in the beginning … catholic social teaching has its roots in scripture, namely the creation story...
TRANSCRIPT
In the Beginning …
Catholic social teaching has its roots in Scripture, namely the Creation story in Genesis
Not a teaching on something that we do But a recognition of who are as persons
and what we are meant to become
What’s Special about Persons?
Persons are the only creatures that God made entirely out of love and for love
God did not make man as a means to an end
Created out of love, to share in the wonder of God’s creation
Made in God’s Image
Intellect and free-will
Created in an image of a Triune God
God is social Like God, we are
not meant to be alone
Each person is meant to be in communion with others
Am I My Brother’s Keeper? Cain and Abel story Jealous of Abel, Cain
kills him in anger We truly are our
brother’s keepers Not enough to go
through life simply taking care of ourselves
We are spiritually responsible for everyone else
Sacredness of All Life Social teaching of
the Catholic Church has at its basis the consistent ethic of life
Understanding that all people, created in the image and likeness of God, have inherent dignity that must always be respected
What the consistent ethic tells us …
In every situation, there is a right way to make a decision
Looking at our choices and options …
… always choose the one which respects the dignity of each person involved
Image of God, Redeemed by Christ Every person,
from the moment of conception to natural death, has inherent dignity and a life consistent with that dignity
Comes from God, not from any human quality or accomplishment