An Introduction to the Principles of Catholic Social Thought

(2) The Life and Dignity of the Human Person
We believe that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is a "Gospel of life." It invites all persons and societies to a new life lived abundantly in respect for human dignity. (Living the Gospel of Life, para. 20)

Central to the principle of human dignity is the understanding that, every human being is created in the image of God, redeemed by Jesus Christ, destined for union with God, and therefore worthy of respect as a member of the human family.

We are called to respect all persons with the sense of awe that arises in the presence of all that is sacred and holy. Our tradition teaches that every human person is sacred from conception to death. We believe that those who are weak, vulnerable, or marginalized deserve special respect, especially those who are unborn, disabled, elderly or dying. A key measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person. One factor that denies the inherent dignity of each person is discrimination in its many forms, such as that based on race, gender or economic status.

This principle is not merely a prohibition against killing or harming life; rather, it calls us to proclaim a new culture of life by revering life, loving life and fostering life at all stages. Drawing our strength from Christ and following the example of Mary, we say “yes” to life in word and deed. We say “yes” in gratitude and joy at the incomparable dignity of each human being that impels us to share this message with everyone.

Student Reflection:
In many cases, people are judged by their beauty, intelligence, economic status, or ethnicity, forgetting that the very condition of being a human person is worthy of the utmost dignity and respect. The human condition should be embraced by all people, because God chose to be present to the world in the form of a human being. Because of the interdependency of all persons in the Catholic social tradition, we are responsible to care for all persons. Recognizing that people with AIDS are still people and thus deserve to be treated with respect is critical; this disease robs the individual of health, a livelihood, and other rights essential for the preservation of human dignity.

The Catholic social teachings provide a powerful argument for assisting Cambodians with AIDS in this globalized, capitalistic society. Perhaps the vision statement for the Maryknoll Mission Association of the Faithful best encapsulates the theological reflection presented here: “We strive with (the poor, marginalized and oppressed peoples of the earth) for justice, peace and fullness of life. We celebrate the holiness of everyday life and even amidst sin, suffering, and death, we proclaim the hope of resurrection.” Our status as human beings and creatures of God gives each individual an inherent dignity that must be preserved. AIDS is not a moral punishment by God, but another example of suffering on earth in which God and Christians can find solidarity in brokenness.-- Amy Braun, The Cambodian AIDS Epidemic and the Global Community, THEO 274, 2001.

Questions for Discussion/Reflection:
1. Please give examples of what you understand by the phrases “culture of life” and culture of death”.
2. Pope John Paul II challenged us to "Place all of your intelligence, talents, enthusiasm, compassion and fortitude at the service of life." What gifts do you have and how will you use them to build a new culture of life?
3. In addition to the “life” issues (abortion, euthanasia, death penalty, etc), what other situations and conditions are an affront to human dignity, and how can we change them?

(3) The Correlation of Rights and Responsibilities

(4) The Preferential Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

(5) Stewardship and Care for Creation

(6) Subsidiarity