Catholic Social Teaching: Key Concepts and Principles

Common Good

The sum total of all social conditions which allow people, either as groups or individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and easily.

Social Sin

The effect that every personal sin has on others; the collectivity of such sins which create “structures of sins.”

Social Teaching

The subset of moral theology which is articulated when the Church interprets events in the course of history with the help of the Holy Spirit & Revelation.

Natural Law

Moral knowledge that is written in every human heart and is “co-natural” with human nature.

Solidarity

Virtue of social charity, friendship, and responsibility whereby interdependence among all people is recognized.

Stewardship

The proper use of God’s gift; the care for recreation that will allow natural resources to flourish.

Subsidiarity

The moral principle that a group of a larger size should not interfere with responsibilities that can be administered by individuals or smaller groups.

Personalistic Norm

A person is to be treated as a unique individual and never as a means to another’s end.

Euthanasia

Any act or omission which, of itself or by intention, causes death in order to eliminate suffering.

Human Rights

The specific things due or “owed” to a creature created in the Imago Dei.

Jubilee Year

Every 50th year as a time of liberation from servitude and debt in the Law of Israel.

Works of Mercy

Outlined by Jesus in Matt. 25, these charitable actions provide for the physical and spiritual needs of others.

Universal Destinations of Goods

All the goods of the earth should be distributed so as to ensure the freedom and dignity of all persons.

Right to Property

In theology, the right to exercise stewardship of a particular part of a creation.

The threefold benefits of work

Work benefits the human person as-such/ work allows you to provide for others/ work benefits the whole human family & creation

Economy

Greek “home budget;” the measures of how well the family can thrive according to equal access to resources

Discernment

To distinguish between actions that are bad, good, better, and best

Migrant

One who leaves their native land in order to find a dignified life in a new land

Peace

The order of tranquility that results from justice & love

Non violence

Theory or practice of using peaceful means & refraining from the use of force to bring about social change

Prejudice

A preconceived opinion formulated without consideration of known factors usually on erroneous knowledge

Creation

Both the natural AND supernatural universe as related to God as the source of its very being & continual existence

Laudato sí

Encyclical written by pope Francis to address stewardship for creation as humanity’s “common home”

Materialistic consumerism

A particular tendency to not only base the content of life on the goods & services exchanged, but also to see the as an end in themselves

Dignified simplicity

Phrase of Vatican II which indicated the way a Christian is called to live & worship