essay questions

Question 1

key passage from gospel that identifies key cst & explain

Answer 1

• “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in”
  -> Matthew 25:35
• passage aligns with Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
  -> calls on individuals and societies to prioritize the needs of the less fortunate, ensuring that they have access to the basic necessities of life.

Question 2

identify subsidiarity & solidarity

Answer 2

• Subsidiarity
  -> emphasizes the importance of addressing issues at the most immediate and local level possible
  -> asserts that higher levels of authority or larger social structures should only intervene when lower-level entities (such as families or communities) are unable to address the issue adequately
  -> promotes a bottom-up approach, ensuring that decisions are made as close to the individuals affected as possible, and that higher levels of authority respect and support the autonomy of smaller units.
• solidarity
  -> emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of all people
  goes beyond mere compassion and encourages active commitment to justice and the common good
  -> in CST: a call to global responsibility and a recognition that, as part of one human family, individuals and societies are morally obligated to support each other, especially those who are marginalized or in need
  -> We are one human family, whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic, and ideological differences

Question 3

how does pope francis model the principles of CST in his leadership

Answer 3

• models the principle of Care for God’s Creation by consistently speaking out about various environmental issues, including climate change
• urged world leaders to take decisive action to address climate change, emphasizing the impact of environmental degradation on the poor and vulnerable
• also wrote “Laudato Si’” in 2015
  -> document addressing environmental issues from a Christian perspective, calling for greater care and stewardship of the Earth
• His calls for responsible stewardship of the Earth align with the CST principle of caring for God’s creation

Question 4

2 central messages for forming consciousness for faithful citizenship & how americans participate in political life

Answer 4

1. Forming consciousness for faithful citizenship
   - Dignity of the Human Person
   -> Forming a conscience for faithful citizenship involves understanding and prioritizing issues that directly impact human dignity, such as abortion, euthanasia, racism, poverty, and other social injustices. By acknowledging the worth and dignity of each person, individuals are called to advocate for policies and engage in actions that uphold and protect the sanctity of human life.
   - Common Good
   -> The concept of the common good, which is deeply rooted in Catholic Social Teaching, emphasizes the well-being of all people and the entire community. Catholics are encouraged to consider how their political choices contribute to the common good, fostering a society where everyone can flourish.
2. how Americans can participate in political life in light of these messages
   - Informed Voting
   -> Catholics are encouraged to become informed voters by educating themselves on the positions of candidates and issues. This involves understanding the Church’s teachings and using that knowledge to guide voting decisions that align with the principles of human dignity, the common good, and solidarity.
   - Promoting Dialogue:
   -> Catholics are urged to engage in political discussions with respect and civility, recognizing the dignity of each person. This includes fostering dialogue on important issues and seeking common ground for the betterment of society.

Question 5

How is the idea of the common good understood in the catholic teaching, how does micheal sandel understand it (4 things you should know about the CG)

Answer 5

1. Intro
   - The concept of the common good holds a central place in Catholic social teaching
   - Church views the common good as the pursuit of conditions where everyone can thrive and contribute to the overall good of the community
   -> this principle asserts that economic systems should prioritize the well-being of all members of society. Economic policies are thus evaluated in terms of their impact on the flourishing of individuals and the fostering of a just and compassionate society.
2. Michael Sandel’s Perspective on the Common Good
   - outlines four themes related to the common good
   -> Citizenship and Service:
   argues that a just society requires a strong sense of community and a dedication to the common good
   need to teach and cultivate civic virtue
   -> Markets
   more markets than ever today: military service, child-bearing (surrogates), criminal punishment, etc. what non-market norms we want to protect from market intrusion -> we need public debate
   -> Inequality & Solidarity
   growing gap between rich and poor, observed globally
   the “hollowing out” (private schools, membership-only health clubs, etc) stops the solidarity necessary for democratic citizenship.
   A politics of the common good, therefore, must prioritize the reconstruction of the infrastructure of civic life.
   -> Politics & Moral Engagement
   politics should be conducted on the basis of mutual respect.
   Politics and law should not avoid moral and religious disputes, instead we should respectfully engage with moral convictions rather than avoiding them, fostering a genuine understanding of diverse perspectives.
3. Conclusion
   - the common good requires policies that prioritize the well-being of all members of society
   - Michael Sandel’s themes further enrich this perspective, emphasizing the importance of civic virtue, debating the moral limits of markets, addressing inequality, and promoting moral engagement in politics
   - These considerations offer a roadmap for constructing a more just and compassionate society that values the dignity of every individual.

Question 6

what is one important idea or insight you gained from this class & why?

Answer 6

• CST principle of the “Option for the Poor and Vulnerable”
• emphasizes the moral obligation to prioritize the needs and well-being of the least advantaged in society
• struck me as a profound reminder of the ethical responsibility we all share to address systemic inequalities and work towards a more just and compassionate society.
• also emphasizes the importance of community
  -> challenges us to think beyond individual success and prosperity and to consider the well-being of the entire community, especially those who are marginalized or disadvantaged.
• shaped my perspective on social justice issues and informed my understanding of ethical decision-making, prompting me to consider the impact of policies and practices on the most vulnerable members of society
• inspired me to actively seek ways to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable community, aligning my actions with the principles of justice, solidarity, and the common good.