An Introduction to Catholic Social Teaching
“The work of justice will be peace; the effect of justice, calm and security forever” (Isaiah 32:17).
The first time I heard about Catholic social teaching was the summer of 1998. I was a religion teacher at a Catholic high school in St. Paul, Minnesota, and CST, as it is often referred to, was published in our archdiocesan newspaper, The Catholic Spirit. I read these principles and could not believe how closely they aligned with my understanding of how our Catholic faith is to be lived. I contacted the newspaper and asked where I could find the original document of these teachings.
That was nearly 30 years ago, and the CSTs have provided a focus for me throughout that time, just as my understanding of my faith has all throughout my life. In fact, as we study and integrate these teachings into our lives, we are living the life Jesus envisioned for us, which helps create the Kingdom of God on earth, especially when we live the Cardinal and Theological Virtues.
If you have not read or heard of Catholic social teaching, you can find out more on the USCCB website. In an era of confusion and misinformation, Catholic social teaching provides clarity and cohesiveness for Catholics who wish to lead holy, virtuous lives. CST provides general guidelines for our behavior and choices, for which we must then discern specific actions and behaviors. In doing so, habits are formed, which in turn shape our character. In this, we become a holy person, not simply a person who does holy things. If we want to change the culture of our work environment, our neighborhood, or our own homes, we must do so with intention and purposefulness, which can be facilitated by CST.
Catholic social teaching has seven themes:
1. Life and Dignity of the Human Person
Life, from conception to natural death, is sacred and to be respected in all aspects. There is no human life that is to be disrespected in any way, whether it be through abortion or euthanasia. Human life is holy and only God is allowed to end it.
2. The Call to Family, Community, and Participation
The U.S. bishops explain that the human person is sacred and social, and the way we organize society affects the well-being of the individual. They explain that marriage and family are the central tenets of a thriving culture, which help family members become positive, contributing members of society.
3. Rights and Responsibilities
Human rights and responsibilities must be protected so that every member of society has an opportunity to contribute his or her unique talents and skills to help the culture thrive. The concept of subsidiarity is a key component of this teaching—the principle that “a community of a higher order should not interfere in the internal life of a community of a lower order, depriving the latter of its functions, but rather should support it in case of need and help to co-ordinate its activity with the activities of the rest of society, always with a view to the common good” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 1883).
4. The Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
The option for the poor and vulnerable protects fair treatment of all members of society, especially those in greatest need. It is the responsibility of every one of us to care for those who have less and to provide a healthy lifestyle and a sense of well-being for all members of society. This is the foundation of the Kingdom of God and the fulfillment of Jesus’s essential teaching.
5. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers
The economy should be at the service of the individual rather than the other way around. The rights of workers are defended by this theme, as are the concepts of a fair and living wage, the ability to work in an environment that requires the best of each individual, the right to organize unions, the right to hold private property, and the support of each person’s initiative to secure fulfilling, challenging work.
6. Solidarity
We are all part of one human family, no matter our ethnicity, economic status, or ideological differences. As a member of the human family, we must provide peace and justice for each member and defend everyone against any harm or mistreatment. It is our collective provision for justice that sets us apart from the rest of society as followers of Christ, who espoused these ideals in all His teachings. As the second century apologist St. Justin Martyr said, “Christians, because of their high moral principles, are really the best of citizens.”
7. Care for God’s Creation
We are all stewards of creation and everything that exists on the earth. We must ensure clean air, water, and land so that all people will be protected from any harm. It is the collective responsibility of all Christians to protect the earth so that all who live on our planet may find peace in their lives. Again, this is the fulfillment of Jesus’ initiative of the Kingdom of God.
When we care for one another by fulfilling the precepts of Catholic social teaching, we are working in unity with Christ Himself. We are His hands and His feet on the earth as St. Teresa of Avila espoused, and we are all responsible for the happiness and well-being of each other, especially those who are most vulnerable. As Pope Paul VI said, “If you want peace, work for justice.” That is our call and our challenge. May we each be attentive to its actualization over these summer months and bring peace to the earth through our generous love for one another.
Dr. Kate Walsh-Soucheray taught high school religion in St. Paul, Minnesota, and then became a licensed marriage and family therapist. She has master’s degrees in theology and marriage and family therapy, and a doctorate in educational leadership. Dr. Kate and her husband, John, have been married for 42 years, and they have three adult married children and six, soon to be seven, grandchildren. Dr. Kate is retired and writes and speaks for Catholics.