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

-          Refuges

-          Homelessness

-          Hunger

Dignity of the Human Person

Dignity is the foundation of Catholic Social Teaching, it teaches us that life is sacred.

Questions

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

Dignity is self worth some people go so low that they have no dignity because they are like animals. If you have dignity you have rights!!!

Common Good and Community

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

Option for the Poor

Society must consider and help the poor... governments especially must help the poor (end the poverty cycle-no job=no money-=no house=crime/poverty=no way out). To have a good community we must consider those more vulnerable who need need our help.

Questions

1.      A community I am a part of is the Stella Maris community, sports team and I am part of the wider Australian community.

2.      The community is both sacred and social as it gives you a sense of belonging and is social as you make friends.

3.      The major test of a moral society is to be a democracy and give special attention to those who need it.

4.      It looks after the poor by donating to charities and by distributing of wealth (taxes) fairly.

Economic Justice


The economy is here to help people, meaning all workers have rights to fair wages, safety and the right to organize and join unions. Everyone has the right to own property and money.

Rights and Responsibilities

Human dignity can be protected only if human rights are protected. Every person has a right to life and a right to food, shelter, clothing, employment, health care, and education. With these rights come responsibilities to one another.

 

Role of the Government

The state’s job is to promote human dignity, protect human rights, all people have a right to have a say in political institutions so that the government can achieve its proper goals.

 

 

Stewardship of God's Creation

Earth and its objects are gifts from God and they are intended to benefit everyone. We have a responsibility to care for the environment and treat it properly and God would have wanted.

Promotion of Peace and Disarment

Catholic teaching promotes peace as the fruit of justice and that peace is a positive action.

Participation

Everyone has the right to take part in society whether it is by helping out politically, culturally or economically. It is unfair for a person or group to be excluded just because they are different.

Global Solidarity and Development

We are all friends we are one big family. As a family we have responsibilities that overcome national, racial, economic and ideological differences. We should be supporting personal, social, economic and political rights.