The Person and Society
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
Life in Society (1878-1881)
The communion of the three Divine Persons and the fraternity among men bear a definite resemblance. Love of neighbor is inseparable from love of God.
Living in society is a requirement for the human person. In society, he develops his potential in mutual exchange and service of others.
Society groups persons together organically. It is an assembly (visible and spiritual). Within society, man can use his talents and develop their fruits. Man is an "heir" of society and he must be loyal to his community and to authority.
Although each community has its own goal, man must be the "subject and the goal of all social institutions" (Pope John XXIII).
Family and State Communities (1882)
The family and the state are unique communities. The state must encourage voluntary associations which relate to social and economic goals. Human beings naturally experience "socialization," the associating with one another to gain goals beyond the individual's capacity.
The State and Subsidiarity (1883-1885)
Socialization presents the danger of excessive intervention by the state. States must practice subsidiarity, not interfering in a community's inner life, but supporting its activities.
God entrusts certain functions to his creatures and governs the world with great regard for human freedom. Government, therefore, should imitate God and behave as ministers of divine providence.
This principle of subsidiarity opposes all forms of collectivism, limits state interventions, aims at harmonious relationships between persons and societies, and establishes international order.
Hierarchy of Value (1886-1887)
Society must have a just hierarchy of values, subordinating the physical dimensions to the spiritual aspects. "Human society must primarily be considered something spiritual, in which men eagerly strive to make their own the spiritual achievements of others" (Pope John XXIII).
A false inversion takes place when society "sees a person only as a ‘means' and creates unjust structures which make Christian living almost impossible" (Pope Pius XII).
Man - Called to Conversion (1888-1889)
Society must appeal to man's inner conversion to obtain needed social changes. This call for conversion imposes the obligation to bring needed remedies to those living conditions which are inducements to sin.
Man, by God's grace, can learn to avoid both the cowardice which gives in to evil and the violence which would make the evil even worse.
Need for Authority (1897-1898)
"A well-ordered society needs people who have legitimate authority to preserve society's institutions and to care for the good of all" (Pope John XXIII).
Authority means the power to make laws, give order, and expect obedience. Foundations for authority lie in human nature itself because the state is necessary for unity and for the common good.
Subject to Authority (1899-1900)
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities for there is no authority except from God. Those that exist have been instituted by God and those who resist authority will incur judgment" (Rom 13:1-2).
Obedience requires that respect and due honor be given to those in authority. Pope St. Clement asked God's favor upon authority so "they may exercise without offense the sovereignty that you have given them."
Diverse Political Structures (1901)
Authority comes from God but the choice of political structures and leaders come from the "free decision of the citizens" (Second Vatican Council). A diversity of governmental regimes is morally acceptable. However, governments which act contrary to the natural law, the public order, or the fundamental rights of persons cannot achieve the common good.
Legitimate Authority (1902-1904)
Because authority does not contain its own moral legitimacy, governments must not be despotic. "Every human law has the character of law if it accords with right reason . If it falls short of right reason, it is an unjust law and thus a "kind of violence" (St. Thomas Aquinas).
Authority acts legitimately when it seeks the common good and uses moral means. Unjust laws and immoral means do not bind in conscience. In these cases "authority breaks down and results in shameful abuse" (Pope John XXIII).
Each power should be balanced by other powers. By this "rule of law," the will of any man will not be sovereign.
Good of Person and Society (1905)
The good of the person and the good of the society (always defined in reference to the human person) are necessarily related. "Do not live entirely isolated but gather together to seek the common good" (Letter of Barnabas).
Three Elements of Common Good (1906-1910)
The common good is the sum total of those social conditions which allow groups and persons to gain their goals more easily. The common good requires three elements:
- Respect for the person - Public authorities must respect the fundamental and inalienable rights of the human person. Government must guarantee the right of persons to act in accordance with their conscience.
- Social well-being - Authority must promote the development of the person and of the group. Authority must arbitrate between various particular interests and make the necessities for human life (food, clothing, establishing a family, etc.) accessible to all.
- Peace - Authority must establish the peace of a just order by morally acceptable means. This is the basis for legitimate personal and collective defense.
In the political community the common good is best realized. The state must promote the good of its citizens and of intermediate bodies.
Community of Nations (1911-1912)
Increasing human interdependence is bringing about a unity of the human family. This implies a universal common good. Therefore, the community of nations must organize so that the basic needs of all (food, education, etc.) can be met and special situations (such as refugees and immigrants) can be alleviated.
The common good must always focus on persons. "The order of things must be subordinate to the order of persons" (Second Vatican Council).
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
