Key Concepts in Social Justice and Ethics
Foundational Terms
Hunger
Lacking access to the basic nutrition needed to live and work.
Sabbatical Year
In the Law of Israel, every seventh year was a year of rest during which no agricultural labor was done.
Jubilee Year
In the Law of Israel, every fiftieth year was a time of liberation from servitude and debt.
Prophets
From the Greek "one who speaks for others," these were God's messengers who rebuked Israel's idolatry and greed.
Understanding World Hunger
Four Contributing Factors to Global Hunger:
- Corruption: Government officials redirect resources meant for the populace.
- Foreign Loans: First World investors loan money at high interest rates, burdening developing nations.
- Land Degradation: Inefficient farming techniques and unregulated development prevent land from being used to its full growing potential.
- Politics: Tragically, food can be used by dictators and tyrannical governments as a way of buying votes and demanding loyalty.
Ethical Principles and Virtues
Stewardship
The proper use of God's gifts and the care for creation, allowing it to flourish and endure for future generations.
Simplicity
A lifestyle that prioritizes the needs of others through the moderation of goods.
Detachment
The relinquishing of desires for spiritual and material goods with the goal of becoming more loving.
Creativity
In theology, the sharing in God's power and prerogative to form a world in the image of love.
Civic and Moral Responsibilities
Civil Authority
Leaders of public groups who are elected and make laws.
Civil Allegiance
The duty of respect and obedience owed by every person to the state of which they are a member.
Almsgiving
Freely giving money or goods to the poor as an act of penance or charity.
Corruption (Political)
Politically, when a civil authority serves its own interests rather than the common good.
Relativism
Believing that truth is dependent upon one's own perception or opinion, asserting that there is no objective truth.
Family Rights
Rights including the choice of vocation; the right to determine procreation and respect for life; and the right to choose education.
Works of Mercy
Charitable actions outlined by Jesus in Matthew 25 that provide for the physical and spiritual needs of others.
Ordinary Treatment
Standard medical care, food, and water.
Extraordinary Treatment
Medical treatments that are synthetic or disproportionately burdensome.
Preferential Option for the Poor
Love that prioritizes the needs of the poor and commits to transforming unjust social structures.
Equality (Theological)
In theology, the inherent dignity of each human in comparison to all other humans.
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