Family Rights and Social Order: A Natural Law Perspective

Family Rights and Social Order

It is against natural law for any human to remove the primary right to marry, or to restrict the main purpose of marriage established by God: "Be fruitful and multiply".

The family, though small, is a true partnership, older than any other, with its own rights and duties, independent of civil power. Ownership rights conferred by nature are transferred to the man as head of the family, and this right is stronger as a person in society encompasses more domestic responsibility.

The rights and duties of the family are prior and more natural than those of civil society. If public authorities harm families instead of helping them, society would be worthy of condemnation.

It is a great error for civil power to arbitrarily enter the privacy of homes. However, if a family is in extreme distress, it is fair for the government to provide relief. Also, if there is a serious disturbance of mutual rights within the household, public authority must protect the right of each, not usurping but protecting their rights.

Children are an extension of the parental person and become part of civil society through the household in which they were born. Therefore, children are naturally something of the father.

When Socialists act against the providence of parents, they act against natural justice and destroy the organization.

Public and Private Order

It is of interest to both public and private health that things are in peace and order, and that domestic order is governed according to God's commands and precepts of nature. This ensures the flourishing of public and private morals, maintains justice, and allows people to grow strong and defend their homeland.

Laws should not go beyond what is required to remedy evils or avoid danger.

Duties of the Rich and Employers

The laws and institutions that govern nations should remind the rich and employers of their duties. Proletarians should strive reasonably, as religion is the only thing that can cure evil. The Church should have freedom in its actions to provide aid, and those responsible for public health should take note of this.

The Importance of Charity

All men of all social classes should embrace the Gospel and strive to preserve and instill charity, the queen of all virtues. The solution is to be expected from a great outpouring of Christian charity, which is the surest antidote against insolvency and selfishness. Love is patient, is kind, does not cling to what is yours, suffers everything, endures all things.