In the Beginning … Catholic social teaching has its roots in Scripture, namely the Creation story in Genesis Catholic social teaching has its roots in Scripture, namely the Creation story in Genesis Not a teaching on something that we do Not a teaching on something that we do But a recognition of who are as persons and what we are meant to become But a recognition of who are as persons and what we are meant to become

What’s Special about Persons? Persons are the only creatures that God made entirely out of love and for love Persons are the only creatures that God made entirely out of love and for love God did not make man as a means to an end God did not make man as a means to an end Created out of love, to share in the wonder of God’s creation Created out of love, to share in the wonder of God’s creation

Made in God’s Image Intellect and free-will Intellect and free-will Created in an image of a Triune God Created in an image of a Triune God God is social God is social Like God, we are not meant to be alone Like God, we are not meant to be alone Each person is meant to be in communion with others Each person is meant to be in communion with others

Am I My Brother’s Keeper? Cain and Abel story Cain and Abel story Jealous of Abel, Cain kills him in anger Jealous of Abel, Cain kills him in anger We truly are our brother’s keepers We truly are our brother’s keepers Not enough to go through life simply taking care of ourselves Not enough to go through life simply taking care of ourselves We are spiritually responsible for everyone else We are spiritually responsible for everyone else

Sacredness of All Life Social teaching of the Catholic Church has at its basis the consistent ethic of life Social teaching of the Catholic Church has at its basis the consistent ethic of life Understanding that all people, created in the image and likeness of God, have inherent dignity that must always be respected Understanding that all people, created in the image and likeness of God, have inherent dignity that must always be respected

What the consistent ethic tells us … In every situation, there is a right way to make a decision In every situation, there is a right way to make a decision Looking at our choices and options … Looking at our choices and options … … always choose the one which respects the dignity of each person involved … always choose the one which respects the dignity of each person involved

Image of God, Redeemed by Christ Every person, from the moment of conception to natural death, has inherent dignity and a life consistent with that dignity Every person, from the moment of conception to natural death, has inherent dignity and a life consistent with that dignity Comes from God, not from any human quality or accomplishment Comes from God, not from any human quality or accomplishment