Catholic social teaching comprises those aspects of Catholic doctrine which relate to matters dealing with the collective aspect of humanity. The foundations of modern Catholic social teaching are widely considered to have been laid by Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical letter Rerum Novarum.
Why did Catholic Social Teaching start?
Formal Catholic Social Teaching is defined by a set of Papal documents, starting with Pope Leo XIII’s 1891 encyclical on the condition of the working class, Rerum Novarum. Ultimately, however, it originates in how God speaks to us in scripture.
What is the first Catholic Social Teaching?
The first social teaching proclaims the respect for human life, one of the most fundamental needs in a world distorted by greed and selfishness. The Catholic Church teaches that all human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation for all the social teachings.
Where is the Catholic Social Teaching rooted from?
Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is often called the “best kept secret” in the Catholic Church. CST is rooted in Biblical revelation and the experience of proclaiming God’s justice, needed both within and outside of the Church throughout the past two millennia.
The publication of Leo XIII’s encyclical Rerum novarum in 1891 marked the beginning of the development of a recognizable body of social teaching in the Catholic Church.
59. Heir to the hope of the righteous in Israel and first among the disciples of Jesus Christ is Mary, his Mother. By her “fiat” to the plan of God’s love (cf.
Who was the pope in 1891?
In 1891, Pope Leo XIII issued the first encyclical relating to Catholic doctrine on social and economic issues.
Catholic Social Teaching Research Guide: The 7 Themes of Catholic Social Teaching
- Life and Dignity of the Human Person.
- Call to Family, Community, and Participation.
- Rights and Responsibilities.
- Option for the Poor and Vulnerable.
- The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers.
- Solidarity.
- Care for God’s Creation.
Catholic Social Teaching (CST) offers a way of thinking, being and seeing the world. It provides a vision for a just society in which the dignity of all people is recognised, and those who are vulnerable are cared for.
Who wrote the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church?
Publication details
| Title | Compendium of the social doctrine of the church |
|---|---|
| Author(s) | Pontifical Council of Justice and Peace |
| Year of publication | 2006 |
| Publisher | Burns & Oates |
| City of publication | London, England |
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, and please the widow’s cause,” (Isaiah 1:17). “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
The social teachings are made up of three distinct elements:
- Principles of reflection;
- Criteria for judgement; and.
- Guidelines for action.
Catholic Social Justice is grounded in:
In the New Testament, when Jesus says “The Spirit of God has anointed me to proclaim liberty to captives” he identifies himself with this prophetic tradition (Luke 4:18).