1/20/18

Catholic Social Teaching in the

1 1/20/18

A man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest…..

Never more true than of the Papal Encyclicals

2 1/20/18

Rerum Novarum –New Things (1891) Pope Leo XIII The poor are equal in citizenship to the rich. Their work is the source of the nation's wealth. The favor of God seems to incline more toward the poor .

Workers have a natural right to form unions, a right is beyond the authority of government

The union should seek to insure that every worker has sufficient work and that workers in need are helped

Wages must satisfy the right to secure things to sustain life, a wage sufficiently large to enable him to provide comfortably for himself, his wife and his children

Health safeguards are to be provided for all workers in the workplace.

Private ownership must be preserved inviolate and it must be regarded as sacred. It is wrong for ownership to be limited to a small number of people, and private property must be spread among the largest number of population

Equitable protection of all citizens means that government should give special consideration to the weak and poor

Quadragesimo Anno – On the 40th Year (1931) Pope Pius XI

The approach to ownership of property must avoid two extremes: - individualism, denying or minimizing the social and public character of the right to own property; - and collectivism, rejecting or minimizing the private and individual character of the right to own property

The distribution of goods in society should be more even, and everyone should have his own share of goods.

The social economy will not be in order until each and every person is provided with all the goods available through natural resources, technology, and social organization

Free competition is justified and useful, but the right ordering of economic life cannot be left to a free competition of forces . Free competition must be effectively controlled by the government.

Catholics are not to compromise with socialism

3 1/20/18

Mit Brennender Sorge– With Burning Sorrow (1937) Pope Pius XI “The experiences of these last years have fixed responsibilities and laid bare intrigues, which from the outset only aimed at a war of extermination.”

Whoever exalts race, or the people, or the State, …or any other fundamental value of the human community … distorts and perverts an order of the world planned and created by God;

Whoever wishes to see banished from church and school the Biblical history and the wise doctrines of the Old Testament, blasphemes the name of God, blasphemes the Almighty's plan of salvation, and makes limited and narrow …God's designs over the history of the world: he denies his faith in the true Christ (Religious Freedom)

Voices are swelling into a chorus urging people to leave the Church, and among the leaders there is more than one whose official position is intended to create the impression that this infidelity to Christ the King constitutes a signal and meritorious act of loyalty to the modern State

Present-day life severs from the divine foundation of Revelation, not only morality, but also the theoretical and practical rights. We are especially referring to what is called the natural law, written by the Creator's hand on the tablet of the heart

Mit Brennender Sorge– With Burning Sorrow (1937) Pope Pius XI "Nothing can be useful, if it is not at the same time morally good" (Cicero, De Off. ii. 30). Emancipated from this oral rule, the principle would in international law carry a perpetual state of war between nations.

The believer has an absolute right to profess his Faith and live according to its dictates. Laws which impede this profession and practice of Faith are against natural law.

We expect the Catholic youth, in the more favorable organizations of the State, to uphold its right to a Christian sanctification of the Sunday, not to exercise the body at the expense of the immortal soul, not to be overcome by evil, but to aim at the triumph of good over evil

An education, hostile to Christ, is to profane the temple of the child's soul consecrated by baptism, and extinguish the eternal light of the faith in Christ for the sake of counterfeit light alien to the Cross. ..it will be every one's duty to sever his responsibility from the opposite camp, and free his conscience from guilty cooperation with such corruption.

4 1/20/18

Mater et Magistra – Mother & Teacher Pope John XXIII (1961)

• 70 years from , 30 years from

• Changes since 1941: scientific and technological (atomic energy, synthetic products, automation, mass communication and transportation, space exploration); social (social security systems, worker awareness, educational improvements, increased affluence and mobility, growing imbalances among sectors of society and regions of the world); and political (citizen participation, decolonization, widespread democratization)

• A proper balance should be kept between the freedom of individual citizens and the regulating activity of the government

• Rights and protection of agricultural workers, who must receive all essential public services

• Condemns “conspicuous consumption,” wasting and destruction of surplus goods while masses of people experience want and hunger

• Addresses the view that procreation needs to controlled or economic imbalances will occur; warns against using means contrary to human dignity, and encourages respect for the laws of life

Mater et Magistra – Mother & Teacher Pope John XXIII (1961)

• Managers, owners, and stockholders should receive earnings in light of the demands of the . Pope John lists these demands as follows: • on the national level, • -- the provision of employment for as many as possible, • -- the prevention of privileged groups among workers, • -- the maintenance of a balance between wages and prices, • -- universal accessibility to goods and services for a better life, • -- the elimination or reduction of inequalities among agriculture, industry, and services, -- the balancing of increases in output with advances in services, • -- the adjustment of the means of production to technological progress, • -- and concern for future generations • on the international level, • -- the removal of bad faith from the competitive striving of peoples to increase output, -- the fostering of harmony and cooperation in economic affairs, • -- and effective aid for the economically underdeveloped nations

5 1/20/18

Mater et Magistra – Mother & Teacher Pope John XXIII (1961) • is valid for all time.

• It is based on the principle that individuals are the foundation, cause, and end of all social institutions . • CST cannot be separated from the church's traditional teaching regarding human life.

• He encourages increased attention to the social teaching of the church among clergy and laity, and • application of this teaching in economic and social affairs

• He warns against the obstacles to such application: self-interest, a materialistic philosophy of life, and the difficulty of discerning the demands of justice in given situations

• Apply the social teaching of the church using the method of: observe, judge, act • Don’t get bogged down in useless controversies

Pacem in Terris – Peace on Earth Pope John XXIII (1963)

• Peace will only be an empty-sounding word unless it is based on the order founded on truth, built according to justice, integrated by charity, and put into practice in freedom

• An astonishing order in the world which humans can understand (natural law). • The source of this order is the personal and transcendent God. • Every fundamental human right derives its moral force from the natural law

• Social order is based on the principle of human dignity: every human being is a person, endowed with • intelligence and free will, and having rights and duties which are universal, inviolable and inalienable.

• International Authority & mutual assistance • Condemns war , racism & the arms race, stockpiling weapons, esp atomic weapons

6 1/20/18

Pacem in Terris – Peace on Earth Pope John XXIII (1963) • Basic human rights • 1. the right to life, bodily integrity, food, clothing, shelter, rest, medical care, necessary social services • 2. the right to respect for one's person, good reputation, freedom to search for truth, freedom of speech, freedom of information • 3. the right to share in the benefits of culture, education • 4. freedom of worship • 5. freedom to choose one's state of life and to form a family • 6. freedom of initiative in the economic field, the right to work and adequate working conditions • 7. proper wages • 8. private property, even of productive goods • 9. freedom of assembly and association • 10. freedom of movement and residence, the right to emigrate and immigrate • 11. the right to active participation in public affairs • 12. the right to juridical protection of rights • 13. the right to act freely and responsibly

• Each right carries with it a corresponding duty. • Individuals & groups must make their specific contributions to the common welfare • and this means not only their own countries but also the entire human family

Pacem in Terris

• Communities of people also have rights.

• 1. Each country has the right to existence, to self-development and the means to attain it, • 2. to primary responsibility for its own development, • 3. to a good name and the respect which is its due.

• It has the corresponding duty to respect these rights in other countries

• and it has the duty to accept immigrants and to help integrate them as new members

7 1/20/18

Dignitatis Humanae Human Dignity 1965 A document of the 2nd Vatican Council (1962 – 1965), promulgated by Pope Paul VI

The fundamental right to religious freedom for everyone…even non- Catholics, as individuals and as a community.

The government is to protect the rights and equality of all citizens as part of its essential role in promoting the public good, and a wrong is done when a government imposes profession or repudiation of any religion. Christians are called to an even more conscientious respect for religious freedom

Gaudium et Spes Joy and Hope (1965) A document of the 2nd Vatican Council (1962 – 1965), promulgated by Pope Paul VI

Addresses all of humanity, to help solve contemporary problems

Negative signs of the times: Splits have developed within individuals, families, races, and nations. Many find it difficult to identify permanent values and apply them to changing circumstances and one of the more serious errors of the age is the split between people's faith and their daily lives The Council argues against a concept of religion which includes only worship and moral living:

it asserts that religion also includes involvement in earthly affairs

8 1/20/18

Gaudium et Spes Joy and Hope (1965) A document of the 2nd Vatican Council

All discrimination based on religion is contrary to God's intent and must be overcome; respect and love those differently from us in religious matters, even atheists.

The mission of the Church : to guard the heritage of God's Word and draw from it moral & religious principles; to work that God's Kingdom may come, and that salvation of all humanity may come to pass; to scrutinize the signs of the times and interpret them in the light of the Gospel; to hear, distinguish and interpret all the voices of our age, and judge them in the light of God's Word ; to promote unity; to stimulate and advance human and civic culture Human rights and responsibilities reiterated. The Council teaches that we have a mandate to govern the world with justice and holiness, so that we have a duty imposed upon us to build a better world based upon truth and justice

Populorum Progressio – The Progress of Peoples (1967) Pope Paul VI Themes: Development, & Peace

He is disturbed by the capitalist system accompanying industrialization, a system which contains such abuses as profit being the key motive for economic progress, competition the supreme law of economics, and private ownership of the means of production an absolute and unlimited right. Industrialization is breaking down traditional structures which do not adapt themselves to the new conditions

The world situation demands action based on a clear vision of all economic, social, cultural, and spiritual aspects. Solidarity and Christian charity oblige us to welcome immigrants

The pope warns that in promoting development, we must avoid the risk of adding to the wealth of the rich, the misery of the poor, and the servitude of the oppressed (a. 33), and he insists that programs to increase production should reduce inequalities

The present situation calls for concerted planning, especially in the form of a worldwide collaboration in the establishment of a development fund and in the establishment of equality in discussions and negotiations between rich and poor countries.

The goal is not just to eliminate hunger or reduce poverty: the goal is to build a world in which everyone can live a fully human life.

9 1/20/18

Humanae Vitae Human Life (1968) Pope Paul VI

Role of Sex in Life and Family Dignity of Women Pornography and Abortion Imminent

The widespread acceptance of contraception would place a "dangerous weapon... in the hands of those public authorities who take no heed of moral exigencies." (Forced sterilization, abortion, underpopulation.)

It would lead men and women to think that they had limitless dominion over their own bodies and functions. (to alter permanently the very make-up of their bodies, making of babies in test tubes, euthanasia & assisted suicide)

Octogesima Adveniens – On the Eightieth Year (1971) Pope Paul VI The pope calls attention to these problems:

--urbanization: the weakening of agrarian civilization and inordinate growth of --Christians in the city: urbanization upsets the family, and the very framework of the Christian community --youth: questioning of authority, education for freedom, handing on of values and beliefs --the role of women: establishing relationships of equality in rights --workers: democratic societies accept labor rights but not always open to their exercise --victims of changes: injustice involving the handicapped and the maladjusted, the old, and different groups of those on the fringe of society --discrimination: in law or in fact, on account of race, origin, color, culture, sex, or religion --right to emigrate: emigrant workers and refugees function in precarious situations --creating employment: population growth raises fears of lack of sufficient employment for everyone (a. 18-19); --media of social communication: news providers offer a positive service but they also represent as it were a new power involving advantages and risks --the environment: by an ill-considered exploitation of nature we risk destroying it and becoming victims ourselves ; --flagrant inequalities exist in the economic, cultural, and political development of nations

10 1/20/18

Octogesima Adveniens – On the Eightieth Year (1971) Pope Paul VI The pope calls attention to these problems:

--human rights are too often disregarded, if not scoffed at, or else they receive only formal recognition --the ambition of many nations, competing among each other, is to attain technological, economic, and military power --new economic powers are emerging, the multinational enterprises, which can conduct autonomous strategies and can lead to a new and abusive form of economic domination

Paul acknowledges that socialism takes on different forms in different continents and cultures; distinctions must be made to guide concrete choices between the various levels of expression of socialism

In concrete situations, one must recognize a legitimate variety of possible options, so that the same Christian faith can lead to different commitments. Christians are to discern the options and commitments necessary to make social, political, and economic changes

Octogesima Adveniens – He lays down certain principles and guidelines. --each country must be allowed to promote its own development, free from any political or economic domination --all people share the same basic rights and duties, so that within each country all citizens should be equal before the law, find equal admittance to economic, cultural, civic and social life, and benefit from a fair sharing of the nation's riches --governments and political parties should not try to impose an ideology by means that would lead to a dictatorship over minds --legislation is necessary, but it is not sufficient for setting up true relationships of justice and equality --bureaucratic socialism, technocratic capitalism, and authoritarian democracy all bring with them materialism, egoism, and constraint --Marxist ideology is unacceptable because of its atheistic materialism, its dialectic of violence, its absorption of individual freedom in the collectivity, and its denial of all transcendence to human beings --capitalism also calls for careful discernment because it its very root is an erroneous affirmation of the autonomy of the individual in one's activity, motivation, and exercise of liberty --the more fortunate should renounce some of their rights so as to place their goods more generously at the service of others --everyone has the right to work, to develop oneself professionally, to an equitable income, and to assistance in case of need arising from sickness or age (a. 14); --laws should aim at protecting women's proper vocation and at the same time recognizing her independence as a person and her equal rights to participate in society

11 1/20/18

Laborem Exercens –Through Work John Paul II (1981)

Although technology fosters an increase in the things produced by work, sometimes it "can cease to be man's ally and become almost his enemy, as when the mechanization of work 'supplants' him, taking away all personal satisfaction and the incentive to creativity and responsibility, when it deprives many workers of their previous employment, or when, through exalting the machine, it reduces man to the status of its slave.”

The Holy Father recalls that "in order to achieve social justice in the various parts of the world, in the various countries, and in the relationships between them, there is a need for ever new movements of solidarity of the workers and with the workers.”

"Work is a good thing for man - a good thing for his humanity - because through work man not only transforms nature, adapting it to his own needs, but he also achieves fulfillment as a human being and indeed, in a sense, becomes 'more a human being'."

"The position of 'rigid' capitalism continues to remain unacceptable, namely the position that defends the exclusive right to private ownership of the means of production as an untouchable 'dogma' of economic life. The principle of respect for work demands that this right should undergo a constructive revision, both in theory and in practice." For this reason, regardless of the type of system of production, it is necessary for each worker to be aware that "he is working 'for himself'."

Sollicitudo Rei Socialis The Social Concern of the Church (1987)

This seeks to joyfully proclaim moderate, left of center, & nonpartisan social and political principles of Catholic social thought, as defined by the pastoral constitution Gaudium et Spes and by the Holy Spirit speaking to us through tradition, scripture, and the sense of the faithful. 1. The Dignity of the Human Person 2. The Common Good 3. Solidarity 4. Subsidiarity 5. The Purpose of the Social Order: The social order must uphold the dignity of the human person. 6. The Purpose of Government The purpose of government is the promotion of the common good. 7. Participation; Individuals and groups must be enabled to participate in society. 8. The Universal Purpose of Goods The world's goods are meant for all. The right to private property is subordinate to the right to common use and the overall common good. There is a social mortgage on private property. 9. The 10. The Care of Creation. The Earth is God's gift and all species have a rightful place in it. Humans share this habitat with other kind and have a special duty to be stewards and trustees of the Earth.

12 1/20/18

Centesimus Annus – The One Hundredth Year (1991)

Rerum Novarum's criticism of socialism and liberalism (capitalism) is still relevant today. Rerum Novarum's emphasis on the rights of the poor and the defenseless gives testimony to the continuity of the option for the poor To affirm democracy the excesses of capitalism must be condemned, as well as the ‘idolatry of the market’, the ‘insanity of the arms race’ and ‘poisoning of the planet’. Private property is deemed acceptable but for the first time the world’s goods (including intellectual property) are stated as having a ‘universal destination’. Consumerism has created attitudes and lifestyles which damage the physical and spiritual health of human beings Democratic systems need to solidify their foundations by explicitly recognizing certain rights, especially the rights to life, to work, and to establish a family.

Some democracies have lost the ability to make decisions for the common good .

States, respecting subsidiarity, need to guarantee freedom, security, and human rights. An inordinate increase in bureaucratic public agencies is not the best way to solve social problems

Evangelium Vitae - The Gospel of Life (1995 ) John Paul II The incomparable worth of every human life, to be protected. Ethical relativism: Truth is not determined by majority vote: Murder, genocide, abortion, euthanasia, willful self-destruction inflicted on body or mind Sub-human living conditions, arbitrary imprisonment, deportation, Slavery, prostitution, human trafficking – all poison human society Condemnation also applies to “procedures that exploit living human embryos and fetuses” for experimentation Makes a clear statement that the death penalty is only allowable “when it would not be possible otherwise to defend society.” Coined the phrase “Culture of Death”

Freedom is to care for others & the planet, not for selfish purposes

We need God as a reference point for natural law & value, otherwise dignity is lost

Laws must benefit all, esp the unborn and married couples

Laws are immoral which legalize abortion & euthanasia because: 1. they violate the individual right to life 2. they prevent the ability of the aborted to contribute to the common good 3. they violate the the commandment to not kill.

13 1/20/18

Caritas in Veritate – Charity in Truth (2009) Pope Benedict XVI

• Benedict’s message is directed at a variety of concerns including • Globalization • Global poverty, injustice and the arms race. • Charity is living in relationship and solidarity with the marginalized. • He looks at individuals and organizations through the lens of charity and truth. The individual motivation for charity and the concern for authentic human development are frequent concerns. • There are also strong environmental concerns and the concept of ‘intergenerational justice’ is made. • Care for the earth is included in the call to live in relationship. Developed countries must take the lead in reducing their own environmental impact

Evangelii Gaudium –The Joy of the Gospel (2013)

• gives particular attention to the ‘social dimension of Evangelisation’. • The first section talks of a huge amount of social problems, characterised as the ‘crisis of communal commitment’ and touches on the markets, the economy of exclusion, inner city life, spiritual worldliness and consumerism, among other things. • The exhortation states: • We Must Be a Church on a Mission • We Can Overcome Challenges to Serve this Mission • We need to create a more incisive female presence in the Church. • We Need to Work for a Peace Based on the Common Good of All

14 1/20/18

Laudato Si – Praise Be (2015) Pope Francis (2015)

• This affirms the nexus between the advocacy for justice and peace with the concern for and care of Creation. • This is clearly indicated in renaming the promotion of “justice and peace” to “Justice, peace and integrity of Creation” or “Justice, peace and care of Creation.” “I will point to the intimate relationship between the poor and the fragility of the planet, the conviction that everything in the world is connected.” • Pope Francis has confirmed and affirmed the conviction of many that recycling, segregating wastes, carpooling and the like are not just expressions of civic-mindedness but, more profoundly, of fidelity to Christ who commands us to love our neighbor who share with us a common home.

Next Week…. The Principles

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