1. Catholic Social Teaching
Creating a Just Society: Awareness of Sin, Structures of Sin, Circle of Social Action, and Media Literacy
Catholic Social Teaching
[Music: Introduction music with the song “Everybody Hurts,” “Lean On Me,” or another appropriate song indicating suffering, sadness, or togetherness.]
Document #: TX001980

2. Bell Questions
Explain one point from today’s homily that one might apply to their personal life. (one brief paragraph)
What do you know about social sin?
What do you need to learn about structures of sin?
What do structures of sin have to do with social justice?
As a team, draw a picture or create a graphic organizer to explain the personal and social dimension of sin. Be prepared to explain your work.

3. As we continue to explore social justice, we need to examine sin and its presence in the world.
Personal sin is defined as an act that is
an offense against God
a rejection of God’s love
a failure to respect a person’s God-given rights
neglecting our God-given responsibilities
a deliberate action
a wound to human nature
Mortal sin is a grave offense against God and results in a total separation from God.

4. The morality of a human act is determined by answering the following questions about it:
What is the object the person is choosing?
What is the intention of the person doing the action?
What are the circumstances surrounding the action?

5. Sin has three dimensions:
personal
social
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structural
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6. The Personal Dimension of Sin
harms our relationship with God
harms our relationship with others
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7. Personal Sin/Social Sin
But first, define social structures
‘patterns of relationships that shape society, business, and other networks’
Examples???
Government
business—manufacture; service
Education
families

8. The Social Dimension of Sin
The social dimension of sin affects society and the world through
hurting people through attacks on life, freedom, dignity, or human rights
hurting God’s creation through practices that harm the land and God’s creatures
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9. The Structural Dimension of Sin
stems from personal sin
results from collective choices of many and is sustained by selfishness
The Structural Dimension of Sin
becomes a barrier to the common good
affects patterns of relationships

10. Social Structures Written and unwritten rules of social structures
Customs
Laws and social policies
2. Economic systems can function competitively or be directed toward the common good.
3. Social structures—
Can promote or hinder justice (graced or sinful)
Are affected by personal sin
Can involve sin

11. Social Structures
Attending to social structures is an essential part of respecting the God-given dignity of all people
Examples of social structures
Accessibility for persons with a disability
Sales tax and income tax
Retail business and shopping patterns
All should exhibit solidarity and work toward the common good of society

12. Correct social structures that cause injustice.
How can we respond to pain and suffering in the world caused by personal and social sin?
Become aware.
Analyze the causes.
Take action.
Provide direct aid.
Correct social structures that cause injustice.
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13. This is the Circle of Social Action. It calls us to . . .
WikiMwdiaCommons
This is the Circle of Social Action. It calls us to
be aware of social needs and injustices
analyze appropriate responses to the needs and injustices in the world
act to help meet the needs of others and correct injustices

14. “It is too easy to throw back on others responsibility for injustices, if at the same time one does not realize how each one shares in it personally, and how personal conversion is needed first.” (Pope Paul VI, Octogesima Adveniens, 1971)

15. Thoughtfully read Archbishop Rummel article.
With a partner
Highlight in 3 different colors, the circle of social action indicated in Archbishop Rummel’s story:
Become aware
Analyze
Take action
A Work of Mercy/Charity or a Work of Justice?
What virtues were necessary to take action?

16. The Circle of Social Action: Be Aware
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The Circle of Social Action: Be Aware
The first step in the Circle of Social Action calls us to awareness.
What are complex social injustices?
poverty
hunger
homelessness
other

17. The Circle of Social Action: Analyze the Situation
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The Circle of Social Action: Analyze the Situation
The second step in the Circle of Social Action is to carefully examine the issue. Ask these questions:
What are the causes of suffering or injustice?
What social structures support injustice?
How do I support these social structures?

18. The Circle of Social Action: Act
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The Circle of Social Action: Act
The third step in the Circle of Social Action challenges us to respond. Consider the following:
How can I bring God’s love and justice to those who are suffering?
What personal action can I take?
What long-term action can bring about change in social structures?

19. My Personal Discernment
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My Personal Discernment
Reflecting on these questions can help you to engage in the Circle of Social Justice:
Am I aware of social injustices?
Do I pray to God to help me understand my personal response to injustice?
How willing am I to sacrifice my own comfort to help others in need?
What actions can I take to help eliminate the source of an injustice or need?

20. Social Action to correct injustice—meet immediate needs
Works of Charity/Mercy
Corporal Works of Mercy
Spiritual Works of Mercy

21. Or indirect action, to change a sinful social structure

22. What is it? Haves sharing some of what they possess with have-nots
Haves and have-nots working together
Indirect help, seeking permanent change
Mother Teresa
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Focuses on changing social structures
Provides temporary help
Focuses on helping individuals in need
Volunteering at a local hospital
Organizing workers into a union

23. Solidarity
We are called by our faith to act in solidarity with one another because
every person is equally loved by God
the person who serves benefits as much as the person being served
acts of solidarity result in life-giving relationships of mutual respect
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24. For Tuesday’s Quiz: All vocabulary; especially, note
3 dimensions of sin
Social structures
How does a social structure become sinful?
Explain the three stages in the circle of social action.
Explain the difference between the two forms of Social Action—Works of Charity & Works of Justice
Give/identify examples of works of charity and works of justice