CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING IN A NON-THEOLOGY CLASSROOM
What is Catholic Social Teaching (CST)?
a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society (USCCB)
Catholic Social Teaching is the way we live out God’s greatest commandment:
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
This central and essential element of our Catholic faith calls us to reach out and build personal relationships with those in most need of mercy and justice. It also calls us to inspire and defend the sacred dignity of the human person while also promoting the common good.
Archdiocese of Denver Office of Social Ministry
Themes of CST
Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Call to Family, Community, and Participation
Rights and Responsibilities
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
Solidarity
Care for God’s Creation
Why study CST?
Far too many Catholics are not familiar with the basic content of Catholic social teaching. More fundamentally, many Catholics do not adequately understand that the social teaching of the Church is an essential part of Catholic faith. This poses a serious challenge for all Catholics, since it weakens our capacity to be a Church that is true to the demands of the Gospel. We need to do more to share the social mission and message of our Church
Sharing Catholic Social Teaching: Challenges and Directions, U.S. Catholic Bishops
Society ensures social justice when it provides the conditions that allow associations or individuals to obtain what is their due, according to their nature and their vocation. Social justice is linked to the common good and the exercise of authority.
CCC1928