Church Social Doctrine: Dignity, Roots, and Principles

Nature of the Social Doctrine of the Church

The Church's social doctrine is born of the encounter of the Gospel message with the problems of society. The sources of social doctrine are: Sacred Scripture and the teachings of the Fathers and theologians. Its foundation is the dignity of the person, the subject of any Christian community. The content reflects the complete man. And finally, its purpose is to serve the individual and society through Christian Liberty.

Biblical Roots of the Social Doctrine of the Church

• Old Testament: God chooses his prophets to speak in his name, dedicating their lives to God's mission and denouncing the sins of the people.
• Gospels: Jesus announces the good news and denounces injustice and oppression.
• Early Christians: They continued the work begun by Jesus, putting their goods in common and sharing everything.
• Fathers of the Church: They are the new prophets who were called Fathers of the Church.

Dignity and Social Dimension of the Person: Foundations

Human dignity is based on the fact that the person is created in the image and likeness of God. This dignity guides all the Church's social doctrine. From dignity derive a number of rights, including the right to life, the right to be free, the right to equality, the right to education, and the right to work.

Within the social dimension, the person is a social being by nature. Man cannot achieve full development by self-reliance but needs others and society. To realize this social dimension, solidarity and justice are necessary in society.

Foundations of the Social Doctrine of the Church

• The Common Good
• The Principle of Solidarity
• The Principle of Participation
• The Universal Destination of All Goods

Principles of the Social Doctrine of the Church

The Common Good

It is oriented toward the development of the whole person.

The Principle of Solidarity

Everyone, as a member of society, is linked to the destiny of salvation of all men.

The Principle of Participation

This requires that individuals and organizations be involved in the management of all economic, political, and cultural activities, overcoming any individualistic conception.

The Universal Destination of All Goods

The goods of the earth are intended for use by all. Private property rights must be circumscribed within the limits of society.