Sociocultural dimension -there are characteristics w/c all human persons possess and exhibit I. Relation to oneself a.

embodied spirit- body and soul- of all Gods created being, we have the power to reason and freely act accdg to our own will. Human persons are limited and trans descent We have the capacity to go beyond limitation Man-body-nourishment -soul-intellect-truth -will-love -to choose b/w right and wrong -freedom-limited -freedom to do good Sources of catholic social thought 1. Natural law-comprises all moral principles that can be known thru reason 2. Revelation-includes both scriptures and traditions

Catholic Social Thought Social doctrines describe the role that the church takes in finding solutions to the problems created by changes in the world. It is the religious and moral teachings of the church and is bases on the following: 1. Biblical insights 2. Tradition of the fathers of the church 3. Scholastic philosophy 4. Theological reflections 5. Contemporary experiences of the faithful 6. Populorum Progressio (On development of peoples) 1967 Issued during the time of Pope Paul VI The first encyclical that dealt on the social problems and international development. Furthermore, it advocates economic planning and aid to promote development. Gives the reason why countries of the Third world are poor and while those of the first world are rich. (Problem) Conflict between poor and rich of colonization and imbalance of power This set as a challenge to the church to open the way to a relinquishment of the political privileges which it had enjoyed in traditionally catholic countries.

a. Old testament-prophets we see the strong demands for justice and righteousness b. New testament-teachings can be inferred from Christs own examples and word spread from the apostolic epistles. Reasons for writing Rerum Novarum 1. the horrible exploitation of the poor and poverty of European and North American workers at the end of the 19th century. 2. negative effects of communism a. attacks made to some members of the church

10. Laborem Exercens (On human work) 1981 Commemorates the 90th anniversary of Pope Leo XIIIs Condition of Labor It deals on the concept of work, its dignity, and spirituality, the priority of labor over capital, rights of workers and unions and

finally, the development and refinement of the teachings on property. Relation of _______________ Society is a production of directions and activities. All human activities combined make up a system or CULTURE in a society. We are all partly a product of one society. As we affect society, society affects us too. IV. Relation to material things Our environment makes it possible for us to have a material relationship a. work-where we show our capacities-natural faculties, talents, energy, drives and desires. Thru work, we exercise our power to make use of the riches of the world and avail of its fruits. The time of great ________ during the 2nd industrial revolution shaking the economic and social foundation of the society. Bankruptcy of major proportions creating massive unemployment among people of various capitalist nations. Effects: 1. The Pope strongly criticizes the abuses of Both capitalism and communism He made an attempt to discuss aid to countries in process of development. He gave concrete forms of state intervention in the field of legislation in prices and intervention in private ownership The change of attitude towards the state was the most important innovation in his time.

6. He advocates between capital and labor and urged the uplifting of the poor and reform of social order. 7. The establishment of vovational groups. 8. He points out the abuses of capitalism and socialism and calls for moral change of society based on justice and love. b. Unique-being self-transcending, we are unique, original. We keep changing by constant questioning and choosing freely forms ourselves. c. Oriented to goodness-it is our natural tendency to seek the good. We avoid anything which will harm us and

pursue things we perceive us good. Our natural gifts-intellect and will are to be used in order for us to relate to others, to be fulfilled in life and to come to full life with others. 3. Mater et magistra (On Christianity and Social Progress) 1961 Pope John XXIII issued this encyclical to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Rerum. He confirms the teachings on the value of private initiative, just wages, social function of private property and addresses for the first time the plight of non-industrial nations. 8. Justice in the world (1971) Statement of the synod of bishops It explains the fundamental relationship between Christian faith and action for justice. It teaches that gospel principles mandating justice for the liberation of all humanity as an expression of Christian love. The church is a mother who gives herself for the lowly and oppressed. The popes peasant background made him sympathetic with the work class. The pope confirms the values of private property and renumeration for work. Attacks the capitalist monopolization of wealth and poverty and workers be given a share in the company.

Our natural faculties to communicate with others The fear of being alone. We are like gems that shine more in the company of others. The erection of the Berlin wall and speaks of the danger of arms race and nuclear war. (Problem) The first document to speak of human rights in detail. (Cause) Peace needs to be based on truth built according to justice, charity and freedom. (Solution)

11. Solicitudo Rei Socialis (Concern for social realities) Pope John Paul II, 1987 Came on the 20th anniversary of Populorum Progressio Has an incisive critique on the new form of colonization. Cited the signs of underdevelopment caused by East and West conflict. The document links the political issues with the issue of just international economic order (problem) and proposes a concept of human development based on justice and charity (solution) The duties of the people of God to scrutinize the signs of the times in the light of the Gospel (Solution)

II. Relation to others no man is an island Every person is oriented to other people. Facts: Our parents were responsible for our being hhere.

The mission of the Church today The core of the Churchs social mission is to save man in this totality-which includes both socio-political and mystical dimension of mans life. The church views the problem during the world as both structural and moral.

The structural aspects are concerned with the oppressive social structures like poverty, graft and corruption, etc. The moral aspect refers to the adherence to unjust concepts and principles like social injustice, poverty, yellow journalism, graft and corruption, etc. The Phil ________ instructive critical collaboration with authorities. The Church desires to work for cultural change. The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Phil (CBCP) proposed 5 areas of conversion among Filipinos: 1. Commitment to the common good above personal and family interest 2. Commitment to honesty and integrity in public service 3. Understanding of the destination of the goods of the earth for all. 4. Conversion from the consumerist mentality. 5. Profound understanding of the value of human work. 4. Pacem in terries (Peace on Earth) 1963 Pope John XXIII issued this encyclical during the course of Vatican 2 and shortly after the Cuban missile crisis. It was the first encyclical which addresses catholics as well as non-Catholics. It is the first encyclical ever to treat human rights in detail. 2. ____________ (The reconstruction of social Pope Pius XI wrote this on the 40th anniversary of Rerum. He introduced here the concept of subsidiarity saying that social problems

should be resolved on more local levels first. Furthermore, this encyclical dealt on social responsibility of ownership, and unity between capital and labor. 2. To update Catholic social teachings to reflect the changed conditions 3. He foresee the end product of capitalism, namely imperialism 4. He broadens the churchs concern for poor workers to encompass the structure that oppresses them. 5. He affirms the social responsibility of ownership. 5. Gaudium et Spes (Pastoral Constitutional of the Church in the Modern World, Vatican 2) 1965 This is the stand of the majority of the worlds bishop during Vatican 2. It deals on the duties of the people of God to scrutinize the signs of the times in the light of the Gospel. It links the political issue of peace to the international economic order and human development. Relation to society-We are created to live in a society, to relate with social groups, structures and institutions which are built by the interactions and relationship of human persons. Society-is a group united for the promotion of a common goal thru common means under a common authority. 4 essential elements of a society 1. members 2. common purpose 3. thru organized/ united effort 4. authority that governs it and coordinates all its activities

9. Evangelii Nuntiandi (Evangelization in the modern world) 1975 Pope Paul VI Issued during the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the closing of Vatican 2 It contains the Popes reflection on the Churchs mission to proclaim the Gospel to the world which is hostile to the love of God. b. problem of poverty is a part of the apostolate mission of the Church The important principle stated by Pope Leo about labor and employer relationship is giving the employers a major role as agent social change.

Man as he seeks for truth and happiness will eventually find out that he did not create himself-GOD did Doctrine 1. Man is the highest of Gods creatures. 2. Man was created in the image and likeness of God. 3. Man is special because of his inviolable dignity. 4. This dignity is rooted from mans origin, meaning and dignity. Social Mission of the Church Christianity teaches a life of brotherhood and love for the poor. The commitment of the Church to social issues started during the time of Pope Leo XIII and reached during its high during Vatican 2. The approach is no longer that of individualistic but a communitarian morality and is now in continuous dialogue with those involved in the development of modern society.

Octogesima Adveniens (A call to action) 1971 Issued during the time of Pope Paul VI as a commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the publication of the Rerum. It emphasis the role of the individual Christians and local Churches in responding to situations of injustices. It also dealt on the problems of urbanization. d. Ambivalence-although we are born with dignity and gifts to do good, we are inclined also to do evil. Accdg to St. Paul, this is due to the disorder of our own appetite which leads us to sin. We have to look for guidance, and sound education to know the real truth. e. Conscience-the voice of God in us, telling us to do good and avoid evil b. stewardship-the human obligation to exercise responsibility over the riches of the earth so that they will used and developed for the benefit of all. Relation with God