungerorreducepoverty:thegoalistobuildaworldinwhichthepoormanLazaruscansitdownatthesametablewiththerichperson(a.47).Butthereisinadditionastrongconcernforproblemsindevelopingcountries.Thepopeworriesthatindustrializationisbreakingdowntraditionalstructureswhichdonotadaptthemselvestothenewconditions(a.10).Henotesthatthereissomeevidenceofaneo-colonialism,intheformofpoliticalandeconomicpressuresaimedat
completedominance(a.52).Withintheunderdevelopedcountries,hecallsattentiontotwoproblems:nationalismandracism.AssertingthattheChurchofferspeoplewhatishercharacteristicattribute:aglobalvisionofhumanity(a.13),hesaysthatlegitimatefeelingsofconcernfornationalunityandprideinculturalheritageshouldnotbedemeanedbyanisolatingnationalism(a.62),andthatracismisanobstacletocollaborationamongdisadvantagednationsandacauseofdivisionandhatredwithincountries(a.63).
Thepopehadexperiencedfirst-handtheproblemofdevelopmentduringtravelstoLatinAmerica,Africa,theMiddleEast,andAsia(a.4),andheseekstoconveyasenseoftheseriousnessoftheproblem.Hesaysthattheworldissick,itsillnessconsistingofthelackofkinshipamongindividualsandpeoples(a.66).Moreandmorepeopleseektodomore,knowmoreandhavemoreinordertobemore,buttheirlivingconditionspreventthem(a.6).Inwholecontinentscountlesspeopleexperiencehunger,infantmortality,retardedmentaldevelopment,anddepressingdespondency(a.45).Heinsiststhatnoonecanremainindifferenttothelotofthosestillburiedinwretchedness,thevictimsofinsecurityandtheslavesofignorance(a.74).Peopleneedtograsptheirseriousprobleminallitsdimensions(a.1).Thepresentsituationmustbefacedwithcourageandtheinjusticeslinkedwithitmustbefoughtagainstandovercome(a.32).Thepresentmomentiscrucial,andtheworktobedoneisurgent(a.80).Wemustmakehaste:toomanyaresuffering(a.
29).
Paul'sresponsetothedemandsofthiscrucialmomentiscontainedintheconceptofdevelopment,andhesaysthathisencyclicalisasolemnappealforconcreteactiontowardspeople'scompletedevelopmentandthedevelopmentofallpeople(a.5).HenotesthattheChurch'sinterestindevelopmentfocusesprimarilyonthehungryandmiserable,thediseasedandignorant,thosewhosharelessinthebenefitsofcivilization(a.1).Heteachesthatdevelopmentmust
beintegral,promotingthegoodofeverypersonandofthewholeperson(a.14),andthatauthenticdevelopmentinvolvesatransitionfromlesshumantomorehumanconditions(a.20),fromthelesshumanconditionsofpoverty,selfishness,oppressionandexploitationtothemorehumanconditionsoffaithandunityintheloveofChrist(a.21).Developmentshouldmeansocialprogressaswellaseconomicgrowth(a.34),andinfacteconomicgrowthdependsinthefirstplaceonsocialprogress,suchaseducation(a.35).Heassertsthatdevelopmentisnotassuredbyprivateinitiativeandcompetition(a.33),andthatitcallsformoretechnicalworkaswellasmorereflectiononhighervalues(a.20).
Thepopemakessureweunderstandthatthesolutionisnotmerelyeconomic,buthumandevelopment(a.73),andamajorthemeofhisencyclicalisthefullyhuman,thetrulyhuman.Hespeaksoftheconstructionofamorehumanworld(a.54),ofbeingontheroadtowardsagreaterhumanity(a.79).Timeandagainhereturnstothistheme:theChurchfostersthehumanprogressofnations(a.12);throughtheuseof
intellectandwillapersoncangrowinhumanity(a.15);newlyindependentnationsseektoassuretheircitizensafullhumanenhancement(a.6);technologyalonecannotrendertheworldamorehumanplaceinwhichtolive(a.34);peoplearetrulyhumanonlywhentheyaretheauthorsoftheirownadvancement(a.34);better-offnationsshouldworktobringaboutaworldthatismorehumantowardseveryone(a.44);thegoalisnotjusttoeliminatehungerorreducepoverty:thegoalistobuildaworldinwhicheveryonecanliveafullyhumanlife(a.47).
Thepopetranslatesthisintoacallforhumanism:whatmustbeaimedatiscompletehumanism:thefully-roundeddevelopmentofthewholepersonandofallpeople.ItmustbeahumanismopentothevaluesofthespiritandtoGodwhoistheirsource(a.42).Wisepeopleareinsearchofanewhumanism(a.20),andthehighestgoalofpersonaldevelopmentisatranscendenthumanismachievedthroughunionwithChrist(a.16).
ThedevelopmentofwhichPaulspeaksdemandsthesimultaneousdevelopmentofallhumanityinthespiritofsolidarity(a.43),andtheencyclicalreferstotheformationofaworldwhichisbetterorganizedtowardauniversalsolidarity(a.62)andthedesiretobuildacivilizationfoundedonworldsolidarity(a.73).Therealityofhumansolidaritymeansthatwehaveobligationstowardseveryone,eventhosewhowillcomeafterus(a.17),andbetter-offnationshaveobligationsthatreflectthedutyofhumansolidarity(a.44).
Thesignofhumansolidarityispeace,anditisnowonderthatPopePaulVI,writingattheheightofboththeColdWarandtheVietnamWar,wouldhavepeaceintheforefrontofhisthoughts.Thepopenotesthatinthestrugglefordevelopment,civilpeaceindevelopingcountriesandworldpeaceitselfareatstake(a.55).Excessiveeconomic,socialandculturalinequalitiesamongpeoplesarousetensionsandconflicts,andareadangertopeace(a.76).Paul
expressesthehopethattheviolencewhichoftencharacterizedinternationalrelationshipswillbereplacedwithmutualrespectandfriendshipaswellasinterdependenceincollaboration(a.65).Heteachesthatpeaceisnotthemereabsenceofwar:itisbuiltupdayafterdayinpursuitofamorejustorderamongpeople(a.76),aninternationalmoralitybasedonjusticeandequity(a.81).Heexpresseshisconvictionthatthewaytopeaceliesintheareaofdevelopment(a.
83);thatthenewnameforpeaceisdevelopment(a.87);andthatthepersonwhostrugglesagainstunderdevelopmentisacreatorofpeace(a.
75).
Inthecourseofpresentinghisthoughtsondevelopment,solidarity,andpeace,PaulVItouchesonseveraleconomicissueswhichimpactonthepursuitofdevelopment.Aid.Humansolidarityobligatesthebetter-offnationstoaidthedevelopingcountries(a.44).Thereneedstobeadialoguebetweenthedonornationsandthereceivingcountriestoinsurepropertermsofloanswithoutpoliticalstringsattached(a.54).
Trade.Unfavorabletraderelationsbetweenrichandpoorcountriescannotbeallowedtonullifyanyaidthatmightbegiven(a.56).The
industrializednationshaveanadvantage,becausetheirexports--forthemostpartmanufacturedgoods--havesteadilyrisingprices,whiletheunder-developedcountries'exports--mostlyfoodandrawmaterials--areunder-pricedandsubjecttowildfluctuations(a.57).Socialjusticeobligatesthebetter-offnationstorectifyinequitabletraderelations(a.
44).Theruleoffreetrade,takenbyitself,isnolongerabletogoverninternationalrelationsbecauseeconomicconditionsdiffertoomuchfromcountrytocountry(a.58);freedomoftradeisfaironlyifitissubjecttothedemandsofsocialjustice(a.59).Withoutabolishingtheinternationalcompetitivemarket,itshouldbekeptwithinthelimitswhichmakeitjustandmoral,andthereforehuman(a.61).
Property.Thedesirefornecessitiesislegitimate,butacquiringpropertycanleadtogreed(a.18),whichisthemostevidentformofmoralunderdevelopment(a.19).Everyonehastherighttoobtainwhatisnecessary,andallotherrightsaresubordinatetothisright,includingtherightsofpropertyandfreetrade(a.22).Inotherwords,privatepropertyisnotanabsoluteandunconditionedright,andoneisnotjustifiedinkeepingforoneselfwhatonedoesnotneed,whenotherslacknecessities(a.23).Sometimesthecommongoodmayevendemandtheexpropriationoflandedestates(a.24).
Work.WorkiswilledandblessedbyGod,butitcanbegivenexaggeratedsignificance(a.27).Everyonewhoworksisacreator,andworkwithothersunitespeopleasbrothersandsisters(a.27).Workishumanonlyifitremainsintelligentandfree,andsometimesitproducesundesirableeffectsinpeople(a.
28).
Unions.Allsocialactioninvolvesanideology(a.39).Manyprofessionalorganizationsandtradeunionsareacceptable,butonlythosewhoseideologyisnotmaterialisticandatheistic(a.39).
Immigrants,migrantworkers.HumansolidarityandChristiancharityobligeustowelcomeimmigrants(a.67),andthissamewelcomeshouldbeextendedtomigrantworkers(a.69).
Family.Rigidfamilyframeworksaregraduallyrelaxingtheirholdonthepeopleindevelopingnations,butitisimportantthatthenaturalfamilyremainaswilledbyGod:monogamousandstable(a.36).Populationincreasescancreateproblems,butparentsshouldbefreetodecideonthenumberofchildrentheywillhave,followingtheirconsciencesenlightenedbyGod'slawauthenticallyinterpreted(a.37).
EarlierwenotedthenegativeinternationalindicatorswhichcausedPaulVItobesoconcerned.Therewerealsosomepositiveinternationalcircumstancesandactivitieswhichseemedtopleasethepopeandgivehimsomehope.Amongthesepositiveindicators:privateindividuals,publicauthorities,andinternationalorganizationsaredoinggoodworkinpromotingliteracy(a.35);theFoodandAgricultureOrganizationisbeingsupported,andCaritasInternationalisisatworkeverywhere(a.46);expertsarebeingsentondevelopmentmissionsbyinstitutionsandprivateorganizations(a.71);youngpeopleareundertakingsocialserviceindevelopingnations(a.74).Buoyedbytheseactivities,PaulVI
concludesthatinspiteofitsignorance,itsmistakesandevenitssins,itsrelapsesintobarbarismanditswanderingsfromtheroadofsalvation,theworldistakingslowbutsurestepstowardsitsCreator(a.79).
Havingidentifiedthenegativeandpositiveaspectsoftheworldproblemofunderdevelopment,thepopeissuessomechallengestorichpeopleandrichcountries,pointingoutthatpeoplesinhungeraremakingadramaticappealtopeoplesblessedwithabundance(a.3).Thewealthyshouldcometorealizethatthepoorstandoutsidetheirdoorswaitingtoreceivesomeleft-oversfromtheirbanquets(a.83).Thosewitheducation,positionandopportunitiesforactionshouldrespondwithgenerosityandgiveoftheirownpossessions(a.32).Letallexaminetheirconsciences:aretheyreadytopay,throughcharitabledonations,highertaxes,andhighertariffsinordertohelpthedestitute(a.47)?
Better-offnationshaveobligationsthatreflectthedutiesofhumansolidarity,socialjustice,anduniversalcharity(a.44).Adevelopednationshoulddevoteapartofitsproductiontomeettheneedsofunderdevelopednations(a.48);thesuperfluouswealthofrichcountriesshouldbeplacedattheserviceofpoornations(a.49).Industrialistsenteringlessdevelopedcountriesshoulddisplaythesamesocialsensitivityinthosecountriesastheydointheirowncountry(a.70).
PaulVIalsoissueschallengestodevelopingcountries.Hesaysthatdevelopingnationsmustknowhowtoassesscriticallyandeliminatethosethingswhichwouldlowerthehumanideal,andtoacceptthosevaluesthataresoundandbeneficial(a.41).Peopleinthesecountriesmustbehelpedandpersuadedtoworkfortheirownbetterment(a.55).
Theyshouldorganizeamongthemselvesareasforconcerteddevelopment(a.64),establishingregionalagreementsamongthemselvesformutualsupport(a.77)
Intheend,thepopetellseveryonethattheworldsituationdemandsactionbasedonaclearvisionofalleconomic,social,cultural,andspiritualaspects(a.13).Thepresentsituationcallsforconcertedplanning(a.50),especiallyintheformofaworldwidecollaborationintheestablishmentofadevelopmentfund(a.51)andintheestablishmentofequalityindiscussionsandnegotiationsbetweenrichandpoorcountries(a.61).Thegoalisnotjusttoeliminatehungerorreducepoverty:thegoalistobuildaworldinwhicheveryonecanliveafullyhumanlife,inwhichfreedomisnotanemptywordandthepoormanLazaruscansitdownatthesametablewiththerichperson(a.47).
QUOTATIONS
Privatepropertydoesnotconstituteforanyoneanabsoluteorunconditionedright.Nooneisjustifiedinkeepingforhisexclusiveusewhathedoesnotneed,whenotherslacknecessities….Therighttopropertymustneverbeexercisedtothedetrimentofthecommongood.
(#23)
“Ifsomeonewhohastherichesofthisworldseeshisbrotherinneedandcloseshishearttohim,howdoestheloveofGodabideinhim?”(1Jn3:17).ItiswellknownhowstrongwerethewordsusedbytheFathersoftheChurchtodescribetheproperattitudeofpersonswhopossessanythingtowardspersonsinneed.ToquoteSaintAmbrose:
“Youarenotmakingagiftofyourpossessionstothepoorperson.Youarehandingovertohimwhatishis.Forwhathasbeengivenincommonfortheuseofall,youhavearrogatedtoyourself.Theworldisgiventoall,andnotonlytotherich.”(#23)
Itisunfortunatethatonthesenewconditionsofsocietyasystemhasbeenconstructedwhichconsidersprofitasthekeymotiveforeconomicprogress,competitionasthesupremelawofeconomics,andprivateownershipofthemeansofproductionasanabsoluterightthathasnolimitsandcarriesnocorrespondingsocialobligation.
ThisuncheckedliberalismleadstodictatorshiprightlydenouncedbyPiusXIasproducing“theinternationalimperialismofmoney”.Onecannotcondemnsuchabusestoostronglybysolemnlyrecallingonceagainthattheeconomyisattheserviceofman.(#26)
Thestruggleagainstdestitution,thoughurgentandnecessary,isnotenough.Itisaquestion,rather,ofbuildingaworldwhereeveryman,nomatterwhathisrace,religionornationality,canliveafullyhumanlife,freedfromservitudeimposedonhimbyothermenorbynaturalforcesoverwhichhehasnotsufficientcontrol;aworldwherefreedomisnotanemptywordandwherethepoormanLazaruscansitdownatthesametablewiththerichman.Thisdemandsgreatgenerosity,muchsacrificeandunceasingeffortonthepartoftherichman.
Leteachoneexaminehisconscience,aconsciencethatconveysanewmessageforourtimes.Ishepreparedtosupportoutofhisownpocketworksandundertakingsorganizedinfavorofthemostdestitute?Ishereadytopayhighertaxessothatthepublicauthoritiescanintensifytheireffortsinfavorofdevelopment?Ishereadytopayahigherpriceforimportedgoodssothattheproducermaybemorejustlyrewarded?(#47)Bothfornationsandforindividualmen,avariceisthemostevidentformofmoralunderdevelopment.(#19)
Todaytheprincipalfactthatwemustallrecognizeisthatthesocialquestionhasbecomeworld-wide.(#3)
Thepresentsituationmustbefacedwithcourageandtheinjusticeslinkedwithitmustbefoughtagainstandovercome.Developmentdemandsboldtransformations,innovationsthatgodeep.Urgentreformsshouldbeundertakenwithoutdelay.Itisforeachonetotakehisshareinthemwithgenerosity,particularlythosewhoseeducation,positionandopportunitiesaffordthemwidescopeforaction.(#32)Increasedpossessionisnottheultimategoalofnationsnorofindividuals.Allgrowthisambivalent.Itisessentialifpeopleareto
developashumanbeings,butinawayitimprisonsthemiftheyconsidersitthesupremegood,anditrestrictstheirvision.(#19)Individualinitiativealoneandthemerefreeplayofcompetitioncouldneverassuresuccessfuldevelopment.Onemustavoidtheriskofincreasingstillmorethewealthoftherichandthedominionofthestrong,whilstleavingthepoorintheirmiseryandaddingtotheservitudeoftheoppressed.(#33)
Toseektodomore,knowmoreandhavemoreinordertobemore:thatiswhatpeopleaspiretonowwhenagreaternumberofthemarecondemnedtoliveinconditionsthatmakethislawfuldesireillusory(#6)Thesuperfluouswealthofrichcountriesshouldbeplacedattheserviceofpoornations.Therulewhichuptonowheldgoodforthebenefitofthosenearesttous,musttodaybeappliedtoalltheneedyofthisworld.
Besides,therichwillbethefirsttobenefitasaresult.OtherwisetheircontinuedgreedwillcertainlycalldownuponthemthejudgementofGodandthewrathofthepoor,withconsequencesnoonecanforetell.(#49)Economicsandtechnologyhavenomeaningexceptfromthehumanpersonwhomtheyshouldserve.Andthehumanpersonisonlytrulyhumaninasfaras,masterofone’sownactsandjudgeoftheirworth,oneisauthorofone’sownadvancement,inkeepingwiththenaturewhichwasgiventohumanbeingsbytheCreator.(#34)Thedesirefornecessitiesislegitimate,andworkundertakentoobtainthemisaduty:Ifpeoplewillnotwork,neitherletthemeat.Buttheacquiringoftemporalgoodscanleadtogreed,totheinsatiabledesireformore,andcanmakeincreasedpoweratemptingobjective.Individuals,families,andnationscanbeovercomebyavarice,betheypoororrich,
andallcanfallvictimtoastiflingmaterialism.(#19)Peacecannotbelimitedtoamereabsenceofwar,theresultofaneverprecariousbalanceofforces.No,peaceissomethingthatisbuiltupdayafterday,inthepursuitofanorderintendedbyGod,whichimpliesamoreperfectformofjusticeamongpeople.(#76)Developmentcannotbelimitedtomereeconomicgrowth.Inordertobeauthentic,itmustbecomplete:integral,thatis,ithastopromotethegoodofeverypersonandofallhumanity.(#14)
Individualinitiativealoneandthemerefreeplayofcompetitioncouldneverassuresuccessfuldevelopment.Onemustavoidtheriskofincreasingstillmorethewealthoftherichandthedominionofthestrong,whilstleavingthepoorintheirmiseryandaddingtotheservitudeoftheoppressed.(#33)
Noonecanremainindifferenttothelotofhisbrothersandsisterswhoarestillburiedinwretchedness,andvictimsofinsecurity,slavesofignorance.LiketheheartofChrist,theheartoftheChristianmustsympathizewiththismisery:“Ihavepityonthismultitude”.(#74)Wehaveinheritedfrompastgenerations,andwehavebenefitedfromtheworkofourcontemporaries:forthisreasonwehaveobligationstowardsall,andwecannotrefusetointerestourselvesinthosewhowillcomeafterustoenlargethehumanfamily.Therealityofhumansolidarity,whichisabenefitforus,alsoimposesaduty.(#17)Ifcertainlandedestatesimpedethe,generalprosperitybecausetheyareextensive,unusedorpoorlyused,orbecausetheybringhardshiptopeoplesoraredetrimentaltotheinterestsofthecountry,thecommongoodsometimesdemandstheirexpropriation.(#24)Excessiveeconomic,socialandculturalinequalitiesamongpeoplesarousetensionsandconflicts,andareadangertopeace.(#76)Everyprogrammadetoincreaseproductionhas,inthelastanalysis,nootherraisond’etrethantheserviceofhumanity.Suchprogramsshouldreduceinequalities,fightdiscriminations,freepeoplefromvarioustypes
ofservitudeandenablethemtobetheinstrumentoftheirownmaterialbetterment,oftheirmoralprogressandoftheirspiritualgrowth.(#34)Therecanbenoprogresstowardsthecompletedevelopmentofindividualswithoutthesimultaneousdevelopmentofallhumanityinthespiritofsolidarity.(#43)
Experiencedinhumanaffairs,theChurch…“seeksbutasolitarygoal:tocarryforwardtheworkofChristHimselfundertheleadofthebefriendingSpirit.”…But,sincetheChurchlivesinhistory,sheoughtto“scrutinizethesignsofthetimesandinterprettheminthelightoftheGospel.”
Sharingthenoblestaspirationsofmenandwomenandsufferingwhensheseesthemnotsatisfied,shewishestohelpthemattaintheirfullflowing,andthatiswhysheoffersallpeoplewhatshepossessesashercharacteristicattribute:aglobalvisionofmanandofthehumanrace.
(#13)
OctogesimaAdveniens,ApostolicLetterofPopePaulVI,1971-ACalltoAction
ApostolicLetterofPopePaulVI,1971
Theoriginalfulldocumentisavailableon:
www.bit.ly/SOCIALDOCTRINEOFCATHOLICCHURCH
Source:EducationforJusticewww.educationforjustice.org
OVERVIEW
PopePaulVIbeginsthisletterbyurginggreatereffortsforjusticeandnotingthedutiesoflocalchurchestore-spondtospecificsituations.ThePopethendiscussesawidevarietyofnewsocialproblemswhichstemfromur¬banization.Theseissuesincludewomen,youth,andthe“newpoor.”PaulVInexttreatsmodernaspirationsandideas,especiallyliberalismandMarxism.Hestressestheneedtoensureequalityandtherightofalltoparticipateinsociety.HeconcludesthisletterbyencouragingallChristianstoreflectontheircontemporarysituations,applyGospelprinciples,andtakepoliticalactionwhenappropri¬ate.
DOCUMENTOUTLINE
HISTORICALNOTE
ACalltoActionisanopen,apostolicletterfromPopePaulVItoCardinalMauriceRoy,presidentofthePontificalCommissiononJusticeandPeace,tocommemoratetheeightiethanniversaryofthepublicationofPopeLeoXIII’sTheConditionofLabor.Itbreaksnewgroundbydevel¬opingatheoryoftheroleofindividualChristiansandlocalchurchesinrespondingtosituationsof
injustices.
Introduction
·Greatereffortsforjusticeareneeded(#2).
·Giventhewidediversityofsituationsintheworld,eachlocalchurchhasresponsibilitytodiscernandact(#4).
·Agreatvarietyofchangesaretakingplaceintheworld(#7).
NewSocialProblems
·Urbanizationcreatesanewlonelinessandthepossibilitythathumansmaybecomeslavestotheirowncreation(#10).
·Youthfinddialogueincreasinglydifficult(#13).
·Womenpossessanequalrighttoparticipateinsocial,cultural,economic,andpoliticallife(#13).
·Workershavetherighttoformunions(#14).
·The“NewPoor,”createdbyurbanization,includethehandicapped,elderly,andthemarginalized(#15).
·Discriminationalonglinesofrace,origin,color,culture,sex,andreligionstillexists(#17).
·Emigrationisaright(#17).
·Thereisgreatneedtocreateemploymentthrougheffectivepoliciesofinvestment,education,andorganizationofmeansofproduction(#18).
·Themediahavebothpositiveandnegativepotential(#20).
·Peoplehavearesponsibilitytoprotecttheenvironment(#21).
FundamentalAspirationsandIdeas
·Equalityandparticipationneedtobeensured(#22).
·Legislationforjusticeisnecessarybutnotenough;lovesparkingactionforthepoorisneeded(#23).
·Preferentialrespectforthepoorisimportant(#23)
·Politicalactivityforademocraticsocietyisconsistentwiththetotalvocationofhumankind;humanscannolongerrelyonlyoneconomicactivity(#25)
·BothMarxistandliberalideologiesalienatehumanbeings(#26).
·Historicalmovementscontainpositiveelementswhichmustbediscerned(#30).
·CertainfeaturesofsocialismareattractivebutChristiansmustcritiqueitsappeal(#31).
·AvarietyofinterpretationsofMarxismexistbuthistoricallyithasledtototalitarianismandviolence(#’s32-34).
·Liberalismpromoteseconomicefficiencybutdistortshumannature(#35).
·Christiansneedtodiscerncarefullytheoptionsbetweendifferentideologies(#36).
·Utopiasaregenerallyineffectivebuttheyprovoketheimaginationandactivityforabetterworld(#37).
·Humanshavebecometheobjectofscience;sciencelacksatotalpictureofhumanity(#39).
·Natureofprogressisambiguous;qualityofhumanrelationsanddegreeofparticipationandresponsibil¬ityarejustasimportantasamountofgoodsproduced(#41).
ChristiansFaceNewProblems
·CatholicsocialteachingstatestheimportanceofreflectingonthechangingsituationoftheworldandapplyingGospelprinciplestoit(#42).
·Nationsneedtorevisetheirrelationshipstoworkforgreaterjustice(#43).
·Liberationrequireschangedattitudesandstructures(#45).
·ThetaskofChristiansistocreateconditionsforthecompletegoodofhumanity(#46).
·Christiansneedtoconcentratemoreonpoliticalratherthan
economicactivityasasolutionforcontem-poraryproblems(#46).
·Involvementinbuildinghumansolidarityisanendoffreedom(#47).
CalltoAction
·EachChristianhasapersonalresponsibilityforbuildingupthetemporalorder
(#48).
·TheLordworkingwithusisagreatreasonforChristianhope(#48).
·Apluralityofoptionsforactionexists(#49).
·Christianshavethetaskofinspiringandinnovatinginworkingforjustice(#50).
DiscussionQuestions
ACalltoActionwaswrittentocommemoratetheeightiethanniversaryofthepublicationofPopeLeoXIII’sTheConditionofLabor.WhatnewissueswasPopePaulVIdealingwithin1971thatmaynothaveexistedwhenTheConditionofLaborwaswritten?HowdidPaulVIaddressthesenewconcerns?
WhatdoesPopePaulVImeanwhenhesaysthatliberalism(e.g.freetrade),thougheconomicallyefficient,distortshumannature?Considerfreetradeagreements,liberalizingsocialservicesandnaturalresourcessuchaswater,lesseningrestrictionsonpollution,etc.HowmighttheseexamplesillustratewhatPaulVIissaying?
PopePaulVIsaysinthisdocumentthateachChristianhasapersonalresponsibilityforbuildingupthetemporalorder,orrenew¬ingtheworldtooneofjusticeandpeace.Asanindividual,howareyouworkingtorenewtheearth?Whatmorecouldyoubedoing?
JusticiainMundo,JusticeintheWorldStatementoftheSynodofBishops,1971
Theoriginalfulldocumentisavailableon:
www.bit.ly/SOCIALDOCTRINEOFCATHOLICCHURCH
Source:EducationforJusticewww.educationforjustice.org
OVERVIEW
The1971SynodofBishops,intheirreflectionon“themissionofthePeopleofGodtofurtherjusticeintheworld,”affirmstherighttoaculturally-sensitive,personal¬izeddevelopment.TheBishopsteachthatGospelprin-ciplesmandatejusticefortheliberationofallhumanityasanessentialexpressionofChristianlove.TheChurchmustwitnessforjusticethroughitsownlifestyle,educationalactivities,andinternationalaction.Structuralsinisdis¬cussed.
HISTORICALNOTE
ThisdocumentillustratesthepowerfulinfluenceofnativeleadershipoftheChurchesofAfrica,Asia,andLatinAmerica.Itisthefirstmajorexampleofpost-VaticanIIepiscopalcollegialityandreflectsaforceful,concrete,andrealisticrefinementofpreviouspapalpronouncements.
Introduction
·Structuralinjusticesoppresshumanityandstiflefreedomtooperateintheworld(#3).
·ThedynamismoftheGospelandthehopesofthepeopleoftodayaretogether(#5).
·“ActiononbehalfofjusticeandparticipationinthetransformationoftheworldfullyappeartousasaconstitutivedimensionofthepreachingoftheGospel,orinotherwords,oftheChurch’smissionfortheredemptionofthehumanraceanditsliberationfromeveryoppressivesituation”(#6).
JusticeandWorldSociety
·Amodernparadox:
·forcesforachievinghumandignityseemstrong(#7);
·butsodoforcesofdivision(armsrace,economicinjustices,lackofparticipation)(#9).
·Affirmstherighttodevelopmentasabasichumanright(#15).
·Callsforpersonalizationandaculturally-sensitivemodernization(#’s17-19).
·Manywhosufferinjusticearevoiceless;theChurchshouldspeakontheirbehalf(#20).
·Injusticeslisted:thosetomigrants,refugees;religiouspersecution;humanrightsviolations;torture;politicalprisoners;anti-life;war;dishonestmedia;anti-familyactivity(#’s21-26).
·Dialoguewiththeparticipationofall,especiallyyouth,isneededtocorrecttheseinjustices(#28).
GospelMessageandMissionofChrist
·ScripturalSources
·PeopleneedtolistentotheWordofGodtorespondeffectivelytoinjustices(#29).
·OldTestamentviewsGodasa“liberatoroftheoppressedandthedefenderofthepoor”(#30).
·Jesusgavehimselfforthesalvationandliberationofallandassociatedhimselfwiththe“least”(#31).
·St.Paul:Christianlifeisthefaithwhichsparksloveandserviceofneighbors(#33).
·JusticeandLove
·“Christianloveofneighborandjusticecannotbeseparated”(#34).
·PreachingtheGospelrequiresadedicationtotheliberationofhumanityinthisworld(#35).
·RoleoftheChurch
·TheGospelmessagegivestheChurchtherightanddutytoproclaimjusticeonalllevelsandtodenounceinstancesofinjustice(#36).
·TheroleofthehierarchicalChurchisnottoofferconcretesolutionstospecificproblems,buttopromotethedignityandrightsofeachhumanbeing(#37).
PracticeofJustice
·WitnessoftheChurch
·Anyonewhoventurestopreachjusticeshouldbeperceivedasbeingjust(#40).
·RightswithintheChurchmustberespectedforall,especiallywomenandlaypeople(#43).
·Rightsinclude:decentwage,security,promotion,freedomofthoughtandexpression,properjudicialprocedures,participationindecision-makingprocess(#’s45-46).
·ThelifestyleoftheinstitutionalChurchandallitsmembersmustallowittopreachthegoodnewstothepoor(#48).
·EducationtoJustice
·Indevelopingcountries,theaimistoawakenawarenessoftheconcretesituationandstrategiesandalternativesforchange(#51).
·Familyistheprincipalagentforthiseducation,acontinuingone(#54).
·Catholicsocialteaching,thebasicprinciplesoftheGospelsapplied,isthemajorsourceforjusticeeducation(#56).
·Liturgyandthesacramentscanservejusticeeducation(#58).
·CooperationbetweenChurchesinRichandPoorNationsIsEssentialforEconomicandSpiritualProgress(#59).
·EcumenicalCollaborationforJusticeIsStronglySupported(#61).
·InternationalAction
·CallfortheUNDeclarationofHumanRightstoberatifiedbyallnations(#64).
·SupportUNeffortstohaltarmsrace,weaponstrade,andreachpeaceful
conflictresolution(#65).
·FosteraimsoftheSecondDevelopmentDecade,includingfairpricesforrawmaterials,openingofmarkets,taxationonworldwidebasis(#66).
·Concentrationofpowershouldbechanged;moreparticipationisneeded(#67).
·EmphasizestheimportanceofUNspecializedagenciesinpromotingjustice(#68).
·Callsforfundingforresponsibledevelopment(#69).
·Wealthynationsneedtobelessmaterialisticandconsumeless(#70).
·Righttodevelopmentandrespectfulcooperationwithwealthynationsareurged(#71).
AWordofHope
·ChristianswillfindtheKingdomasthefruitoftheirnatureandefforts;GodisnowpreparingtheKingdom(#75).
DiscussionQuestions
Namethemajorreasonsthatpromptyoutoworkforjustice.
Listfactorsinyourcountrythatfosterworkforjusticeandfactorsthathinderit.
DiscusshowyourfaithinJesusencouragesyoutodomoreforjusticeandpeace.
LaboremExercens,PopeJohnPaulII1981-OnHumanWork
PopeJohnPaulII,September14,1981
Theoriginalfulldocumentisavailableon:
www.bit.ly/SOCIALDOCTRINEOFCATHOLICCHURCH
Source:EducationforJusticewww.educationforjustice.org
OVERVIEW
LaboremExercens,PopeJohnPaulII’sencyclical,commemoratestheninetiethanniversaryofPopeLeoXIII’sRerumNovarum.JohnPaulIIaffirmsthedignityofworkandplacesworkatthecenterofthesocialquestion.Theencyclicalstatesthathumanbeingsarethepropersubjectofwork.Workexpressesandincreaseshumandignity.ThePopestressesthepriorityoflaboroverthingswhilecriticizingsystemswhichdonotembodytheseprinciples.Hesupportstherightsofworkersandunions.JohnPaulIIconcludesbyoutliningaspiritualityofwork.
DOCUMENTOUTLINE
HISTORICALNOTE
LaboremExercensrepresentsaclearandsuccinctstatementofJohnPaulII’sthoughtsonthesocialquestion.WrittenalmostentirelybythePopehimself,theencyclicalreflectsstatementsmadewhilehewasaPolishprelateandthosemadeduringthefirstyearsofhispontificate.
LaboremExercensdevelopsandrefinestheChurch’steachingsonpropertyanditscriticismofcapitalismandMarxism.
Introduction
·Humansderivedignityfromworkeventhoughitinvolvessufferingandtoil(#1).
·Recentchangesintherealmofwork(#1):
·automation;
·increaseinpriceofenergyandrawmaterials;
·environmentalawarenessandrespect;
·peopleclaimingrighttoparticipate.
·RoleoftheChurch(#1):
·callattentiontodignityofworkers;
·condemnviolationsofdignity;
·guidechangestoensureprogress.
·Workisatthecenterofthesocialquestion,thekeytomakinglifemorehuman(#2).
·Catholicsocialteachinghasevolvedandnowconsidersthe“world”
aswellasthe“class”perspective;theChurchcallsforstructuraltransformationonamoreuniversalscale(#2).
WorkandHumanBeings
·PerspectiveonWork
·GenesisstatesGod’scommandtosubduetheearth;workisthemeanstodoso(#4).
·Humanbeingsarethepropersubjectofwork(#5).
·Aspectsoftechnology(#5):
·positive:facilitateswork;
·negative:cansupplantorcontrolhumans.
·Workmustserveanindividual’shumanity(#6).
·MaterialismandEconomism
·Materialisticthoughttreatshumansasinstrumentsofproductionratherthanassubjectsofwork(#7).
·Workersareconsideredasmerchandise(#7).
·JusticeandWork
·LeoXIII’scalltosolidaritywasareactionagainstthedegradationofpeopleassubjectsofwork(#8).
·Withinunemploymentofintellectuals,anew“proletarianization”ofworkersisoccurring(#8).
·Churchiscommittedtojusticeforworkers;itwantstobea“Churchofthepoor”(#8).
·NatureofWork
·Peopleachievedominionovertheearthandfulfillmentashumanbeings(#9).
·Workandfamilylife(#10):
·workmakesfamilylifepossible;
·workmakespossibletheachievementofpurposesofthefamily;
·itincreasescommongoodofhumanfamilyConflictBetweenLaborandCapital
·TheConflict
·Conflicthaschangedfromonebetweencapitalandlabortoanideologicalstruggleandnowtoapoliticalstruggle(#11).
·Fundamentalprinciples(#12):
·priorityoflaborovercapital;
·primacyofpeopleoverthings.
·Humanityhastwoinheritances:nature,andtheresourcespeoplehavedeveloped(#12).
·Needtodevelopasystemthatwillreconcilecapitalandlabor(#13).
·Property
·Onownership,CatholicsocialteachingdiffersfrombothMarxism(collectivism)andcapitalism(#13).
·Rightofprivatepropertyissubordinatedtotherightofcommonuse
(#14).
·Propertyisacquiredthroughworktoservelabor(#14).
·Socializationofcertainmeansofproductioncannotbeexcluded(#14).
·Churchfavorsajoint-ownershipofmeansofproduction(#14).
RightsofWorkers-Workisanobligation/duty(#16)
·IndirectEmployers
·Indirectemployers(persons,institutions,setsofprinciples,states,socio-economicsystems)determineoneormorefacetsofthelaborrelationship(#17).
·Policiesneedtorespecttheobjectiverightsofworkers—thecriterionforshapingtheworldeconomy(#17).
·Employment
·Suitableemploymentforallisneeded(#18).
·Indirectemployersneedtoactagainstunemploymentthrough(#18):
·unemploymentbenefits(springingfromprincipleofcommonuseofgoods);
·asystemofoverallplanningoneconomicandculturallevels;
·internationalcollaborationtolessenimbalancesinthestandardofliving.
·Resourcesmustbeusedtocreateemployment(#18).
·Workers
·Justremunerationsofworkersisthekey(#19).
·Wagesareapracticalmeanswherebypeoplecanhaveaccesstogoodsintendedforthecommonuse(#19).
·Churchcallsfor(#19):
·wagessufficienttosupportafamily;
·allowancestomothersraisingafamily;
·reevaluationofthemother’sroletoensureproperloveforchildrenandfairopportunitiesforwomen.
·Othersocialbenefitsforworkersareneeded,includinghealthcare,righttoleisure,pensionandaccidentinsurance,andadecentworkenvironment(#19).
·RighttoFormUnions
·Indispensableelementofsociallife(#20).
·Originatedwithstrugglesofworkers(#20).
·Mouthpieceofthestruggleforjustice(#20).
·Constructivefactorofsocialorder(#20).
·Canenterpoliticalordertosecurerightsandthecommongood(#20).
·Strikesarelegitimatebutextraordinary(#20).
·Twocautions(#20):
·demandscanbecome“classegoism”;
·canstrayfromspecificroles.
·Other
·Agriculturalworkisthebasisofhealthyeconomies(#21).
·Disabledpeopleshouldparticipateinwork(#22).
·Peoplehavearighttoleavetheirnativecountriesinsearchofbetterconditions(#23).
·ElementsofaSpiritualityofWork
·HumansshareintheactivityoftheirGod(#25).
·WorkimitatesGod’sactivityandgivesdignity(#25).
·Jesuswasapersonofwork(#26).
·TherearemanyreferencestoworkintheBible(#26).
·VaticanII:workallowspeopletofulfilltheirtotalvocation(#26).
·WorkissharingintheCrossandResurrection(#27).
·WorkisnecessaryforearthlyprogressandthedevelopmentoftheKingdom(#27).
DiscussionQuestions
Illustrate,bywayofexamplesfromyourownworksituationorothers,whatthe“priorityoflaborovercapital”meanstoyou.
Inwhatwaysdoesyourownworkgiveyouasenseofdignity?
Whataspectsofyourdailyworkaffirmyourdignity?Whicharedehumanizing?
Thecomplexityoftoday’sworldinhibitssomepeoplefromsocialinvolvement.Howdoyoudealwithsuchcomplexity?
Howdoothersyouknow,orknowof,dealwithit?
SollicitudoReiSocialis,PopeJohnPaulII1987-TheSocialConcernsoftheChurch
PopeJohnPaulII,December30,1987
Theoriginalfulldocumentisavailableon:
www.bit.ly/SOCIALDOCTRINEOFCATHOLICCHURCH
Source:EducationforJusticewww.educationforjustice.org
OVERVIEW
PopeJohnPaulIIpaintsasomberpictureofthestateofglobaldevelopmentinTheSocialConcernsoftheChurch.HecitestheoriginalityofPopePaulVI’sTheDevelopmentofPeoplesandemphasizesthemoral/ethicaldimensionofdevelopment.Aftersurveyingthedifficultstateofthepoorcountries,thePopelaysstrongblameontheconfrontationbetweenthetwoglobalblocs,liberalcapitalismoftheWest,andMarxistcollectivismoftheEast.Hereferstotheobstacleshinderingdevelopmentasthe“structuresofsin”andcallsforconversiontowardsolidarityandtheoptionforthepoor.Whilehedoesspeakoftheresponsibilitiesofthepoorcountries,byfarhisstrongestchallengeistotheaffluentworld.
DOCUMENTOUTLINE
HISTORICALNOTE
TwentyyearsafterTheDevelopmentofPeoples,PopeJohnPaulIIcelebratesthatencyclicalofPaulVIwithastrongstatementupdatingtheChurch’steachingoninternationaldevelopment.Thedocumentreflectstheseverityof
globaleconomiesattheendofthe1980s,withdebt,unemployment,andrecessionseriouslyaffectingthelivesofmillionsnotonlyinthedevelopingcountriesbutalsointhemoreaffluentcountries.Itechoesseveralofthejustice-relatedthemesaddressedbythePopeinhisworldwidetravels.
Introduction
·Socialdoctrineseekstoleadpeopletorespondtotheirvocationasresponsiblebuildersofearthlysociety(#1).
·Itismarkedbycontinuityandrenewal(#3).
·CurrentencyclicalcelebratestwentiethanniversaryofTheDevelopmentofPeoples,andemphasizesneedforfullerconceptof
development(#4).
OriginalityofTheDevelopmentofPeoples
·ApplicationofVaticanII
·ItrespondedtocallofTheChurchintheModernWorld(#6).
·ItappliedCouncil’steachingstospecificproblemsofdevelopmentandunderdevelopment(#7).
·OriginalityofMessage
·Itemphasizedethicalandculturalcharacterofproblemsconnectedwithdevelopment,andthelegitimacyandnecessityofChurch’sinterventioninthisfield(#8).
·Itaffirmedworldwidedimensionofsocialquestion,andhencethedutyofsolidaritybetweenrichandpoor(#9).
·Itassertedthat“developmentisthenewnameforpeace,”
challengingthearmsraceandlinkingpeaceandjustice(#10).
SurveyofContemporaryWorld
·UnfulfilledHopesforDevelopment
·Twentyyearsagotherewaswidespreadoptimismaboutpossibilityofovercomingpovertyandpromotingdevelopment(#12).
·Butingeneralthepresentsituationisnegative(#13):
·innumerablemultitudessufferintolerableburdenofpoverty;
·manymillionshavelosthope,seeingtheirsituationworsened.
·WidenedGapbetweenNorthandSouth
·Developingcountriesarefallingbehinddevelopedintermsofproductionanddistributionofbasics(#14).
·Unityofworldiscompromised,withdivisionintoFirst,Second,Third,FourthWorlds(#14).
·Culturalunderdevelopmentshownin:illiteracy,lackofparticipation,exploitation,religiousoppression,racialdiscrimination,etc.(#15).
·Rightofeconomicinitiative,forserviceofthecommongood,isoftensuppressed,frustratingpeople’screativity(#15).
·Totalitarianismmakespeople“objects”(#15).
·Otherformsofpovertyexist,e.g.,denialofhumanrightssuchasrighttoreligiousfreedom(#15).
·Causesofworsenedsituationinclude(#16):
·omissionsonpartofdevelopingcountries;
·lackofresponsebyaffluentworld;
·mechanisms(economic,political,social)manipulatedtobenefitsomeattheexpenseofothers.
·Interdependenceseparatedfromethicalrequirementsisdisastrousforbothrichandpoorcountries(#17).
·SpecificSignsofUnderdevelopment
·Housingcrisis,experienceduniversally,isduelargelytoincreasingurbanization(#17).
·Unemploymentandunderemploymentgrow,raisingseriousquestionsaboutthetypeofdevel¬opmentpursued(#18).
·Globaldebt,forcingdebtornationstoexportcapital,isaggravating
underdevelopment(#19).
·PoliticalReasonsforUnderdevelopment
·Existenceoftwoopposingblocs,EastandWest,hasconsiderableimpactondevelopmentofpeople(#20).
·Politicaloppositionrestsondeeperideologicalopposition(#20):
·liberalcapitalismoftheWest;
·MarxistcollectivismoftheEast.
·Militaryoppositionresults,withtensionsof“coldwar,”“warsbyproxy”(#21).
·Church’ssocialdoctrineiscriticaltowardbothliberalcapitalismandMarxistcollectivism(#21).
·Recentlyindependentcountriesbecomeinvolvedin,sometimesoverwhelmedby,ideologicalconflict,astwoblocstendtowardimperialismandneo-colonialism(#’s21-22).
·Exaggeratedconcernforsecurityblockscooperation(#22).
·Competitionbetweentwoblocspreventsleadershipandsolidarity(#23).
·Westabandonsselftogrowingandselfishisolation(#23).
·Eastignoresdutytoalleviatehumanmisery(#23).
·Armstradeflourishes,refugeesarecreated,andterrorismincreases(#24).
·Demographicproblemisoftenmetwithoutrespectforpersons(#25).
·PositiveAspectsofContemporaryWorld
·Awarenessgrowsofdignityandhumanrights,asexpressedinUN’sDeclarationofHumanRights(#26).
·Convictionincreasesregardingradicalinterdependenceandsolidarity(#26).
·Peaceisseenasindivisible;itisforall,anddemandsjustice(#26).
·Ecologicalconcerngrows,withrecognitionoflimitedresourcesandneedtorespectnature(#26).
·Generouspersonssacrificeforpeace,andinternationalorganizationscontributetomoreeffectiveaction(#26).
·SomeThirdWorldcountrieshavereachedfoodself-sufficiency(#26).
AuthenticHumanDevelopment
·ChallengestoDevelopment
·Developmentisnotstraightforward“progress”inEnlightenmentsense(#27).
·Afterworldwarsandwithatomicperil,“naivemechanisticoptimism”
hasbeenreplacedby“well-foundedanxiety”(#27).
·Narroweconomicemphasisisquestioned(#28).
·Side-by-sidewithmiseriesofunderdevelopmentisinadmissiblesuperdevelopmentwhichinvolvesconsumerismandwaste(#28).
·“Having”doesnotcontributetohumanperfectionunlessitcontributestomaturingandenrich¬ingof“being”(#28).
·Oneofthegreatestinjusticesincontemporaryworld:“poordistributionofthegoodsandservicesoriginallyintendedforall”(#28).
·“Having”candetractfrom“being”ifonedisregardsthequalityandorderedhierarchyofthegoodsonehas(#28).
·DevelopmentandHumanNature
·Truedevelopmentcallsforrecognitionofspiritual,transcendentnatureofhumanbeings(#29).
·Biblicalstoryshowshumansdeveloping(#30):
·havingdominionovercreationbutobedienttoCreator;
·fallingintosinbutrespondingtodivinecall.
·FaithinChristrevealsplanforreconciliationofalltohim(#31).
·Churchthereforehaspastoraldutytoconcernitselfwithproblemsofdevelopment(#31).
·EarlyteachersofChurchhadoptimisticvisionofhistoryandwork(#31).
·Churchcannotignoreneedsofthepoorinfavorof“superfluouschurchornamentsandcostlyfurnishingsfordivineworship”(#31).
·CooperationforDevelopment
·Thistaskisnotindividualistic;thereisanobligationtocollaboratewithallothersinthisfield(#32).
·Peopleandnationshavearighttotheirowndevelopment(#32).
·Moralcharacterofdevelopmentrequiresrecognitionofrights(#33):
·atinternallevel,respectinglife,family,employment,politicalcommunity,religion;
·atinternationallevel,respectingpeoples,culture,equalityofall;
·withinframeworkofsolidarityandfreedom.
·RespectforNaturalWorld
·Thereisgrowingawarenessofthe“cosmos”—thenaturalorderofallbeings,livingandinanimate(#34).
·Naturalresourcesarelimitedandcannotbeusedwithabsolutedominion(#34).
·Pollutionoftheenvironmentthreatensthehealthofall(#34).
TheologicalReadingofModernProblems
·SituationofSin
·InyearssinceTheDevelopmentofPeoples,“therehasbeennodevelopment—orverylittle,irregular,orevencontradictorydevelopment”
(#35).
·Mainobstacletodevelopmentisnotpoliticalbutmoral(#35).
·Worlddividedintoblocs,sustainedbyideologies,anddominatedbyimperialismisaworld“subjecttostructuresofsin”(#36).
·Individualactionsagainstneighborintroduceintoworldinfluencesandobstaclesthatgobeyondindividuals,interferingwiththedevelopmentofpeoples(#36).
·Twotypicalstructuresofsinare(#37):
·all-consumingdesireforprofit;
·thirstforpower,imposingone’swillonothers.
·PathofConversion
·Profoundattitudeswhichdefinerelationshipswithself,neighbor,andnaturemustbechanged(#38).
·“Conversion”isneeded,towardinterdependency,solidarity,commitmenttocommongood(#38).
·Solidarityrequires(#39):
·onpartofinfluential,aresponsibilityandwillingnesstoshare;
·onpartofweaker,anactiveclaimingofrights.
·Churchhasevangelicaldutytostandbythepoor(#39).
·Solidarityhelpsusseethe“other”as“neighbor,”“helper,”andisthepathtopeaceanddevelopment(#39).
·AsChristianvirtue,solidarityisrootedinvisionofhumanbeingsinrelationshiptoTrinity(#40).
SomeParticularGuidelines
·Church’sSocialDoctrine
·Churchoffersnortechnicalsolutionsbut“setofprinciplesforreflection,criteriaforjudgment,anddirectivesforaction”(#41).
·Itisnota“thirdway”betweenliberalcapitalismandMarxistcollectivism(#42):
·notanideologybutatheologicalinterpretation;
·acondemnation/proclamationaspartofpropheticrole.
·Todayespeciallyitmustbeopentointernationaloutlook(#42).
·OptionforthePoor
·WholetraditionofChurchbearswitnessto“loveofpreferenceforthepoor,”aspecialformofprimacyinexerciseofChristiancharity(#42).
·Thisaffectsindividualactionandappliesequallytosocialresponsibilities(#42).
·Growingnumbersofpoor,indesperatesituations,mustbeapriorityinalldevelopmentplans(#42).
·Thegoodsoftheworldareoriginallymeantforall,andhenceprivatepropertyhasa“socialmortgage”(#42).
·Specialformofpovertyincludesbeingdeprivedofrights,particularlyrighttoreligiousfreedomandrighttofreedomofeconomicinitiative(#42).
·ImbalanceofInternationalSystem
·Internationaltradesystemdiscriminatesagainstdevelopingcountries,andinternationaldivisionoflaborexploitsworkersforprofit(#43).
·Worldmonetaryandfinancialsystemcompoundspoorercountries’
problemsofbalanceofpaymentsanddebt(#43).
·Technologytransferisunfairtopoorercountries(#43).
·Internationalorganizationsneedreform,withoutbeingmanipulatedbypoliticalrivalries(#43).
·ResponsibilitiesofDevelopingCountries
·Developingcountriesmusttakeuptheirownresponsibilities(#44).
·Theyshouldpromoteself-affirmationoftheirowncitizensthroughprogramsofliteracyandbasiceducation(#44).
·Theyneedtosetpriorities(#44):
·foodproduction;
·reformofpoliticalstructures;
·promotionofhumanrights.
·Solidarityamongdevelopingcountrieswillcallforgreatercooperationandestablishmentof
effectiveregionalorganizations(#45).
Conclusion
·TrueLiberation
·Thereisanintimateconnectionbetweenliberationanddevelopment,overcomingobstaclestoa“morehumanlife”(#46).
·Churchaffirmspossibilityofovercomingtheobstacles,withconfidenceinthegoodnessofhumans(#47).
·UrgentAppeal
·Everyonemustbeconvincedofseriousnessofmomentandofresponsibilitytotakesteps“inspiredbysolidarityandloveofpreferenceforthepoor”(#47).
·Asagentsofpeaceandjustice,laityhavepreeminentroleinanimatingtemporalrealitieswithChristiancommitment(#47).
·SpecialcooperationurgedwithotherChristians,withJews,andwithfollowersofworld’sgreatreligions(#47).
·ThefactthattheKingdomofGodisnotidentifiedwithanytemporalachievementcannotexcuseusfromlackofconcernforconcretesituationsoftoday(#48).
·Eucharistisspecialcalltocommitmenttodevelopmentandpeace(#48).
·InMarianYear,weaskMary’sintercessioninthisdifficultmomentofthemodernworld(#49).
DiscussionQuestions
WhyisPopeJohnPaulIIcriticalofbothliberalcapitalismandMarxistcollectivism?
Hasthesocio-economiclifeofpeopleintherichcountriesoftheworldimprovedinthepasttwentyyears?Ofpeopleinthepoorcountries?
Whyis“development”morethansimplyeconomicprogress?Whatis
“authentichumandevelopment”?
What“structuresofsin”couldyounameinthepresentglobalsituation?
CentesimusAnnus,PopeJohnPaulII1991-OneHundredYears-DIGNITYOFTHEWORKER
PopeJohnPaulII,May1,1991
Theoriginalfulldocumentisavailableon:
www.bit.ly/SOCIALDOCTRINEOFCATHOLICCHURCH
Source:EducationforJusticewww.educationforjustice.org
OVERVIEW
CentesimusAnnusbeginswitharestatementandacurrentapplicationofthemajorprinciplesofRerumNovarum.PopeJohnPaulIIthenaddressestherelation¬shipoftheChurch’ssocialteachingtomajortrendsandeventsinthepastonehundredyearswithaspecialemphasisontheeventsinEasternEuropein1989.Hemissesnoopportunitytoaffirmhumandignityandhumanrights.Theencyclicalnotesthefallof
“RealSocialism,”butcautionsagainstthinkingthatthisfallsignifiesavictoryforcapitalism.
DOCUMENTOUTLINE
HISTORICALNOTE
CentesimusAnnuswaspromulgatedinMay1991,afterthecollapseofsocialisminmostofEasternEuropeandtheconclusionofthePersianGulfWar,butbeforethecollapseoftheCommunistPartyintheSovietUnion.Theencyclical,theninthofJohnPaulII’spontificate,com¬memoratestheonehundredth
anniversaryofRerumNovarum.
Introduction
·RerumNovarumisof“greatimportance”fortheChurch;the“vitalenergies”itunleashedcontinuetoincrease(#1).
·RerumNovarumcanbeusedtohelplookbackatfundamentalprinciples,“lookaround”atnewevents,andlooktothefuture(#3).
·AnanalysisofhistoryandcurrenteventsisessentialtotheChurch’smissionofevangelization(#3).
CharacteristicsofRerumNovarum
·RerumNovarumattemptedtorespondtotheconflictbetweencapitalandlabor(#5).
·LeoXIIIgavetheChurchaparadigmandacorpustoanalyze,judge,
andindicatedirectionsforsocialrealities(#5).
·ToteachandspreadhersocialdoctrineisanessentialpartoftheChurch’sevangelizingmission(#5).
·Therecanbenogenuinesolutiontothe“socialquestion”apartfromtheGospel(#5).
·RerumNovarumstronglyaffirmsthedignityofworkandtherightstoprivateproperty,privateassocia¬tions,ajustwage,andtodischargefreelyreligiousduties(#6-9).
·RerumNovarum’scriticismofsocialismandliberalismisstillrelevanttoday(#10).
·RerumNovarum’semphasisontherightsofthepoorandthedefenselessgivestestimonytothecontinuityoftheoptionforthepoor(#11).
·TheguidinglightofRerumNovarumisitsviewofhumandignity(#11).
Towardthe“NewThings”ofToday
·Thefundamentalerrorofsocialismisitsmisunderstandingofthehumanpersonassimplyanelement(#13).
·Thiserrorspringsfromatheismandresultsinadistortionoflawandhuman
freedom(#13).
·Atheismandcontemptforthehumanpersoncauseclassstruggleandmilitarism(#14)
·TheState,respectfuloftheprincipleofsubsidiarity,hasapositiveroletoplayindeterminingthejuridicalframeworkofeconomicaffairs(#15).
·Theroleoftheworkers’movementineconomicreformhasbeenanimportantone(#16).
·RerumNovarumopposedideologiesofhatredandshowedhowviolencecouldbeovercomebyjustice(#17).
·Since1945,inEurope,therehasbeenasituationofnon-warbutnotgenuinepeace:
·manypeoplelosttheabilitytocontroltheirowndestiny;
·an“insane”armsraceswallowedupvitalresources;
·violentextremistgroupsfoundreadysupport;
·theatomicthreatoppressedtheworld(#18).
·AfterWorldWarII,decolonizationoccurred.Genuineindependenceofdevelopingnationsisimpededbyforeigneconomicandpoliticalcontrolandthelackofacompetentprofessionalclass(#20).
·Since1945,theawarenessofhumanrights—withtheUnitedNationsasafocalpoint—hasgrown(#21).
·TheUNhasnotyetsucceededinestablishingacontinuouslyfavorabledevelopmentaidpolicyoraneffectivesystemofconflictresolutionasanalternativetowar(#21).
TheYear1989
·In1989:
·inEasternEurope,oppressiveregimesfell;
·someThirdWorldcountriesbeganatransitiontomorejustand
participatorystructures(#22).
·TheChurch’scommitmenttodefendandpromotehumanrightswasanimportantcontributiontotheeventsof1989(#22).
·Factorsthatcontributedtothefallofoppressiveregimes:
·violationofworkers’rights(#23);
·inefficiencyoftheeconomicsystem(#24);
·spiritualvoidbroughtaboutbyatheism(#24).
·Non-violent,peacefulprotestaccomplishedalmostallofthechangesinEasternEurope(#23).
·Theeventsof1989wouldbeunthinkablewithoutprayerandtrustinGod(#25).
·Theeventsof1989illustrateopportunitiesforhumanfreedomtocooperatewiththeplanofGodwhoactsinhistory(#26).
·Insomecountries,theeventsof1989resultedfromanencounterbetweentheChurchandtheworkers’movement(#26).
·Theeventsof1989illustratedthattheChurch’ssocialdoctrineof(aswellasconcretecommitmentto)integralhumanliberationdoesnotnecessitatean“impossible”compromisebetweenChristianityandMarxism(#26).
·Internationalstructuresthatcanhelprebuild,economicallyandmorally,thecountriesthathaveabandonedcommunismareneeded(#27).
·Marxism’sfallhashighlightedhumaninterdependence(#27).
·Peaceandprosperityaregoodsthatbelongtothewholehumanrace(#27).
·AidforEasternEurope,withoutaslackeningofaidfortheThirdWorld,isneeded(#28).
·Theremustbeachangeinprioritiesandvaluesonwhicheconomicandpoliticalchoicesaremade(#28).
·Theadvancementofthepoorisanopportunityforthemoral,cultural,andeconomicgrowthofallhumanity(#28).
·Developmentmustbeseeninfullyhuman,andnotmerelyeconomic,terms(#29).
PrivatePropertyandtheUniversalityofMaterialGoods
·Catholicsocialteachingaffirmsarighttoprivatepropertythatislimitedbythecommonpurposeofgoods(#30).
·Work,whichisinourdayworkwithandforothers,isthehumanresponsetoGod’sgifts(#31).
·Thepossessionofknow-how,technology,andskillissurpassinglandasthedecisivefactorofproduc¬tion(#32).
·Themajorityofpeopletodaydonothavethemeansorthepossibilityofacquiringthebasicknowledgetoentertheworldoftechnologyandintercommunication.Theyarethusexploitedormarginalized(#33).
·Thehumaninadequaciesofcapitalismarefarfromdisappearing(#33).
·Manyhumanneedsarenotsatisfiedinafreemarketeconomy
(#34).
·Itisa“strictdutyofjusticeandtruth”andarequirementofdignitytohelpneedypeopleacquireexpertiseanddeveloptheskilltoenterthemoderneconomy(#34).
·TheStateneedstocontrolthemarkettoguaranteethatthebasicneedsofsocietyaresatisfied(#35).
·Abusinessfirmisacommunityofpersons,endeavoringtomeettheirbasicneeds,whoformagroupattheserviceofsociety(#35).
·Humanandmoralfactorsarejustasimportantasprofittothelifeofabusiness(#35).
·Thedefeatof“RealSocialism”doesnotleavecapitalismastheonlymodelofeconomicorganization(#35).
·Strongernationsmustofferweakernationstheopportunitytotaketheirplaceintheinternationalorder(#35).
·Theforeigndebtofpoorercountriesneedstobehandledinawaythatrespectstherightsofpeoplestosubsistenceandprogress(#35).
·Consumerismhascreatedattitudesandlifestyleswhichdamagethephysicalandspiritualhealthofhumanbeings(#36).
·Itisnecessarytocreatelifestylesinwhichthequestfortruth,beauty,goodness,andthecommongooddeterminechoices(#36).
·Themassmediahasaspecialroletoplayinfosteringasenseofgeneralresponsibility(#36).
·Theecologicalquestionemphasizeshumanresponsibilitytofuturegenerations(#37).
·Socialstructurescancreateenvironmentsconducivetosinwhichimpedefullhumanrealization(#38).
·Thefamily,foundedonmarriage,isthesanctuaryoflife(#39).
·Truehumanalienationhappenswhenapersonrefusestotranscendtheselfandliveaself-givinglifeinanauthentichumancommunitythatisorientedtowardGod(#41).
·TheMarxistsolutionhasfailed,butmarginalization,exploitation,andalienationstillexistintheThirdWorld(#42).
·TheChurch’ssocialteachingshouldserveasanorientation,ratherthanasamodel,towardsolvingproblems(#43).
StateandCulture
·Therootofmodemtotalitarianismisfoundinitsdenialofthetranscendentaldignityofthehumanperson(#44).
·Indefendingherownfreedom,theChurchdefendsthedignityofthehumanperson(#45).
·TheChurchvaluesanydemocraticsystemthatensuresitscitizens’
abilitytoparticipateinit(#46).
·Democraticsystemsneedtosolidifytheirfoundationsbyexplicitlyrecognizingcertainrights,especiallytherightstolife,towork,andtoestablishafamily(#47).
·Somedemocracieshavelosttheabilitytomakedecisionsforthecommongood(#48).
·States,respectingsubsidiarity,needtoguaranteefreedom,security,
andhumanrights(#48).
·The“SocialAssistance”Stateleadstoalossofhumanenergies;aninordinateincreaseinbureaucraticpublicagenciesisnotthebestwaytosolvetheseproblems(#48).
·TheChurch—throughcharity,solidarity,andvolunteerwork—hasalwaysbeenamongtheneedy(#49).
·Acultureachievesitscharacterthroughthesearchfortruth(#50).
·TheChurch’scontributiontocultureistoformhumanheartsforpeaceandjustice(#51).
·Acultureofpeaceneedstopromotedevelopmentandprovidethepoorwithrealisticopportunities(#52).
·Thistaskmaynecessitatechangesinlifestylethatreducethewasteofresources(#52).
HumansastheWayoftheChurch
·TheChurch’spurposeisthecareandresponsibilitynotonlyforhumankind,butalsoforeachindividual(#53).
·TheChurch’ssocialteachingisaninstrumentofevangelizationforsalvation(#54).
·TheChurchreceivesthe“meaningofhumankind”fromDivineRevelation(#55).
·TheWesterncountriesruntheriskofseeingthecollapseof“RealSocialism”asavictoryfortheirownsystemsandmayfailtomakenecessarychangesinthosesystems(#56).
·ThesocialbasisoftheGospelmustfunctionasabasisandmotivationforactionbecausewitnessingforjusticeandpeaceismorecrediblethanlogicalarguments(#57).
·Theoptionforthepoorisnotlimitedtomaterialpovertybutencompassesculturalandmaterialpovertyaswell(#57).
·Loveismadeconcreteinthepromotionofjusticewhichrequireschangesinlifestyles,modelsofproductionandconsumption,andstructuresofpower(#58).
·Graceisneededforthedemandsofjusticetobemet(#59).
·TheChurch’ssocialteachingentersintodialoguewiththeotherdisciplinesconcernedwithhumankind(#59).
·Peoplewhoprofessnoreligiousbeliefscancontributetoprovidingthesocialquestionanethicalfoundation(#60).
·TheChurchfeelsobligedtodenouncepovertyandinjusticealthoughhercallwillnotfindfavorwithall(#61).
DiscussionQuestions
WhydidPopeJohnPaulIIthinkthatthefallofMarxisminEasternEuropewasnotavictoryforthemarketeconomies?
WhataresomeoftheresponsibilitiesthePopebelievestherichernationshave
towardthepoorerones?
Whataresomewaysyournationcandealwitheconomicinjusticesinothercountries?
Whataresomethingsyourparishorschoolcoulddotohelpformhumanmindsandheartsforjusticeandpeace?
OutlineandReflectionsonDeusCaritasEst(GodisLove)PopeBenedictXVI2006
January,2006,EncyclicalbyPopeBenedictXVI
Source:EducationforJusticewww.educationforjustice.org
OVERVIEW
Christianityembraced,thendeepenedandbroadenedtheJewishfaith.
SeekpeopleoffaithforrenewedenergyandcommitmentinresponsetoGod'slove.
Thedoctrineisasetoffundamentalguidelinesofferingapproachesthatarevalid"evenbeyondthelimitsofthechurch.
Theyshouldbeaddressedinadialoguewithallthoseseriouslyconcernedabouttheworld.
TheroleoftheChurchistoteachnaturallaw,toformconsciences,tostimulateabetterunderstandingofthedemandsofjusticeandthewilltoactaccordingly-helpingpeopletounderstandandengageinpoliticalstruggle.Hecannotremainonthemargins,butitisnothisroletomakethisteachingprevail.
Loveisauniquerealitywithdifferentdimensions[erosandagape];eitherwithouttheotherisacaricature.
Loveisauniquerealitywithdifferentdimensions[erosandagape];eitherwithouttheotherisacaricature.
Thissacramentalmysticismissocial-Christisonewithallcommunicants;worshipmustleadtolove.
LoveofneighboristhepathtoGod'slove.
Intoday'scomplexsituation,particularlybecauseofthegrowthofaglobalizedeconomy,theChurch'ssocialdoctrinehasbecomeasetoffundamentalguidelinesofferingvalidapproachesevenbeyondthelimitsoftheChurch:inthefaceofcontinuousdevelopment,theseguidelinesmustbeapproachedinthecontextofdialoguewithallthoseseriouslyconcernedforhumanityandfortheworldinwhichwelive.
Introduction:Godislove.
1.Christianityembraced,andthendeepenedandexpandedJewishfaith.LookingtopeopleoffaithforrenewedenergyandcommitmentinresponsetoGod’slove.
PartI:TheUnityofLoveinCreationandinSalvationHistory2.Reviewofdifferentpopularusesoftheterm“love.”Lovebetweenmanandwomanistheepitomeoflove.
3.Eros/Agape:Christianlovenewanddistinct.AdiscipliningandpurificationofEros,leadingtoAgape,anewvisionofunifyinglove.
4.Pre-Christianworld:promotedanerosthatwasnot“divinemadness”butdegradation.
5.Lovepromiseseternity,infinity,butneedsdiscipline:integratingsexualityintooverallexistentialfreedom.
6.SongofSongsreflectstwotypesoflove–oneinsecureandsearching;theotherinvolvingarealdiscoveryoftheother,seekingthegoodofthebeloved,exclusiveandforever.
7.ErosandAgapeareconnected,stagesonadevelopmentalpath.
8.Loveisasinglerealitywithdifferentdimensions[erosandagape];eitherwithouttheotherisacaricature.
TheNewnessofBiblicalFaith
9.ImageofGod:One,Sourceofallcreationwholoveshumanswithapersonallovethatelectssomeforthehealingofall;givesTorahtounderstandhumannatureandhowtolive.
10.God’serosforhumanityistotallyagape–gratuitousandforgiving:GodturnsagainstSelf,God’sloveagainstGod’sjustice;reconcilesloveandjusticethroughChrist’sdeath.
11.Imageofhumans:seekingwholenessintheother,complementarity.Onlyincommunionwiththeoppositesexcanhebecomecomplete:Erosseekingmarriage.ThismonogamousloveisiconofrelationbetweenGodandthepeople.
JesusChrist–theincarnateloveofGod
12.Startingpoint:contemplationofpiercedsideofChrist,God’sloveseekingusout.
13.EnduringpresenceofthissacrificialofferinginEucharist:Logosgivesself
asfood.
14.Thissacramentalmysticismissocial–Christisonewithallcommunicants;worshipmustleadtolove.
15.Anyonewhoneedsme,whomIcanhelpismyneighbor:neighborisuniversalized.LoveofGodandofhumansisone.
LoveofGodandLoveofNeighbor
16.LoveofneighboristhepathtoloveofGod.
17.LoveofGodgrowstocommitmentofthoughtandsentiment.
18.Giveeveryotherpersonthelovetheycrave.OnlyreadinesstoencountertheneighborandshowlovemakesonesensitivetoGodtoo.
RenewthatcapacitytoloveattheEucharist,whichleadstoloveofneighbor.
PartII:Caritas:ThePracticeofLovebytheChurchasa“CommunityofLove”
19.Church’scharitableactivity:Trinitarianlove;Christ’sSpiritmovesustoloveoneanother,becomeonehumanfamily.
20.Acts2&4:noroominthefaithcommunityforapovertythatdeniesanythingessentialforadignifiedlife.
21.Diaconateisfirstorganizedstructureinchurchforcarryingoutministryofcharity.
22.EssentialactivitiesoftheChurch:charity,sacraments,proclaimingtheWord.
23.Diaconia:Lawrencedeclaredthepoorastherealtreasureofthechurch.
24.JuliantheApostatedeclaredcharityasdistinguishingfeatureoftheChristiancommunity.
25.Twoessentialfacts:a.Church’sdeepestnature:proclaimWord,sacraments,charity.
b.ChurchisGod’sfamilyinworldsonooneshouldgowithoutthenecessitiesoflife.Wehavea
specialresponsibilitytothosewithinthechurch,buttoallpeoplealso.
JusticeandCharity
26.RejectsMarxistcritiqueofcharityassustainingunjustsystem;pursuitofjusticemustbeafundamentalnormoftheStateandtheaimofajustsocialorderistoguaranteetoeachpersonaccordingtotheprincipleofsubsidiarity,hisshareofthecommunity’sgoods.
27.CSTisasetoffundamentalguidelinesofferingapproachesthatarevalid“evenbeyondtheconfinesofthechurch.”Theyshouldbeaddressedindialoguewithallwhoareseriouslyconcernedwiththeworld.Thissectionstates:“In1891,thepapalmagisteriumintervenedwiththeEncyclicalRerumNovarumofLeoXIII.Thiswasfol¬lowedin1931byPiusXI’sEncyclicalQuadragesimoAnno.In1961BlessedJohnXXIIIpublishedtheEncyclicalMateretMagistra,whilePaulVI,intheEncyclicalPopulorumProgressio(1967)andintheApostolicLetterOctogesimaAdveniens(1971),insistentlyaddressedthesocialproblem,whichhadmean-whilebecomeespeciallyacuteinLatinAmerica.MygreatpredecessorJohnPaulIIleftusatrilogyofsocialEncyclicals:LaboremExercens(1981),SollicitudoReiSocialis(1987)andfinallyCentesimusAnnus(1991).Facedwithnewsituationsandissues,Catholicsocialteachingthusgraduallydeveloped,andhasnowfoundacomprehensivepresentationintheCompendiumoftheSocialDoctrineoftheChurchpublishedin2004bythePontificalCouncilIustitiaetPax...
Intoday’scomplexsituation,notleastbecauseofthegrowthofaglobalizedeconomy,theChurch’ssocialdoctrinehasbecomeasetoffundamentalguidelinesofferingapproachesthatarevalidevenbeyondtheconfinesoftheChurch:inthefaceofongoingdevelopmenttheseguidelinesneedtobeaddressedinthecontextofdialoguewithallthoseseriouslyconcernedforhumanityandfortheworldinwhichwelive.”
28.Relationbetweencommitmenttojusticeandcharitya.Justorderingofsocietyandstateisacentralresponsibilityofpolitics(autonomyofthetemporalsphere;rendertoCaesar,etc.;religiousfreedomandharmony);StatemustrecognizetheChurchasthesocialexpres¬sionoftheChristianfaith.Justiceistheaimandintrinsiccriterionofallpolitics.
Faithpurifiespracticalreasonfromblindnessescausedbypowerandspecialinterests(FaithasanencounterwiththelivingGodthatopensusandpurifiesourreason).
Theroleofthechurchistoteachnaturallaw,formconsciences,stimulategreaterinsightintotherequire¬mentsofjusticeandreadinesstoactaccordingly–helpingpeopleunderstandandtakeonthepoliticalbattle.Itcan’tstayonthesidelines,butitisnotitsroletomakethisteachingprevail.
b.Love,caritas,willalwaysbeneeded;nosocietycanbesojustthatitdoesn’tneedit.Closelovingpersonalconcernvs.bureacracy.
29.FormationofjuststructuresnotdirectlythedutyoftheChurch,butofpolitics–thesphereoftheautonomoususeofreason.Theindirectdutyofthe
Churchistocontributetopurificationofreasonandreawakeningofmoralforcesleadingtoestablishmentofjuststructures.
WhiletheChurchguidessocietyinthisway,“Thedirectdutytoworkforajustorderingofsociety,ontheotherhand,ispropertothelayfaithful.AscitizensoftheState,theyarecalledtotakepartinpubliclifeinapersonalcapacity.Sotheycannotrelinquishtheirparticipation“inthemanydifferenteconomic,social,legislative,administrativeandculturalareas,whichareintendedtopromoteorganicallyandinstitutionallythecommongood.”Themissionofthelayfaithfulisthereforetoconfiguresociallifecorrectly,respectingitslegitimateautonomyandcooperatingwithothercitizensaccordingtotheirrespectivecompetencesandfulfillingtheirownresponsibility.EvenifthespecificexpressionsofecclesialcharitycanneverbeconfusedwiththeactivityoftheState,itstillremainstruethatcharitymustanimatetheentirelivesofthelayfaithfulandthereforealsotheirpoliticalactivity,livedas“socialcharity.”
Themultiplestructuresofcharitableserviceinthesocialcontexttoday30.Struggleforjusticeandlovetoday:
a.Instantglobalcommunicationscreateatypeofglobalsolidarity–asignofourtimes.Statesrespondmainlythroughsubsidiesortaxrelief;humanitarianassociationsthroughresources.Thesolidarityofcivilsocietysurpassesthatofindividuals.
b.Theycooperatefruitfullyandthechurchagenciesbringingtransparencyandwitnesstolove.Volunteerpro¬gramsprovideformationinself-giving.Churchcooperateswithotherfaithcommunitieswithsamegoals.
Distinctivenessofthechurch’scharitableactivity31.Church’scharacterasawitnesstoallwiththesparkoflovewithin.
EssentialelementsofChristiancharity:
a.Simpleresponsetoimmediateneedsandspecificsituations;requiresprofessionaltrainingandlovingconcern,formationoftheheart.
b.Independentofpartiesandideologies:notameansofchangingtheworldideologically;rejectionofMarxisttheorythatcharitysupportsthestatusquoofunjustsystems.Bymakinglovepresent;wecontributetoabetterworldonlybypersonallydoinggoodnowwithfullcommitmentwhereveropportunityarises,independentofpartisanstrategiesandprograms:weshouldcultivateaheartthatseeswhereloveisneededandactsaccordingly.
c.Charitymustnotbeusedforconvertingothers.
Thoseresponsibleforthechurch’scharitableactivity32.TheChurchatalllevelsfromparishestouniversalchurchissubjectofcharity.Bishopshaveprimaryresponsibilityassuccessorstoapostles.
33.Personnelcarryingoutcharitymustnotbeinspiredbyideologiesaimedatimprovingtheworld,butmustbegroundedbyfaithworkingthroughlove:peoplewitharealrelationshipwithChrist.WhoeverlovesChristlovesthechurchandwantsittobeaneverbetterinstrumentandimageofChrist’slove.
34.Summarymessage:Lovevs.clangingsymbol:Wemustgiveofourselvesintheservice.
35.Withhumility:thehelperisnotbetterthantheonebeinghelped.ItisGod’sworldandGod’swork;wearenotpersonallyresponsibleforitall.
34.Donotgiveintotemptationstoideologyorinertiaorresignation;prayerneededassourceofenergyforservice.
37.ReaffirmprayerratherthanjudgingGodorfanaticismorterrorism.
38.Job–faithkeepsusgoingevenwhenGodissilent.
39.Faith,hopeandcharitygotogether:Faith:GodgaveusSon;Godlovesusandislove–seeGod’sloveinpiercedheartofChristonthecross:thatloveisGod’slightfortheworld.Hope:patienceandhumility.
Conclusion
40.Saints:MartinofTours–irreplaceablevalueofindividualtestimonytocharity;monasticwitness,activeorders.
41.Mary:visitationasserviceofcharity/magnificatashumility.
42.MaryistheMotherofallbelievers,andto“herweentrusttheChurchandhermissionintheserviceoflove.”
PrayerofBenedictXVI
HolyMary,MotherofGod,
youhavegiventheworlditstruelight,
Jesus,yourSon–theSonofGod.
Youabandonedyourselfcompletely
toGod’scallandthusbecameawellspring
ofthegoodnesswhichflowsforthfromhim.
ShowusJesus.Leadustohim.
Teachustoknowandlovehim,
sothatwetoocanbecomecapableoftruelove
andbefountainsoflivingwaterinthemidstofathirstingworld.Amen.
ReflectionQuestions:
Why,atthistimeinhistory,isBenedictXVIstressingthatourGodisaGodoflove?
Whyarewecalledtoresponsedwithbothloveandjusticetohumanneeds?
WhatistheroleoflaypeopleintheChurchinpromotingsocialjustice?
(Seesection29.)
ThePopedeclaresthat,withoutspiritualenergyjusticecannotprevailandprosper.Howdoesthepracticeofloveandopenessgeneratespiritualenergy?
CARITASinVERITATEPopeBenedictXVI2009
CaritasinVeritate,CharityinTruthPopeBenedictXVI,June29,2009
Theoriginalfulldocumentisavailableon:
www.bit.ly/SOCIALDOCTRINEOFCATHOLICCHURCH
Source:EducationforJusticewww.educationforjustice.org
OVERVIEW
CaritasinVeritateaddressesthesocialthemesvitaltothewell-beingofhumanityandremindsusthatauthenticrenewalofbothindividualsandsocietyrequireslivingbyChrist’struthinlove.TruthinloveistheheartoftheChurch’ssocialteaching.Inthisencyclical,PopeBenedictdoesnotoffertechnicalsolutionstosocialproblems,butratherfocusesontheprinciplesindispensableforauthentichumandevelopment.ThedocumentdrawsonthepasttraditionofCatholicsocialthoughtandprovidesanethicalfoundationthatmustbothincludeandtranscendpoliticsinaddressingthecurrentcrisesandemergingsignsofthetimes.
Introduction:[Thebasictheologicalframework]
1.Charityintruthistheprincipledrivingforcebehindtheauthenticdevelopmentofeverypersonandofallhumanity.
a.Lovemovespeopletoengageinjusticeandpeaceb.IthasitsorigininGod,EternalLove,AbsoluteTruthc.Godhasaplanforeachperson;initwefindourowntruthandgood
d.Theimpulsefortruthandloveineachpersonisourvocation;e.Thesearch
forloveandtrutharepurifiedandliberatedbyJesusChrist(revelation)
2.CharityisattheheartoftheChurch’ssocialdoctrine:a.Everyresponsibilityinpersonalandsocialrelationshipsflowsfromit
b.GodisLove;LoveisGod’sgreatestgifttousc.Charity/Lovemustgivedirectiontomoralresponsibilityinallareas;i.Ourcharity/lovegivescredibilitytoourtruthinasocialandculturalcontextwhich
relativizestruth.
3.Charity/lovecloselylinkedwithtruthistheauthenticexpressionofhumanityinallrelationsprivateand
public.
a.Withouttruth,charity/lovebecomessentimentality.
4.Truth(logos)enablesdia-logue,communication,communion.
a.“Inthepresentsocialandculturalcontextwherethereisawidespreadtendencytorelativizetruth,practicingcharityintruthhelpspeopletounderstandthatadheringtothevaluesofChris¬tianityisnotmerelyusefulbutessentialforbuildingagoodsocietyandfortrueintegralhumandevelopment.”
[NB.Itisthe“values”–itdoesn’tsaytheChristian/Catholicfaithisnecessary.]
5.“Charityislovereceivedandgiven.”ReceivedfromGod,giventoothersinnetworksofcharity.
a.Thechurch’ssocialteachingandtradition:thetruthoffaithandofreasonlovedanddemon¬stratedintheeverchangingeventsofhistory–
insearchofsolutionstothegravesocio-eco¬nomicproblemsbesettinghumanityinthisglobalizedsociety.
6.Caritasinveritateistheprinciplethattakespracticalformincriteriathatgovernmoralaction
a.E.g.Justice–Justiceis“inseparablefromcharity,”“intrinsictoit.”
Justiceis“theprimarywayofcharity,”“theminimummeasureofit”-butcharitygoes“beyondjusticeandcompletesitinthelogicofgivingandforgiving.”
7.E.g.CommonGood–thegoodlinkedtolivinginsociety,thecomplexofinstitutionsthatstructurethelifeofsocietyjuridically,civilly,politicallyandculturally,makingitpossibleforpeopletoeffectivelypursuetheirgoodwithinit.
a.Strivingtosecureacommongoodcorrespondingtotherealneedsofourneighborsisthevocationofallaccordingtotheirdegreeofinfluence.
b.Thisisthepoliticalpathofcharity,nolessexcellentandeffectivethanthekindofcharitywhichencounterstheneighbordirectly.
c.Inanincreasinglyglobalizedsociety,thecommongoodweworkformustbeglobal,thecommu-nityofpeoplesandnationsinunityandpeace.
8.PaulVIinPopulorumProgressiourgedustoworkfordevelopmentwiththeardorofcharityandthewisdomoftruth:thegiftofGod’sloveenablesustohopefordevelopmentforall.
a.FollowingJohnPaulIIinSolicitudoReiSocialis,thisencyclicalcommemoratesandrevisitsthoseteachingsonintegralhumandevelopmentandappliesthemtotoday.
9.Theriskofourtime:theinterdependenceofpeopleandnationsisnotmatchedbyethicalinteractionofconsciencesandmindsthatcouldgiverisetotrulyhumandevelopment.
a.Technicalprogressandrelationshipsofutilitycan’tachievethat.
b.Thechurch’smissionistosearchfortruthfromallsources,integrateitandmediateitwithintheconstantlychanginglife-patternsofpeoplesandnations–aservicetothetruththatsetsusfreeandmakes
authentichumandevelopmentpossible.
ChapterOne:TheMessageofPopulorumProgressio10.WewilllookatPopulorumProgressiointhefullcontextofPaul’steachingandthechurch’ssocialdoctrine.
11.Paultaught2importanttruths:
a.Thewholechurchinallitisanddoesispromotingintegralhumandevelopment.
b.Authentichumandevelopmentconcernsthewholeofthepersonineverysingledimension(includingthetranscendent).
i.Progressmustn’tbereducedtomerelymaterialaccumulation.
ii.Noristhecreationofinstitutionssufficienttoguaranteetherighttodevelopment.
iii.“integralhumandevelopmentisprimarilyavocation,andthereforeitinvolvesafreeassumptionofresponsibilityinsolidarityonthepartofeveryone.”
iv.ReceivingGod’sloveenablesustoseeothersasimagesofGodandmotivateconcernandcare.
12.Thechurch’ssocialteachingisoneintegral,coherentbodythatremainsopentochangingtimesandgivesusguidanceforrespondingtoourtimes.
13.Paul’ssocialteachingfocusedonbuildingasocietyaccordingtofreedomandjustice,acivilizationanimatedbylove.
a.HeunderstoodthesocialquestionhadbecomeworldwideandsawChristiancharityasadrivingforceinserviceofdevelopment.
14.InOctogesimaAdveniens,hespokeoutagainstidealizingtechnologyortechnicalprogress–andagainstareturntonature.
15.InHumanaeVitae,heforcefullymaintainsthelinkbetweenlifeethicsandsocialethics.
a.InEvangeliiNuntiandi,hehighlightedthelinksbetweenevangelizationanddevelopment:thatwork
forjustice,peaceanddevelopmentproclaimChrist’sloveforthewholeperson.
16.InPopulorumProgressio,heteachesthateverypersoniscalledtodevelopandfulfillhimself/herself–itisavocationfromGod;soprogressindevelopmentmustbeopentothetranscendent.
17.Integralhumandevelopmentpresupposesresponsiblefreedom.
a.Herecognizedtheimportanceofeconomicstructuresandinstitutions,
b.butsawthemasinstrumentsofhumanfreedom.Eachoneistheprincipalagentofhis/herowndevelopment.
18.Besidesfreedom,integralhumandevelopmentdemandsrespectforitstruth.Itmustpromotethedevel-opmentofeachandall–developmentofthewholeperson.Christistherevelationofthatauthenticdevelopment.
19.Thecausesofunderdevelopmentarenotprimarilymaterial.Theyarealackofsolidarityandsenseofcommunity.
a.RecognizingGodlovedusandcallsustoloveenablesustoseethe
interdependenceofpeoplesasacalltocommunityinonefamily.
20.Thatlovecreatesasenseofurgencyincreatingaglobalcommunityoflove.
ChapterTwo:HumanDevelopmentinourTime
21.BenedictembracesPaulVI’svisionofdevelopment:a.Goal:rescuing
peoplesfromhunger,deprivation,endemicdiseases,illiteracy
i.Economically:theiractiveparticipationasequalsintheinternationaleconomy
ii.Socially:theirevolutionintoeducatedsocietiesmarkedbysolidarityiii.Politically:theconsolidationofdemocraticregimescapableifensuringfreedom,peace.
iv.Result:realgrowth,ofbenefittoeveryone,genuinelysustainable.
b.Themodelofdevelopmentinrecentdecades:i.Atechnologicalapproachdrivenbyprofitii.Growth,butproblematic:
1.financialspeculationdamagingtherealeconomyinthecurrentcrisis
2.migration
3.unregulatedexploitationofearth’sresourcesc.Weneedanewholisticunderstandingandhumanisticsynthesis;profoundculturalrenewal.
d.Thecrisisisanopportunityfordiscernment.
22.Developmenttodayhasmanyoverlappinglayerswithmanydifferentcauses:
a.Wealthincreasing,butglaringinequalitiesaregrowinginpoorandwealthynations
b.Corruptionandillegality
c.Failuretorespecttherightsofworkersd.Aiddivertedthroughirresponsibleactionsofdonors/recipientse.Samepatternsinimmaterialorculturalcausesofdevelopment/underdevelopment:
i.Richnations:excessiveprotectionofintellectualproperty(especiallyinHealth)
ii.Poornations:culturalpatternswhichhinderdevelopment23.Somenationshavemadetechnologicalandeconomicprogressandbecomeglobalpowers,butthatisn’tenough.
a.JohnPaulIIcalledforacomprehensivenewplanofdevelopmentin1991;butthathasbeenachievedonlyinpartandisstillneeded.
24.Theworldismuchmoreintegratedtodayeconomicallyandpolitically.
a.Nationalsovereigntyislimitedbytradeandfinanceagreementsb.Weneedtoreevaluateandremodeltherolesandpowersofpublicofficialstoenablethemtodealwithtoday’schallenges.
c.Oncetheirrolesaremoreclearlydefined,wecouldforeseeagreaterrolefor
civilsociety.
25.Systemsofsocialprotectionandwelfareareweakeneda.Outsourcinghasledtoanewcompetitionamongstatestoattract
investmentwithtaxbreaksandlaborrestrictions,leadingtoadownsizingofsocialsecuritysystems.
b.Socialcutbacksoftendemandedbyinternationalfinancialinstitutions
c.Dangerfortherightsofworkersandtheeconomicsecurityofthepeople
d.Aggravatedbytheweakeningoftradeunions.
e.Thereisanurgentneedfornewformsofcooperationatinternationalandlocallevels.
f.Themobilityoflaborplusderegulationcanstimulatewealthproductionandculturalexchange,buttendstocreatepsychologicalinstability,wastesocialresources,createnewformsofeconomicmarginalization.
g.Remember:theprimarycapitaltobesafeguardedandvaluedisthehumanperson.
26.Culturally,thechangeisevengreater.Increasedcommercializationleadsto2dangers:
a.Culturaleclecticism–leadingtorelativismb.Culturalleveling–leadingtolossofculturalidentity27.Insecurityduetofoodshortages.
a.Endinghungerisessentialforsafeguardingpeaceandstabilityb.Needed:
i.Anetworkofeconomicinstitutionstoguaranteeregularaccesstosufficientfoodandwater
ii.Structuralcausesoffoodinsecurityneedtobeaddressedwiththeinvolvementoflocalcommunities
1.Ruralinfrastructures
2.Irrigationsystems
3.Transport
4.Organizationofmarkets
5.Developmentanddisseminationofagriculturaltechnologyiii.Equitableagrarianreform
iv.Recognitionoftherightstofoodandwaterv.Solidaritywithpoorcountries
financiallysotheycanhelptheircitizenssatisfytheseneeds.Thiscanhelpprotecttheproductivecapacitiesofrichcountries.
28.Respectforlifeisanimportantdevelopmentquestiontoday:a.Povertyprovokeshighinfantmortalityratesb.Demographiccontrolandlawsthatpromoteabortion,birthcontrol,contraception,sterilization,euthanasia
c.Opennesstolifeisimportanttomotivatethedrivetodevelopment;itisessentialtopromotingproductionthatis“morallysoundandmarkedbysolidarity,respectingthefundamentalrighttolifeofeverypeopleandeveryindividual.”
29.Denialoftherighttoreligiousfreedom(killing,terrorismmotivatedbyfundamentalism,etc.)andthepromotionofreligiousindifferenceorpracticalatheismbothunderminethemoralandspiritualstrengthneeded
forattainingintegralhumandevelopment.
30.Authentichumandevelopmentrequiresdialogueandengagementatalllevelsofhumanknowledge;itisn’tenoughtojustworktogetheronpracticalimplementation.Anyoneanimatedbytruecharity/loveworksskillfullytodiscoverthecausesofmisery,findthemeanstocombatitandovercomeit.Charity/loveengagesvariousdisciplinesofknowledge.
31.Moralevaluationandscientificresearchmustgohandinhandwithcharityanimatingboth.
a.Excessivesegmentationofknowledge,therejectionofmetaphysicsbythesciences,difficultiesindialoguebetweenscienceandtheologydamagedevelopmentbymakingithardertoseetheintegralgoodofpersons.
b.Thebroadeningofourconceptofreasonanditsapplicationisindispensable.
32.Thenewchallengestodevelopmenttodaydemandnewsolutions:a.Foundtogether
b.Throughrespectfuldialogue
c.Contemplatedthroughalenspurifiedbycharity.
d.Thedignityoftheindividualandthedemandsofjusticetoday(aswellaseconomiclogicandcivilcoexistence)require:i.thateconomicchoicesdonotcausedisparitiesinwealthtoincreaseexcessively
ii.thatweprioritizethegoalofaccesstosteadyemploymentforeveryone.
e.Economicscienceandmoralevaluationconvergeonthisjudgment.
f.Reductionofculturestothetechnologicaldimensionwithitsfocusonthe
shorttermimpedeslong-termcooperationandenrichment.
i.Reducingprotectionoftherightsofworkersorabandoningmethodsofwealthredistri-butiontocompeteinternationallyforinvestmenthinderslastingdevelopment.
ii.Thecurrentmodelofdevelopment’stendenciestowardshort-termeconomymustberethoughtandrevised.Itisdemandedbythestateoftheecologyandbytheculturalandmoralcrisisofhumanity.
33.Thecurrenteconomicandfinancialcrisesmakethethemeofprogressmoreacuteandurgent.
a.Somenationshaveemergedfrompoverty,butsomeremainasinPaulVI’sdayorhavedeterio-rated.
b.Causes:
i.Hightariffsimposedbydevelopedcountriesii.Thedifficultiesofthetransitionfromdecolonizationc.Theprincipalnewfeature:Globalization,theexplosionofworldwideinterdependence.
i.Itisanewchallengetocharityintruth:broadeningthescopeofreasontoknowanddirecttheforcesofglobalizationtowardcreatingthecivilizationoflovewhoseseedsGodplantedineverypeopleandculture.
ChapterThree:Fraternity,EconomicDevelopmentandCivilSociety34.“Gift”isthekeyexperienceofourlives;itrevealsourtranscendent
dimension.
a.Thosewhothinktheyareself-madeareselfishlyturnedinonthemselvesbecauseoforiginalsin.
i.Originalsinisseeninsocialconditionsandthestructuresofsociety,includingtheeconomy.
ii.Thesenseofhumanselfsufficiencyleadstoidentifyinghappinessandsalvationwithmaterialprosperityandsocialaction.
iii.Thisleadstotryingtokeepquestionsofmoralityoutoftheeconomy.
iv.ThelossofthesenseoftranscendencemeansthelossofChristianhope,apowerfulsocialresourceservingintegralhumandevelopment.
v.Hope,truth,loveareallgifts;theyarereceivedbyallandsoareagiftthatbuildsuniversalcommunity.
b.Theprincipleofgratuity–ofgiftgiventhatinspiresgiving–hasanimportant
placeineconomic,socialandpoliticaldevelopmentthatisauthenticallyhuman.
35.Themarketistheeconomicinstitutionforexchangeofgoodsandservices.
a.Itisgovernedbycommutative(contract)justice.
b.CSTalsohighlightstheimportanceofdistributivejusticeandsocialjusticebecause
i.themarketbelongswithinalargersocialandpoliticalcontextii.andoperateswithinawidernetworkofrelationsc.“Withoutinternalformsofsolidarityandmutualtrust,themarketcannotcompletelyfulfillitspropereconomicfunction.Andtodayitisthistrustwhichhasceasedtoexist....'
d.Itisnottruethemarketsystemrequiresaquotaofpovertyandunderdevelopment.
i.Itisintheinterestsofthemarkettopromoteemancipation.
ii.Todothatitneedsthemoralenergiesitcannotprovideitself.
36.Thepoliticalcommunitymustdirecteconomicactivitytowardsthecommongood.
a.Economicactionseenmerelyasanengineforwealthcreationproducesgraveinjustices.
b.Politicalactionmustpursuejusticethroughredistribution.
c.Economicactivityisnotintrinsicallyevil;i.howitisshapedbycultureandusedbyindividualsmakesitgoodorevil
ii.itmustbestructuredandgovernedinanethicalmanner,integratingauthenticallyhumansocialrelationshipsoffriendship,solidarityandreciprocity.
iii.Thismeansnotmerelytraditionalethicalprinciplesliketransparency,honestyandresponsibility,butalsotheprincipleofgratuitousnessandthelogicofgiftasanexpressionofcommunityhavetheirplacewithinnormaleconomicactivity.
37.Justicemustbeappliedtoeveryphaseofeconomicactivity.
a.Itiswrongtosayeconomicactivityisjusttocreatewealth,which
canthenbedistributedlater.
b.Spacemustbecreatedinthemarketforeconomicactivitynotdirectedprimarilytowardprofit.
c.Intheglobalera,competitivemodelsindifferentculturesdiffer.
i.Commutativejusticewillbethemainformofregulatingexchangesbetweenthem.
ii.Butjustformsofredistributionandthespiritofgiftarealsoneeded.
38.JohnPaulIIsawcivilsocietyasthenaturalsettingforaneconomyofgratuitousnessandcommunity.
a.“Intheglobalera,economicactivitycannotprescindfromgratuitousness,whichfostersanddisseminatessolidarityandresponsibilityforjusticeandthecommongoodamongthedifferenteconomicplayers.'
i.Solidarityisfirstandforemostasenseofresponsibilityonthepartofeveryonewithregardtoeveryone,anditcannotthereforebemerelydelegatedtotheState.
ii.Todayitisclearthatwithoutgratuitousness,therecanbenojusticeinthefirstplace.
b.Weneedamarketwithroomforcommercialentitiesbasedonmutualistprinciplesandpursuingsocialendstotakeroot.Thenhybridformsofcommercializationcouldemerge.
i.Shapeandstructuremustbegiventothosetypesofeconomicinitiativewhich,withoutrejectingprofit,aimatahighergoalthanprofitasanendinitself.
39.PaulVIcalledforcreationofamodelofmarketeconomycapableofincludingallpeoplesandnotjustthebetteroff.
a.Whenthemarketandgovernmentarekeptinseparaterealms,solidarityinrelationsbetweencitizens,participation,andactionsofgratuitousnessarelost.
b.Todefeatunderdevelopment,weneednotonlyjustexchange-basedtransactions(commutativejustice)andpublicwelfarestructures(distributivejustice),butalsoincreasingopennessworld¬widetoformsofeconomicactivitymarkedbygratuitousnessandcommunion.
40.Today’sinternationaleconomicscenerequiresaprofoundlynewwayofunderstandingbusinessenter-prise.
a.Itisadangertoberesponsibleonlytoinvestors:i.theneedforcapitaldrivesshort-termthinkingii.outsourcingproductionweakensthesenseofresponsibilitytolocalregionsandstake¬holders
b.Awarenessisgrowingthatmanagementmustassumeresponsibilityforallstakeholderswho
contributetothelifeofthebusiness:workers,clients,suppliers,communityofreference.
c.Investorsalsoneedtolookatthemoralsignificanceoftheirinvestments–theimpactonthestakeholders
i.Speculativefinancialinvestmentseekingonlyshort-termprofitwithoutconcernforlong-termsustainabilitymustbeavoided.
ii.Outsourcingproductionandjobssimplytogaineconomicadvantageortoexploitwith¬outmakingarealcontributiontolocalsocietybyhelpingtobringaboutarobustproduc¬tiveandsocialsystemiswrong.
41.Businessenterpriseinvolvesawideandwideningrangeofvaluesbecauseitisahumanactivityinre-sponsetotheneedsanddignityoftheworkerandtheneedsofsociety.
a.Thereneedstobecrossfertilizationbetweenfor-profitandnon-profit,etc.ifwearetoconstructaneconomythatwillservethenationalandglobalcommongood.
b.Politicalauthorityalsoinvolvesawiderangeofvaluesthatneedtobenotedinconstructinganeworderofsociallyresponsible,humaneconomicproductivity.
c.TheStateisnotobsoleteintheglobalage.ItmustcollaboratewithotherStatesmore.
i.Thefocusofinternationalaidwithinasolidarity-basedplanfortheglobaleconomyshouldconsolidateconstitutional,juridicalandadministrativesystemswhereneeded.
ii.Thearticulation(diversification)ofpoliticalauthorityatthelocal,nationalandinterna-tionallevelsisoneofthebestwaysofdirectingtheprocessofeconomicglobalization.
42.Globalizationisnotadeterministicsocio-economicprocesswithnowaytoevaluateordirectit.
a.Humanityisincreasinglyinterconnected;thereisanencounterofcultures.
b.Itistheproductofdiverseculturaltendencieswhichmustbediscerned.
c.Thetruthofglobalizationisgivenintheunityofthehumanfamilydevelopingtowardthegood.
d.Weneedasustainedcommitmentto“promoteaperson-basedandcommunity-orientedculturalprocessofworld-wideintegrationthatisopentotranscendence.”
i.Weshouldn’tbesimplyanti-globalization;weshouldbeprotagonists.
ii.Suitablyunderstoodanddirected,globalizationcouldopenupunprecedentedlarge-scaleredistributionofwealthonaworld-widescale.
iii.Badlydirected,itcanleadtoincreasedpoverty,inequalityandglobalcrisis.
iv.Wemustappropriatetheethicalspiritthatdrivesglobalizationtowardsolidarityif
wearetoavoidtherisksanddangers.
ChapterFour:TheDevelopmentofPeople,RightsandDuties,theEnvironment
43.Humansolidarityimposesduties.
a.Toomuchfocusonrightscanleadtotheclaimofarbitraryandnon-essentialrightsinwealthycountries.
b.Theunrealizedfundamentalrightstofood,wateretc.amongpeople
inpovertygloballyimplydutiesinsolidarityinthedevelopedworldthatsetalimittoquestionablerightsclaims.
c.Rightsaregroundedinhumannature,notconstitutions;thisistheguarantorofauthorityatalllevels.
44.PopulationGrowth
a.Itisnotthecauseofunderdevelopment
i.Developednationshavelessinfantmortalityii.SeriousDeclineinbirthratesbringssignsofcrisisb.Responsibleprocreationdoesnotreducesexualitytopleasureorentertainment;nordoesitregulateitthroughmandatorybirthcontrol.
c.Thefamilyshouldbetheprimarycompetenceindealingwithprocreation.
d.Morallyresponsibleopennesstoliferepresentsarichsocialandeconomicresource.
i.Statesarecalledtoenactpoliciespromotingthecentralityandintegrityofthefamily.
45.Theeconomyneedspeople-centeredethicstofunctioncorrectly.
a.“ethical”isusedinmanywaysandneedstobediscerned.
b.CSTisbasedonthecreationoftheperson“intheimageofGod”
whichimplies
i.Theinviolabledignityofthehumanpersonii.Thetranscendenceofnaturalmoralnorms.
c.Wedon’tjustneedethicalsectorsoftheeconomy;weneedtoensurethatthewholeeconomyisethical.
46.Withallbusinessrequiredtobeethical,thetraditionaldistinctionbetweenfor-profitandnon-profitorganizationsnolongdoesfulljusticetoreality;norcanitdirectthefuture.
a.Thisisabroadnewsectorwhichdoesn’texcludeprofitbutconsidersitameansforachieving
humanandsocialends,amorehumanemarketandsocietyi.Theyassumemorecompletelythedutiesofeconomicsubjectstoallstakeholders.
b.Theseneedtofindjuridicalandfiscalstructurestosupportandprotecttheminallcountries.
47.Thestrengtheningofthesedifferenttypesofbusinessisimportantinpoornationsaswell.
a.Developmentprogramsmuststayfocusedonthecentralityofthehumanperson,promotesubsidiarityandresponsibility,involvethepeopletheywillaffectinplanningthem,beflexibleandfittheircircumstances,andbenefittheirdailylives.
b.Internationalcooperationrequiresthesolidarityofpresence,supervision,trainingandrespect.
i.Theymustevaluatetheirbureaucraticstructuresii.Andcommitthemselvestotransparency.
48.Dutiesarisingfromourrelationshiptothenaturalenvironmenta.TheenvironmentisagiftofGodtoall;inusingitwehavearesponsibilitytoallhumanitythroughtime.
b.Godgaveitanin-builtorderfromwhichwecandrawprinciplesforuse/careofitandforguidingusinshapingcultureandinteracting.
c.Itisnotmoreimportantthanpeople;normayweaimattotaltechnicaldominationofit.
d.Projectsforintegralhumandevelopmentneedtobemarkedbysolidarityandintergenerationaljusticewhiletakingintoaccountmanycontexts:ecological,juridical,economic,politicalandcul-tural.
49.Theenergyproblem
a.Somehoardenergyresources.
b.Poornationscannotaffordaccesstoavailablenon-renewableenergysourcesortofinanceresearchintoalternatives.
c.Thesegiverisetoexploitationandconflicts.
d.Theinternationalcommunityhasanurgentdutytofindinstitutionalwaystoregulatetheexploi-tationofnon-renewableresources,workingwiththepoorcountriestoplantogetherforthefuture.
e.Thereisapressingneedforrenewedsolidarityi.Technologicallyadvancedsocietiescanandmustlowertheirenergyconsumption.
ii.Aworld-wideredistributionofenergyresourcesisneeded;iii.Everyonemustresponsiblyrecognizetheirimpactonfuturegenerations.
50.Thisresponsibilityisglobal.
a.Responsiblestewardshipusingadvancedtechnologieswillenabletheearthtoaccommodateandfeedtheworld’spopulation.
b.Authoritiesmustensurethattheeconomicandsocialcostsofusingupsharedenvironmentalresourcesarerecognizedwithtransparencyandbornefullybythosewhoincurthem,notothersorfuturegenerations.
51.Thewayhumanitytreatstheenvironmentinfluencesthewayittreatsitselfandvice-versa.
a.Thiscallsforreviewandrenewaloflife-stylesso“thequestfortruth,beauty,goodnessandcommunionwithothersforthesakeofcommongrowtharethefactorswhichdeterminecon-sumerchoices,savingsandinvestments.”
b.Violationsofsolidarityandcivicfriendshipharmtheenvironmentandviceversa.
i.Warssquanderresources;peaceprovidesthemgreaterprotection.
ii.Hoardingofresources(especiallywater)cangenerateseriousconflicts.
c.Thechurchhasaresponsibilitytocreationandmustassertit.
i.Thedeteriorationofnatureiscloselyconnectedtotheculturethatshapeshumanlife.
ii.Respectforlifeandrespectforenvironmentgohandinhand.
52.TruthandlovecanonlybereceivedasagiftfromGod.
a.Thevocationgivenusisintrinsictoaplanpriortouswhichconstitutesa
duty:itshowsusthe
roadtotruedevelopment.
ChapterFive:TheCooperationoftheHumanFamily
53.Oneofthedeepestformsofpovertyisisolation;asaspiritualbeing,thehumancreatureisdefinedthroughinterpersonalrelations.Identitymaturesbylivingtheserelationsauthentically.
a.Theunityofthehumanfamilydoesn’tsubmergetheidentitiesofindividuals,peoples,andcultures,butrelatesandlinksthemmoretransparentlyintheirdiversity.
54.Development:theinclusion-in-relationofallindividualsandpeopleswithinonecommunityofthehumanfamily,builtinsolidarityonthebasisofjusticeandpeace.
a.LikelifeintheTrinityorthesacramentalloveofspouses.
55.Christianityteachesrelationalityisessential.
a.Otherfaithsthatpromoteitarevaluableforauthentichumandevelopment.
b.Faithswhichdivideorossifysocietyinrigidsocialgroupingsimpedeit.
c.Discernmentbythosewithpoliticalpowerisneededtopromoteemancipationandinclusivityinthecontextoftrulyuniversalhumancommunity.
56.FaithscanoffertheircontributiontodevelopmentonlyifGodandreligionhaveaplaceinthepublicsquare.
a.Exclusionofreligionandreligiousfundamentalismbothhinderanencounterbetweenpersonsandtheircollaborationfortheprogressofhumanity.
b.Reasonalwaysneedspurificationbyfaithandreligionalwaysneedstobepurifiedbyreason.
57.Forbelievers,theworldderivesfromGod’splan,givingrisetothedutytounitewithallofgoodwillofwhateverfaithtomaketheworldcorrespondtoGod’splan:livingasonefamilybeforeGod.
a.Subsidiarityistheguidingcriterionforcooperation:i.Itisassistancetohumanpersonstohelpthemaccomplishwhattheycan’tontheirown
throughautonomousintermediatebodies.
1.Itisinstitutionalassistancethatfreespeopletoassumeresponsibility.
2.Itprotectsagainstanall-encompassingwelfarestate.
3.Ithelpstocoordinatemanifoldplans.
b.Thegovernanceofglobalizationmustbemarkedbysubsidiarity,articulatedintoseverallayers,helpingdifferentlevelsworktogether.
58.TheprinciplesofSubsidiarityandSolidaritymustremaincloselylinkedtoresistsocialprivatismorpater-nalisticsocialassistance.
a.Concerninginternationaldevelopmentaid:
i.Mustnotlockpeopleindependenceorpursuesecondaryobjectivesii.Mustbedistributedwiththeinvolvementofgovernmentsandlocaleconomicagentsandbearersofcultureincivilsocietyinthereceivingcountries
iii.Mustinvolveparticipationofthelocalpeopleb.Theprincipalneedforassistancemaybetheopeningofmarketsfor
theirproducts.
i.Internationaltraderegulationsandfinancefordevelopmenttosupportthisareneeded.
59.Cooperationfordevelopmentisnotsimplyeconomic;itinvolvesanencounterofcultures.
a.Technologicallyadvancedsocietiesshouldnotpresumeculturalsuperiority
b.Inallculturestherearesignsofethicalconvergenceasanexpressionoftheonehumannature–naturallaw.
c.Groundedinthecommonquestfortruthandlove,thisuniversalmorallawisthefoundationofalldialogue.
60.Developmentaidisavalidmeansofcreatingwealthforall.
a.GreaterpercentagesofGDPofeconomicallydevelopednationsshouldgotointernational
developmentaid.
i.Theycanfinddomesticsavingsbyapplyingtheprincipleofsubsidiaritytocreatebetterintegrateddomesticwelfaresystemswiththeactiveparticipationofprivatecitizensandcivilsociety.
ii.Oneapproachcouldbefiscalsubsidiarityordonordesignationofaportionoftheirtaxes(butbecarefulagainstthepromotionofspecialinterests).
61.Greaterinternationalsolidarityisseeninpromotinggreateraccesstoeducation.
a.Itmustbebasedonthenatureofthehumanpersonandnotpromoterelativism.
b.Internationaltourismmustbedesignedtopromotegenuinemutualunderstandinginacontextofrestandhealthrecreation–avoidingtheevilsofsextourismorconsumeristandhedonisticpatterns.
62.Migrationismassiveandrequiresboldpoliciesofinternationalcooperation.
a.Theyshouldbeginfromclosecollaborationbetweenthecountriesoforiginanddestination.
b.Theyrequireinternationalnormstocoordinatedifferentlegislativesystemstosafeguardtherightsandneedsofmigrantsandtheirfamiliesandthoseofthehostcountries.
c.Foreignworkersmakesignificantcontributionstotheeconomicdevelopmentofthehostcoun¬tryandoftheirhomecountry(throughremittances).
i.Theycannotbeconsideredjustacommodity,afactorofproduction.
ii.Eachisahumanpersonwithfundamentalinalienablerightsthatmustberespectedbyall.
63.Povertyandunemploymentaredirectlylinkeda.Thedignityofhumanworkisviolatedwhenworkopportunitiesarelimitedoralowvalueisputonitandtherelatedrighttoajustwageandpersonalsecurityfortheworkerandfamily.
b.JohnPaulIIsupportedtheILOstrategyofaglobalcoalitioninfavorof“decentwork”
i.Workthatexpressestheessentialdignityoftheworkerintheirsociety
ii.Workthatisfreelychosen,effectivelyassociatingworkerswiththedevelopmentoftheircommunity
iii.Workthatenablestheworkertoberespectedandfreefromdiscrimination
iv.Workthatmakesitpossibleforfamiliestomeettheirneedsandeducatedtheirchildrenwithoutchildlabor
v.Workthatpermitsworkerstoorganizefreelyandmaketheirvoicesheard
vi.Workthatleavesroomforrediscoveringone’spersonal,familialandspiritualroots
vii.Workthatguaranteesretirementwithadecentstandardofliving64.Laborunionsmustbeopentothenewperspectivesopeninginwork:a.Conflictbetweenworkerandconsumer
b.Theneedsofworkersoutsidetheirmembership,especiallyindevelopingcountrieswheresocialrightsareoftenviolated.
c.Civilsocietyisthepropersettingforunionstodefendandpromotelabor,especiallytheexploitedandunrepresentedworkers.
65.Financemustgobacktobeinganinstrumentdirectedtowardimprovedwealthcreationanddevelop¬ment.
a.Theentirefinancialsystemhastobeaimedatsustainingtruedevelopment.
b.Thisistheethicalfoundationoffinance;rightintention,transparencyandthesearchforpositiveresultsmustnotbeseparated.
E.g.creditunions
c.Regulationofthefinancialsectortoprotecttheweakandnewformsoffinancetosupportdevelopmentshouldbeencouraged,highlightingtheresponsibilityoftheinvestor.
d.Micro-financeshouldbestrengthenedandfine-tuned.
66.Globalinterconnectednesshasledtotheemergenceofthenewpoliticalpowerofconsumersandtheirassociations.
a.Purchasingisalwaysamoralact;consumershaveasocialresponsibility.
b.Indifficulteconomictimes,itisnecessarytoexploreformsofcooperativepurchasingliketheconsumercoops.
c.Fairtradepracticestoguaranteeproducersfromdeprivedareasofmorejustreturnsarehelpful;theymustbetransparent,provideformationofproducers.
67.Withtheunrelentinggrowthofglobalinterdependence,thereisanurgentneedforreformoftheUNandtheeconomicinstitutionsandinternationalfinance.
a.Thereisalsourgentneedtoimplementtheprincipleoftheresponsibilitytoprotect.
b.Andgivingpoorernationsaneffectivevoiceinshareddecision-makingc.Thereisurgentneedofatrueworldpoliticalauthority,regulatedbylaw,observingtheprinciplesofsubsidiarityandsolidaritytoseekto
establishthecommongood,tocommittosecuringauthenticintegralhumandevelopmentinspiredbythevaluesofcharityintruth,to:
i.Managetheglobaleconomy,
ii.Reviveeconomieshitbythecrisis,
iii.Avoidanydeteriorationofthepresentcrisisandthegreaterimbalancesthatwouldoccur,
iv.Bringaboutintegralandtimelydisarmament,foodsecurityandpeace,
v.Guaranteetheprotectionoftheenvironmentandregulatemigration.
d.Itmustbeuniversallyrecognizedandvestedwitheffectivepowertoensuresecurityforall,regardforjustice,andrespectforrightse.Theintegraldevelopmentofpeoplesandinternationalcooperationrequiretheestablishmentofagreaterdegreeofinternationalordering,markedbysubsidiarity,forthemanagementofglobaliza-tion.
ChapterSix:TheDevelopmentofPeoplesandTechnology68.Developmentinvolvesthepersonandhumanfreedom;itcannotbeachievedsimplythroughtechnology.
69.Technologyisanexpressionofhumanfreedom.
a.Itcanbeusedtogivedominionovermatter,reducerisks,savelabor,improveconditionsoflife.
b.Technologyrevealsthehumanaspirationtowarddevelopment,thedrivetoovercomelimitations.
c.SoitmustreinforcethecovenantbetweenhumanbeingsandtheenvironmentmirroringGod’screativelove.
70.Weneedtoavoidfascinationwithtechnologybecominganideologicalmindsetthatlimitsoursenseoftruthandrealitytothetechnologicallypossibleanduseful.
a.Technologymustbeseenasahumancreationtobeusedinserviceofresponsiblefreedomwhichisaresponsetothecallofbeing.
71.Thismindsetispresentwhendevelopmentisconsideredapurelytechnicalmatter–economic,financial,etc.
a.Developmentcanneverbefullyguaranteedbyimpersonaleconomicorpoliticalforces.
b.Itrequiresuprightpeoplewhoseconsciencesarefinelyattunedtothecommongood.
72.Peace-buildingisnotsimplyatechnicalprocesseither.Thevoicesofthepeopleaffectedmustbeheardandattendedto;theymustbebroughttogetherandtheirdevelopmentservedonthebasisofloveandmutualunderstanding.
73.Themeansofsocialcommunicationarepervasiveandinfluentialinengineeringchangesinattitudetowardrealityandthehumanperson.
a.Whenthestrictlytechnicalnatureofthemediaisstressed,peopletendtooverlookitsusetopromoteeconomicinterestsandideologicaleffortstoimposeculturalmodels.
b.Theirtechnologicaladvancescanhaveacivilizingeffectwhentheyaregearedtowardavisionofthepersonandthecommongoodthatreflectstrulyuniversalvalues.
c.Theirmostimportantcontributionistocontributetogrowthinthecommunionofthehumanfamilyandtheethosofsocietybypromotinguniversalparticipationinthecommonsearchforwhatisjust.
74.Bioethicsissoadvancedtodaythatitfacesthetemptationofdecidingscienceexplainseverything,Godisnotnecessary.Thatisintheendirrational.
75.Asitcomestounderstandmoreofthemysteriesoflife,wefacethedangerof:
a.Systematiceugenicprogrammingofbirthsononeextremeandapro-euthanasiamindsetontheother
b.Theseimplyaculturalmindsetthatdenieshumandignity;theyfosteramaterialisticandmechanis¬ticunderstandingofhumanlife.
i.Thisleadstoindifferencetosituationsofhumandegradation,arbitraryandselectivedeterminationofwhatisworthyofrespect1.Insignificantmattersareconsideredshocking.
2.Thepooroftheworldandtheirgreatneedsareignored.
76.Developmentmustincludespiritualgrowthaswellasmaterialgrowtha.Spiritualgrowthmustnotbereducedtopsychologicalgrowth.
b.“Aprosperoussociety,highlydevelopedinmaterialtermsbutweighingheavilyonthesoul,isnotofitselfconducivetoauthenticdevelopment.”
c.“Therecannotbeholisticdevelopmentanduniversalcommongoodunlesspeople’sspiritualandmoralwelfareistakenintoaccount,consideredintheirtotalityasbodyandsoul.”
77.Thereisalwaysa‘somethingmore’beyondempiricaldataorthelovewereceivethatcallsustoknowandlovemore.
a.Theyareexperiencedasgift.
b.Glimpsingadevelopmentbeyondwhattechnologycangiveinvitespursuingtheintegralhumandevelopmentthattakesitsdirectionfromthedrivingforceofcharityintruth.
Conclusion
78.“OpennesstoGodmakesusopentowardsourbrothersandsistersandtowardsanunderstandingoflifeasajoyfultasktobeaccomplishedinsolidarity.”
a.OnlyahumanismopentotheAbsolutecanguideusinpromotingandbuildingstructures,institu¬tions,cultureandethosinserviceoftheuniversalcommongood.
b.Itgivesusthecouragetokeepworkingforthebenefitofallevenwhenitcan’tbeachievedimmediatelyorcompletely.
79.DevelopmentneedsChristiansmovedbytheknowledgethattruth-filledlovefromwhichauthenticdevelopmentproceedsisnotproducedbyusbutisgivenasgift.
a.ChristianslongfortheentirehumanfamilytobeoneinGod,toglorifyGodbylivingaccordingtoGod’swill,“toreceivethedailybreadweneed,
tobeunderstandingandgeneroustowardsourdebtors,nottobetemptedbeyondourlimits,andtobedeliveredfromevil.”
LAUDATOSI2015PopeFrancis2015-Thesafeguardingofthecommonhouse
ByKevinCotteroffocusoncampus.org
Theoriginalfulldocumentisavailableon:
www.bit.ly/SOCIALDOCTRINEOFCATHOLICCHURCH
OVERVIEW
WHATPASSESINOURHOUSE:water,destructionofbiodiversity,socialdegradation,inequality,weakreactionsTHEGospelofCreation:Thelightoffaith,thewisdomoftheBible,thecommondestinationofgoods,thegazeofJesusTHEHUMANROOTOFECOLOGICALCRISIS:Technology(creativityandpower),globalizationofthetechnocraticparadigm,crisisandconsequences
ANINTEGRALECOLOGY:economicandsocial,cultural,ofdailylife,includingthecommongoodandjusticebetweengenerationsGUIDELINESANDACTION:OtherLifestyle,Education,EcologicalConversion,JoyandPeace,CivilandPoliticalLove,Sacraments,TrinityandCreatureRelationship,QueenofCreation
Summary
PopeFrancis’EncyclicalLaudatoSi(“Praisebetoyou”)isaworldwidewakeupcalltohelphumanityunderstandthedestructionthatmanisrenderingtotheenvironmentandhisfellowman.Whileaddressingtheenvironmentdirectly,thedocument’sscopeisbroaderinmanywaysasitlooksatnotonlyman’seffectontheenvironment,butalsothemanyphilosophical,theological,andculturalcausesthatthreatentherelationshipsofmantonatureandmantoeachotherinvariouscircumstances.ThisdocumentisinmanywaystheepitomeofPopeFrancis.Itisanunexpectedtopic.ItpresentsGospeltruths.And,itprovidesachallengeforeverybeliever(andnon-believerstoo).Fromtheoutset,PopeFrancisstatesthegoalofthedocument:“InthisEncyclical,Iwouldliketoenterintodialoguewithallpeopleaboutourcommonhome”(#3).
Normally,papaldocumentsareaddressedtothebishopsoftheChurchorthelayfaithful.But,similartoPopeSaintJohnXXIII’sPaceminTerris,PopeFrancisaddresshismessagetoallpeople.
Thegoalofthedialogue:“Iurgentlyappeal,then,foranewdialogueabouthowweareshapingthefutureofourplanet.Weneedaconversationthatincludeseveryone,sincetheenvironmentchallengeweareundergoing,anditshumanroots,concernandaffectusall”(#14).Theaboveisattheheartofthedocument,butPopeFrancisalsohasaverystrikingcalltoconversionforthoseintheChurchaswell.
“Theecologicalcrisisisalsoasummonstoprofoundinteriorconversion.
ItmustbesaidthatsomecommittedandprayerfulChristians,withtheexcuseofrealismandpragmatism,tendtoridiculeexpressionsofconcernfortheenvironment.Othersarepassive;theychoosenottochangetheirhabitsandthusbecomeinconsistent.Sowhattheyallneedisan‘ecologicalconversion’,wherebytheeffectsoftheirencounterwithJesusChristbecomeevidentintheirrelationshipwiththeworldaroundthem.LivingourvocationtobeprotectorsofGod’shandiworkisessentialtoalifeofvirtue;itisnotanoptionalorasecondaryaspectofourChristianexperience”(#217)ChapterSummariesandQuotes
CHAPTERONE–WHATISHAPPENINGTOOURCOMMONHOME
Goal:“Theologicalandphilosophicalreflectionsonthesituationofhumanityandtheworldcansoundtiresomeandabstract,unlesstheyaregroundedinafreshanalysisofourpresentsituation,whichisinmanywaysunprecedentedinthehistoryofhumanity.So,beforeconsideringhowfaithbringsnewincentivesandrequirementswithregardtotheworldofwhichweareapart,Iwillbrieflyturntowhatishappeningtoourcommonhome”(#17).
Message:“Butasoberlookatourworldshowsthatthedegreeofhumanintervention,oftenintheserviceofbusinessinterestsandconsumerism,isactuallymakingourearthlessrichandbeautiful,
evermorelimitedandgrey,evenastechnologicaladvancesandconsumergoodscontinuetoaboundlimitlessly.Weseemtothinkthatwecansubstituteanirreplaceableandirretrievablebeautywithsomethingwhichwehavecreatedourselves”(#34).
CHAPTERTWO–THEGOSPELOFCREATION
Goal:“Whyshouldthisdocument,addressedtoallpeopleofgoodwill,includeachapterdealingwiththeconvictionsofbelievers?IamwellawarethatintheareasofpoliticsandphilosophytherearethosewhofirmlyrejecttheideaofaCreator,orconsideritirrelevant…Nonetheless,scienceandreligion,withtheirdistinctiveapproachestounderstandingreality,canenterintoanintense
dialoguefruitfulforboth”(#62).
Message:“WearenotGod.Theearthwasherebeforeusandithasbeengiventous….AlthoughitistruethatweChristianshaveattimesincorrectlyinterpretedtheScriptures,nowadayswemustforcefullyrejectthenotionthatourbeingcreatedinGod’simageandgivendominionovertheearthjustifiesabsolutedominationoverothercreatures.
Thebiblicaltextsaretobereadintheircontext,withanappropriatehermeneutic,recognizingthattheytellusto‘tillandkeep’thegardenoftheworld(cf.Gen2:15).’Tilling’referstocultivating,ploughingorworking,while‘keeping’meanscaring,protecting,overseeingandpreserving.Thisimpliesarelationshipofmutualresponsibilitybetweenhumanbeingsandnature.Eachcommunitycantakefromthebountyoftheearthwhateveritneedsforsubsistence,butitalsohasthedutytoprotecttheearthandtoensureitsfruitfulnessforcominggenerations”(#67)
CHAPTERTHREE–THEHUMANROOTSOFTHE
ECOLOGICALCRISIS
Goal:“Itwouldhardlybehelpfultodescribesymptomswithoutacknowledgingthehumanoriginsoftheecologicalcrisis.Acertainwayofunderstandinghumanlifeandactivityhasgoneawry,totheseriousdetrimentoftheworldaroundus.Shouldwenotpauseandconsiderthis?Atthisstage,Iproposethatwefocusonthedominanttechnocratic(efficiency,production,andwealthaccumulation)paradigmandtheplaceofhumanbeingsandofhumanactionintheworld”(#101).
Message:“Itcanbesaidthatmanyproblemsoftoday’sworldstemfromthetendency,attimesunconscious,tomakethemethodandaimsofscienceandtechnologyanepistemologicalparadigmwhichshapesthelivesofindividualsandtheworkingsofsociety.Theeffectsofimposingthismodelonrealityasawhole,humanandsocial,areseeninthedeteriorationoftheenvironment,butthisisjustonesignofareductionismwhichaffectseveryaspectofhumanandsociallife.
Wehavetoacceptthattechnologicalproductsarenotneutral,fortheycreateaframeworkwhichendsupconditioninglifestylesandshapingsocialpossibilitiesalongthelinesdictatedbytheinterests
ofcertainpowerfulgroups”(#107).
CHAPTERFOUR–INTEGRALECOLOGY
Goal:“Sinceeverythingiscloselyinterrelated,andtoday’sproblemscallforavisioncapableoftakingintoaccounteveryaspectoftheglobalcrisis,Isuggestthatwenowconsidersomeelementsofanintegralecology,one
whichclearlyrespectsitshumanandsocialdimensions”(#137).
Message:“Weurgentlyneedahumanismcapableofbringingtogetherthedifferentfieldsofknowledge,includingeconomics,intheserviceofamoreintegralandintegratingvision.Today,theanalysisofenvironmentalproblemscannotbeseparatedfromtheanalysisofhuman,family,workrelatedandurbancontexts,norfromhowindividualsrelatetothemselves,whichleadsinturntohowtheyrelatetoothersandtotheenvironment”(#141).
CHAPTERFIVE–LINESOFAPPROACHAND
ACTION
Goal:“SofarIhaveattemptedtotakestockofourpresentsituation,pointingtothecracksintheplanetthatweinhabitaswellastotheprofoundlyhumancausesofenvironmentaldegradation.Althoughthecontemplationofthisrealityinitselfhasalreadyshowntheneedforachangeofdirectionandothercoursesofaction,nowweshalltrytooutlinethemajorpathsofdialoguewhichcanhelpusescapethespiralofself-destructionwhichcurrentlyengulfsus”(#163).
Message:“Interdependenceobligesustothinkofoneworldwithacommonplan.Yetthesameingenuitywhichhasbroughtaboutenormoustechnologicalprogresshassofarprovedincapableoffindingeffectivewaysofdealingwithgraveenvironmentalandsocialproblemsworldwide.Aglobalconsensusisessentialforconfrontingthedeeperproblems,whichcannotberesolvedbyunilateralactionsonthepartofindividualcountries.”(#164)
CHAPTERSIX–ECOLOGICALEDUCATIONAND
SPIRITUALITY
Goal:“Manythingshavetochangecourse,butitiswehumanbeingsaboveallwhoneedtochange.Welackanawarenessofourcommonorigin,ofourmutualbelonging,andofafuturetobesharedwitheveryone.Thisbasicawarenesswouldenablethedevelopmentofnewconvictions,attitudesandformsoflife.Agreatcultural,spiritualandeducationalchallengestandsbeforeus,anditwilldemandthatwesetoutonthelongpathofrenewal”(#202).
Message:“IncallingtomindthefigureofSaintFrancisofAssisi,wecometorealizethatahealthyrelationshipwithcreationisonedimensionofoverallpersonalconversion,whichentailstherecognitionofourerrors,sins,faultsandfailures,andleadstoheartfeltrepentance
anddesiretochange”(#218).
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