Social Justice- Catholic Themes

Social Justice- Catholic Themes

Social Justice

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 (pride; self respect) is the foundation of Catholic social teaching.

In your own words explain what is meant by human dignity.

Human dignity is one’s own ability to respect themselves, to be proud of who they are and to feel valued by other people.

Common good and community

Humans are sacred and social, live and achieve together, and all must be valued in the wider community.

Option for the poor

Society must consider and help the poor, and so, especially, must governments.

What communities are you part of?

Stella Maris College, my suburb, tennis club and team, church, youth group, surf club.

How may these communities be both sacred and social?

Create a sense of belonging; feel as though you are part of something; create belonging; and become educated.

What is the major test of a moral society?

A democratic society; attention to the poor/ special needs; and equal distribution of wealth.

In what ways do communities look after the poor?

Giving donations, providing dole (social security) and public housing.

Rights and Responsibilities

Everybody has certain rights and responsibilities -to each other, their families and society as a whole- that protect human dignity and ensure a healthy community.

Role of Government

The government needs support from everyone to achieve their goals or promoting human dignity, protecting human rights and building common good.

The Fundamental Rights of all Human Beings

These include life itself, food, shelter and clothing, employment, health care and education.

Economic Justice

Productive work, decent and fair wages, safe working conditions, ability to organise and join unions, economic initiative and private property are all rights of people, especially workers, in the economy.

Stewardship of God’s Creation

As people of this earth, we have the responsibility to care for the creation which God has made so wonderfully and blessed us with, and how we treat the environment around us symbolises our respect for God.

Promotion of Peace and Disarmament

In Catholic teaching peace involves respect and confidence and flourishes from justice, which we are called to make.

Pope John Paul II once said:

“Peace is not just the absence of war. It involves mutual respect and confidence between peoples and nations. It involves collaboration and binding agreements.”

Participation

As a requirement of human dignity and to provide justice, everyone should be included in the economic, political and cultural life of society, not excluded from it.

Global Solidarity and Development

Differences should never stand in the way of working together as a family for justice in the world. Rights of nations and the people within should always be respected so development in the world can occur to promote social, economic and political rights of every human being.