1 Catholic Social Teaching IS 220

2 Taken from Our Best Kept Secret by Henriot S.J., DeBerri, S.J., and Schultheis S.J.

3 Some essay titles… The condition of labor The reconstruction of the social order Peace on earth The development of peoples Justice in the world On human labor Economic justice for all What are these??

4 History and Origins Popes issue encyclicals on important issues They are not focused on religion, but are used widely The first encyclical was issued in 1891 Since then there have been several They are designed as pastoral letters

5 Some important ones The Condition of Labor: Pope Leo XIII, 1891 The Challenge of Peace: “Peace on Earth” 1963 Pope John XXIII Economic Justice for all: CST and the U.S. Economy: “Progress of People” 1967 “Justice in the World” 1971 US Bishops “On Human Labor” 1971 Pope John Paul II On Human Work: Pope John Paul II, 1981

6 Why? Shows historical link to contemporary issues Shows use of documents in US and Developing World

7 Evolving Social Message 1891 Rerum Novarum (The Condition of Labor) – Pope Leo XIII –3 factors of economic life: workers, property and state –Just and equitable interrelationship of 3 Known as Magna Carta of human and social order

8 Evolving … 1931 Pius XI – Quadragesimo Anno – The Reconstruction of the Social Order Written during the great depression Condemned capitalism and unregulated competition, but also Communism for promoting class struggle. Pointed out the positive role of government in promoting good of all people

9 continued 1961 Pope John XXIII Mater et Magistra – Christianity and Social Progress 1963 Pacem in Terris – Peace on earth Both are social letters, guide to Christians and policy makers to address the gap between rich and poor nations, and threats to world peace Stressed right to work, and to just wage Confirmed UN Declaration of Human Rights

10 Gathering of World Church 1962 Vatican Council sensitive to diversity World threatened by Nuclear War 1965 Gaudium et Spes – The Church in the Modern World –Reaffirmed church role in the structure of human community –On religious freedom

11 After Vatican II Church acknowledged despite its universality, it lacks immediate solutions to complex problems, or universally valid societal solutions 1967 Paul VI – Populorum Progressio – The Development of Peoples –Response to world's poor and hungry –Addressed dimensions of global injustice –Appealed to rich and poor nations to work together in spirit of solidarity to establish order

12 continued 1971 a Call to Action – Paul VI Acknowledged difficulties in establishing social order; encouraged Christian communities to analyze and develop local solutions; be hearers and doers Bishops’ Synod called for action on behalf of justice and liberation from every oppression

13 More … 1975 evangelization and the modern world Work is incomplete without attention to: –Human rights, family life, peace, justice –Liberation must be proclaimed 1979 John Paul II Redemptor Hominis –Challenged disrespect of the environment and uncritical acceptance of technological advance

14 more 1981 On Human Work – John Paul II Priority of labor over capital is central to just society Criticized “economism” which would reduce humans to mere instruments of production Emphasized greater worldwide solidarity for justice Critique of liberal capitalism and warned against collectivist socialism

15 more 1990 Redemptoris Missio – John Paul II –Take courageous action against corruption of political or economic power, in order to serve the “poorest of the poor” 1991 Centessimus Annus – 100 years since 1 st encyclical –Emphasized justice as in Latin American Bishops’ letter (1979), 1981 African Bishops, and 1974 Asian Bishops –Stressed speaking out for justice –Dialogue with the poor on justice and oppression

16 more Peace, justice and politics 1979 US bishops on racism 1983 on peace 1986 on economic justice 1986 on mission All based on CST

17 more 1979 racism is an “evil that violates human dignity” 1983 John XXIII controversial because it challenged Reagan’s defense policy of nuclear deterrence and SDI Emphasized just war theory, and non- violence Stirred public debate over defense policies

18 more 1986 encyclical addressed unemployment, poverty, agriculture, and global interdependence Also option for the poor was restated by linking peace and justice; plight of 3 rd world development harmed by superpower influence

19 Shifting Social Approach Problems and issues in 1891 were different from those in 1991 Encyclicals reflect those shifting issues 1.Assault on political apathy 2.Commitment to humanization of life 3.Commitment to world justice 4.Preferential option for the poor

20 Assault on political apathy Rejects “private” admonition (as in WWII) Labels politics as a vocation aimed at transformation of society

21 Commitment to humanization of life Each person’s labor continues God’s work Develop respect for autonomy for secular world

22 Commitment to world justice Urged justice between all levels Most important for rich towards poor nations

23 Preferential option for the poor See God’s face in those of suffering and wounded Identify with the poor Originated with Latin American Bishops Had influence on economic pastoral letter

24 14 Major Lessons 1.Link religious and social dimensions of life 2.Dignity of the human person 3.Political and economic rights 4.Option for the poor 5.Link of love and justice 6.Promotion of the common good 7.Subsidiarity

25 7 more 8.Political participation 9.Economic justice 10.Stewardship 11.Solidarity 12.Promotion of peace 13.Work 14.Liberation