Principles of Catholic Social Thoughts (CST)

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11/08/19

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Introduction

Catholic social teaching (CST) is a branch of a moral theory which addresses the present-day

issues ranging from economic, cultural structures of the society and political issues. CST contains the

principle of human dignity, solidarity, and subsidiarity. CST forms the foundations of our conscience

which helps the believers to be able to examine the structure of the society.CST is used by Catholic

to assess criterion for prudential judgment which gives guideline of developing policy-making.

The understanding which is acquired when people apply the principles of Catholic social

thoughts is essential in articulating the vision of Catholic in reality. Moreover, the experience helps

in establishing the straight nature of the human being and community and helps the member of the

community in integrating the social experience in our daily administrative and clinical encounter.

Through the good worth of charity work, the influence of Catholic is felt in a different social sphere

such as a political, social, and economic sphere. The article will examine the critical principle of

Catholic social deliberation.

Key Concept in Catholic Social Thought

Common Good

The principle of common good pays more attention of interdependence of human being while

rejecting the liberal thought which has been in the enlightenment notions of human self-rule (Grace

2001, p.2). A common useful reference to a social condition, which influences the people, either

group or individual, to be in a position to recognize their accomplishment more fully and easily

(Abela 2001, p.8). The principle advocate for respect among individuals and the groups to make them

be able to live a more fulfilling life.

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should be viewed as social being which means that human being thrives well in relationship to

other .Where the core is the community. According to CST, the relationship ought to be developed so

that every individual in the community can flourish equally and also where the dignity of all

members is maintained (Thomas 2015). The right and duties of individuals and the community ought

to be maintained in such a way that it is harmonized under common goods. The principle also

advocates for a more secure, stable, and just society. According to Pope John Paul II's teachings,

when people adhere to the law of the common good, it has the ability to influence the altitude and

their behaviour toward their neighbours, human communities and the animals and the whole natural

world (Grace 2001, p.2). The common good is viewed as large set-up of social condition which plays

an essential role in the life of individual people and groups, enabling them to live a full life and

helping them to flourish. This concept is also referred to as integral human development.

Subsidiarity

This is the third principle of CST which teaches that community of a superior ranking should

not obstruct in the inner life of the community of lesser order with the aim of depriving the lesser

community in term of its functions. The principle urges that the population of the higher-order should

engage in activities that support the latter in term of it needs helping it in coordinating its activities

with the aim of helping every person (Hornsby-Smith 2006, p.105). The principle defends the right of

association and advocate for the right of individuals and groups in conjunction with their freedom

with the state. The principle also encourages the establishment of the healthy plurality of a positive

association between the self and the community at large. Moreover, subsidiarity enables contribution

to those who make up the entire community. Promoting decision allows for the power to be localized

in the city and not centralized. It also reduces the interference of higher power in the process of

making the decision for the individual and community at large (Grace 2001, p.2). Participation of

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situations. Also, it will enable the creation of pathways for the people who have been affected. In

such case; they would have an understanding of the needs that need to be met so that the people may

have a fulfilling life.

Preferential Option for the Poor

This principle emerged with the liberty theology in Latin America in the year 1960s.The

principle has been referred by Pope John Paul II as an act of showing love and to the people who are

regarded as low in community (Hornsby-Smith 2006, p.105). According to him, those who exercise this

principle are shown a particular form of primacy in the practice of Christianity. Donal Dorr has also

given his interpretation of the policy where he reoffered to it as being part of the Vatican "counter-

offensive" (Hornsby-Smith 2006, p.105). He emphasized that the principle commit Christians to take a

bold step of rejecting all social injustices that and oppressions, which affects the marginalize people.

Christians also make the bold step to disengage from serving the interest of the people who are

regarded as influential in the society and instead engage in the activities of those who are considered

as powerless in the community. The aspect has been stressed both in the old and new testament.

Solidarity

This is the fifth principle of Catholic social thoughts which was stressed strongly by Pope

John Paul II. John pall was stressing on the issue of liberal capitalism and extreme individualism

where he addressed that the common interest of humanity should be the responsibility of others. The

principle aims at applying natural laws with the considerate of a human being as primarily social in

modern contexts. The policy does not relate only to the employees within the society but also to it

relates to the affiliation between the developed and developing nations.

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The principle is regarded as the basis of official Catholic social teachings. Human dignity is

the transcendent value which ought to be recognized by all people. The principle recognizes the

revelation that each personality has been formed in the image and resemblance of God as well as

being saved by the precious blood of Christ. According to Pope John XXIII, the human right should

be recognized as the basis of human dignity (Hornsby-Smith 2006, p.104)

Conclusion

The article has defined and discussed five principles of Catholic social thoughts. Also, the

relationship between self and the community has been discussed in reference to the CST principles.

Some of the principles which have been considered include human dignity, solidarity, preferential

option for the inferior, common good, and subsidiarity. The relationship between self and the

community has been examined where it was found that the principles enable contribution to those

who make up the entire community. Also, promoting decision making between the self and the

community allows for the power to be localized in the community and not centralized. Moreover, the

principle advocate for respect among individuals and the groups to make them be able to live a more

fulfilling life.

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Thomas Massaro, S.J., 2015. Living Justice: Catholic social teaching in action. Rowman &

Littlefield.

Hornsby-Smith, M.P., 2006. An introduction to Catholic social thought. Cambridge University Press.

Abela, A.V., 2001. Profit and more: Catholic social teaching and the purpose of the firm. Journal of

Business Ethics, 31(2), pp.107-116.

Grace, G., 2001. The state and Catholic schooling in England and Wales: politics, ideology, and

mission integrity. Oxford Review of Education, 27(4), pp.489-500.

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