Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
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Discussions on the 7 Themes of Catholic Social Teachings
Below are articles that have been written by the Social Justice Ministry that will introduce you to each of the themes. They include a discussion of the theme, scriptural references, discussion questions to get you thinking about the issues:
Theme 1: Life and Dignity
Human life and DignityThe Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and
that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This
belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. READ MORE...
Theme 2: Call to Family, Community, and Participation
The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society—in economics and politics, in law and policy—directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. Marriage and the family are the central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened, not undermined. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially the poor and vulnerable. READ MORE...
Theme 3: Rights and Responsibilities
The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities--to one another, to our families, and to the larger society. READ MORE...
Theme 4: Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt. 25: 31-46) and instructs us to put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first. READ MORE...
Theme 5: Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected--the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative. READ MORE...
Theme 6: Solidarity
We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that “if you want peace, work for justice.” The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict. READ MORE...
Theme 7: Care for Creation
We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth
is not just an Earth Day slogan, it is a requirement of our faith. We are called to protect
people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This
environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be
ignored. READ MORE...