Election 2008 A Catholic perspective

Seven Basic Themes of Catholic Social Teaching

Life and dignity of the human person This is the foundational principle of all Catholic social teaching: human life is sacred and because of that, each person has inherent worth and dignity

Call to family, community and participation Human beings are both sacred and social. We realize the fullness of who we are in relationships with family, with community and with society. We are called to contribute to the common good through our participation in personal and societal relationships

Rights and responsibilities Fundamental human rights – the right to life and those things required for human decency must be protected in order to maintain human dignity and build healthy communities. In order for everyone to have these rights, everyone must also take on responsibility for self and others.

Option for the poor and vulnerable If we’re going to live as followers of Jesus, the needs of the poor and of the vulnerable come first

The dignity of work and the rights of workers Workers have basic rights which are to be protected: the right to productive work, to fair wages, to union participation, to private property, and to economic initiative

Solidarity We are one global human family. We are responsible for each other. When one suffers, all suffer. When one celebrates, all celebrate.

Care for God’s creation We are not just consumers of God’s creation; we are also caretakers. Caring for all that God created is our responsibility

So what?

The 12 percent of the world’s population that lives in North America and Western Europe accounts for 60 percent of private consumption spending, while the one-third living in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa accounts for only 3.2 percent.

The U.S. Consumer The United States, with less than 5 % of the global population, uses about a quarter of the world’s fossil fuel resources—burning up nearly 25 % of the coal, 26 % of the oil, and 27 % of the world’s natural gas. As of 2005, the U.S. had more private cars than licensed drivers, and gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles were among the best-selling vehicles. New houses in the U.S. were 38 % bigger in 2005 than in 1975, despite having fewer people per household on average.

Social Impacts of Consumption in the U.S. An estimated 65 % of U.S. adults are overweight or obese, leading to an annual loss of 300,000 lives and at least $117 billion in health care costs in In 2002, 61 % of U.S. credit card users carried a monthly balance, averaging $12,000 at 16 % interest. This amounts to about $1,900 a year in finance charges—more than the average per capita income in at least 35 countries (in purchasing power parity).

Agree or disagree with this comment? “God made enough for everybody; we are doing a poor job of sharing, allocating, and controlling our consumption to the detriment off less fortunate people in countries.”

Stop sign decision-making Search -- for information, for facts, and data Think -- about the issues in light of Catholic teaching, including Scripture, the commandments, etc. Others -- how does my decision affect others and in what way? Pray – for guidance in making an informed and correct decision guided by conscience

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PRAYER FOR OUR COUNTRY Almighty God, bless our nation and make it true to the ideas of freedom and justice and brotherhood for all who make it great. Guard us from war, from fire and wind, from compromise, fear, confusion. Be close to our president and our statesmen; give them vision and courage, as they ponder decisions affecting peace and the future of the world. Make me more deeply aware of my heritage; realizing not only my rights but also my duties and responsibilities as a citizen. Make this great land and all its people know clearly Your will, that they may fulfill the destiny ordained for us in the salvation of the nations, and the restoring of all things in Christ. Amen