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Sociology 3 The Social Teachings of

the Church

Anatoly Angelo R. Aseneta, M.A. cand.

Instructor, Institute of Religion

The Pontifical and Royal University of Santo

Tomas

IIV. OVERVIEW OF OFFICIAL CST

SOCIOLOGY 3 The Social Teachings of the Church

References

DeBerri and Hug, et. al. Catholic Social Teaching: Our Best Kept Secret. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2003.

Genilo, S.J., Eric Marcelo. Catholic Social Teachings Class Notes. Loyola School of Theology, 2013.

5.Gaudium et Spes

Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Vatican II, 1965

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5.Gaudium et Spes Context

Difference from previous social encyclicals: covers a wide range of issues that deal with the relationship of the Church with the world and with all aspects of human life

Feeling of openness

Context

Spoke in humble and sincere terms to all peoples

Systematic and ethical framework for dealing with world problems

5.Gaudium et Spes

Structure/Major Themes

1.Part I: Christian Anthropology: human dignity, authentic freedom, conscience

2.Part II: Marriage and the family, development of culture, socio-economic life, political life, peace and international cooperation

5.Gaudium et Spes

1. What does it mean to say that the Church has the duty of reading the

signs of the times?

5.Gaudium et Spes

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Shifts in CST Methodology

1.Employs an inductive approach which is historically-conscious

2.Decreased reliance on natural law

3.Increased reliance on the Bible and tools of social sciences

4.Christological emphasis

5.Personalism

5.Gaudium et Spes The Church admits that it does not

have an answer to every question but still seeks to guide humanity. (#33)

5.Gaudium et Spes

It recognizes the independence of earthly affairs but affirms the dependence of all things on God (#36)

5.Gaudium et Spes

The Church

admits it is simul justa et peccatrix (#44)

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The Church

should learn from the progress of science and richness of cultures (#44)

5.Gaudium et Spes

2. What does it mean when GS says that the primary mission of the

Church is a religious one?

5.Gaudium et Spes

Christ did not give the Church a political, social, or economic

mission but primarily a religious one (#42)

5.Gaudium et Spes But the religious mission to serve the

human person can be a source of

commitment to help humanity

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Direct mission: religious and spiritual

Indirect mission: mission to society (politics, economics, etc.)

5.Gaudium et Spes The Church engages the world to

help humanity and not to gain power. It cooperates and sometimes challenges the world for the good of the human person

5.Gaudium et Spes

The actions of the Church are focused on humanity but are always toward a union with God

5.Gaudium et Spes

The Church has the right to pass moral judgment, even on matters touching the political order, whenever basic rights or the salvation of souls make it necessary

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Church is not committed to any particular socio-economic or political system (#42)

5.Gaudium et Spes The Church

cooperates with these systems insofar as it is

compatible with its mission of serving humanity and bringing them closer to God

5.Gaudium et Spes

Secular duties belong to the laity; the clergy does not have all the answers to every problem (#43)

5.Gaudium et Spes

3. What does GS say about population and birth control?

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Marriage and Family (#48-50)

On Reproduction and Birth Control: on planning their

family, parents must be the ones to make the final decision

5.Gaudium et Spes But the parents decision

should be governed by a formed conscience guided by Divine Law and Church teachings.

They must not use methods that go against human dignity and are found blameworthy by the Church

5.Gaudium et Spes

Conceptual shifts on marriage and family

1. Marriage = conjugal covenant, contract

2. Language of primary and secondary ends of marriage are avoided

3. More positive treatment of sexual intercourse

5.Gaudium et Spes

4. What does the Church teach about labor unions and strikes in GS?

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Labor Unions

5.Gaudium et Spes

Labor Strikes

5.Gaudium et Spes

4. What does GS teach about nuclear war?

5.Gaudium et Spes Peace and the International Community (#78-88)

Peace absence of war

Peace maintenance of balance of power between enemies

Peace dictatorship

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Peace = harmony built into human society by God and actualized by persons who long for it

5.Gaudium et Spes 5.GAUDIUM ET SPES

Peace = continually built-up

Peace = respecting other people and their dignity and practice of solidarity

Peace = fruit of Love

Non-Violence and Conscientious Objection are legitimate options

5.Gaudium et Spes

Participation in the armed forces is allowed but not blind obedience to orders.

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Any act of war aimed at the destruction of cities/extensive areas along with their population is a crime against God and deserves condemnation

5.GAUDIUM ET SPES

Nuclear Deterrence and Arms Race is not the way to peace and development

Everybody has the responsibility for disarmament

5.Gaudium et Spes