Catholic Themes

Social Justice-Catholic Themes

Social Justice concerns itself with our responsibility to ensure that all people are given a ‘fair go’.

Some issues that social justice aims to cover are;

·         Poverty

·         Child labour

·         Refugees

·         Homelessness

·         Hunger

Dignity of the Human Person- human dignity is the foundation of Catholic Social teaching.

In your own words explain what is meant by human dignity- having self respect for yourself and knowing the limits of your own actions.

Common Good and Community- humans are sacred and social, we live and achieve together, and humans must be valued in the wider community.

Option for the Poor- society must consider and help the poor in society, governments must help the poor.  

Give an example of a community that your part of- Stella Community, Sport team, Suburb

How is this community both sacred and social? - You get belonging and the feel of being a part of something. You have a balance of having something structural.

What is the major test of a moral society? - You’ll have a democratic society. There’s attention to poor/special needs people in the society. Everyone would feel equal and there’s destitution of the wealth.

In what way does our community look after the poor? - The government gives out the dole. And the general public can give out donations to charities for the poor.

Rights and Responsibilities- human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human’s rights are protected and responsibilities are met.  

Role of Government- the state had a positive moral function. It is a key to promoting human dignity, protect human rights and build the common good.

What are every humans fundamental rights?- that they feel safe and are in an appropriate environment and also have a say in society etc.

What is the role of the Government in maintaining human rights?- the government must take part in promoting the rightness of human dignity, protect human rights and build a common good in the world.

Who is responsible for assisting the government to achieve its goals?- everyone in today’s society can help the government in assisting that everyone in society has rights and responsibilities that are equal and appropriate.

Economic Justice- all workers have a right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, and to safe working conditions. People have a right to economic initiative and private property, but these rights have limits.

Stewardship of God’s Creation- the goods of the earth is gifts from God, and they are intended by God for the benefit of everyone. ‘Social Mortgage’ are guides that are for our use of the world’s goods and we have responsibility to care for these goods.

What are the rights of the worker? - That they have access to productive work,    

What is a union? -  A union is a joining of at least 2 working companies/foundation/community group etc

Who are God’s gifts intended for? - They are intended for everyone in the world, so everyone can reflect on them and learn and take points from them for their daily lives.

Promotion of peace and Disarmament- catholic teaching promotes peace as a positive, action oriented concept. In the words of Pope John Paul II, “peace is not just the absence of war. It involves mutual respect and confidence between people and nations”.

Participation- all people have a right to participate in the economic, political and cultural life of society. It is a fundamental demand of justice and a requirement for human dignity that all people be assured a minimum level of participation in the community.

Global Solidarity and Development- Our responsibilities to each other cross national, racial, economic and ideological differences. We are called to work globally for justice.

What is the Catholic teaching regarding the requirement to maintaining peace?- everyone is taught to maintain the appropriate amount of peace, Catholics reflect their teaching on peace on God and his moral and how we should listen to what the Catholic society lives for: Peace.

What are our global responsibilities to each other? - Everyone deserves to be treated right and with justice. Everyone deserves a fair and the moral is that you should treat people the way you want to be treated.