Social Justice
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Ensuring Human Rights (1928-1930)
Society must ensure social justice, the conditions that allow individuals and associations to gain what is their due.
Social justice demands respect for the dignity of the person. "What is at stake is the dignity of the human person" (Pope John Paul II).
Society must respect the person's inalienable rights (which existed before society and are the moral basis for society's authority). "By unjust laws, the state undermines its own legitimacy" (Pope John XXIII). The Church reminds men of their rights but distinguishes these rights from unwarranted claims.
Respecting Other's Rights (1931-1933)
Everyone should look upon his neighbor as "another self." Laws cannot do away with all the fears, prejudices, and selfishness which destroy society. Such behavior will end only through charity which sees others as neighbors.
Being a "neighbor" is especially urgent toward the disadvantaged. "As you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me" (Mt 25:40).
This commandment of love extends to those who think differently from us and even to our enemies. The liberation of the Gospel is incompatible with hatred for an enemy, even though we truly hate the evil he does.
Removing Discrimination (1934-1935)
All men have the same nature, the same origin, and an equal dignity. All are redeemed by Christ's sacrifice and are called to heavenly glory.
Equality among men rests upon the person's dignity and rights. "Every form of discrimination must be eradicated as incompatible with God's design" (Second Vatican Council).
Unequal Distribution (1936-1937)
At birth man does not have all he needs for full development. Therefore, he needs others. However, differences appear in physical and mental abilities, wealth, etc. These are not equally distributed.
This unequal distribution is part of God's plan, so that man can share his blessings with those in need. These differences actually oblige persons to practice generosity. Jesus said to St. Catherine of Siena, "I have not given everything to one single person, so that you are constrained to practice charity towards one another. I have willed that one should need another."
Sinful Inequalities (1938)
Unfortunately, there are also "sinful inequalities" which affect millions and are open contradictions to Jesus' Gospel. "We must strive for fairer conditions because the social disparity is a human scandal which militates against justice, equity, and peace (Second Vatican Council).
Need for Solidarity (1939)
Human solidarity (friendship) is demanded by human and Christian brotherhood. "Disregard for human solidarity is widespread. Yet, this law of solidarity was sealed by the sacrifice of redemption offered by Christ" (Pope Pius XII).
Requirements of Solidarity (1940-1942)
Solidarity requires a just distribution of goods, remuneration for work, a just social order, and tensions resolved by negotiations.
There must be solidarity among the poor themselves, between rich and poor, among workers, between workers and employers, and between people and nations. World peace depends on this.
Solidarity also extends to spiritual goods, which always leads to temporal development. "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well" (Mt 6:33). "For two thousand years in the Church, this sentiment has led to the heroic charity which has created social conditions worthy of man" (Pope Pius XII).
Five riveting true stories by people who have experienced supernatural Warnings. order »
Join the movement! Pray 12 minutes a day to help God save America. order »
Find friends in the world's largest directory of Catholic young adult groups. Learn More »
Our supporters have distributed tens of millions of life-changing Catholic gifts since 1991, making us America's largest producer of high-quality, super-affordable tools for evangelization. Join our work today!
See All Our Catholic Materials
Meet Bud Macfarlane, Our Founder
