THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY PAGE 37 OF YLIC (CHAPTER 1)

YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND THESE TERMS Subsidiarity = The principle of Catholic social teaching that holds that a higher unit of society should not do what a lower unit can do as well (or better). Common Good = “Sum total of social conditions that allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily.” (Pastoral Constitution of the Church in the Modern World, 26) Solidarity = The Christian value of social charity and friendship.

BUT WHAT DO THOSE WORDS MEAN?

THESE TERMS ARE NOT TO BE TAKEN IN A NEGATIVE SENSE.

SUBSIDIARITY A principle of social organization that originated in the Roman Catholic Church. In its most basic formulation, it holds that social and political issues should be dealt with at the most immediate (or local) level that is consistent with their resolution.

COMMON GOOD Requires: Respect the basic inalienable rights of each human being Promote the social well-being and development of various social groups For this to happen authority figures must promote peace which results in stability and security so justice can take place. To reach your fulfillment in a fair and equitable world. Explain to me what you think this means!

SOLIDARITY We are in SOLIDARITY with others. Solidarity is the Christian virtue of social charity or friendship. Give us the courage and spirit of generosity to share both our material and our spiritual gifts with others, especially those in society who are forgotten. Recognizes that we are all members of the human family and that we must go out of our way to help one another.

THE PRINCIPLE OF SUBSIDIARITY CCC1883 “a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but rather should support it in case of need and help to coordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society, always with a view to the common good.”

POST-APOCALYPTIC BOOKS/MOVIES The Hunger Games The Maze Runner The 5 th Wave The Giver If you have seen the movie or read the book how are these NOT demonstrating Subsidiarity, Common Good, or Solidarity?

HUMANS ARE RELATIONAL BEINGS. ANOTHER WORDS … WE ARE SOCIAL IN NATURE GOD MADE US TO BE WITH AND FOR OTHERS. WE ARE OBLIGATED TO SHARE OUR GIFTS AND TALENTS TO BETTER OUR SOCIETIES. WE MUST WORK TO ERADICATE SINFUL INEQUALITIES THAT DESTROY JUSTICE, PEACE, EQUITY, AND HUMAN DIGNITY.

WHICH MEANS… The human person is and should be the “the principle, subject, and object of every society.” (CCC1891) What do you think this means? Using our gifts/talents we have the right and duty to participate in the various societies to which we belong. For example taking part in public life Authentic authority comes from God Authority figures must be devoted to the common good and use morally acceptable ways of exercising power Political authority must be used morally and guarantee the conditions that promote true human freedom.

Larger socieities should support the participation of individuals and lower- level communities without taking over functions these smaller units can do for themselves. Parents and children Societies should promote virtue and challenge individuals to turn from sin, serve others justly, and contribute their gifts and talents to the common good. Living in community means that we treat one another with the upmost respect. Everyone is our neighbor (even our enemies) Everyone is another “self”

THE RESEARCH You will have to find (via an internet search) 2 separate pieces of research concerning the Principle of Subsidiarity. The research must positively explain/describe/discuss the Principle. This is for a grade! Due Sept. 23 rd in Class!

FINALLY I am moving the Beatitudes Test to Friday!