THEOLOGY

• Sources of CST:

  • Sacred Scriptures: A written account of the early Jews and Christian experiences of God’s saving grace.
  • Sacred Tradition: Transmission of the teachings and examples of Jesus from generation to generation.
  • Natural Law: moral principles known through reason
• Formats of CST:

  • Papal Pronouncements: on matters of faith and morals
  • Apostolic Letters/Encyclicals: pastoral letters by the pope
  • Canon Law: code of ecclesiastical laws
  • Pronouncement made by Ecumenical Council: meeting of all bishops under the pope
  • Pronouncement made by Synods of Bishops: meeting of bishops from different parts of the world to assist the pope
• 1891: Rerum Novarum (On the Condition of Labor): "of new things"

  • Written by Pope Leo XIII
  • Addressed issues of overworked, unpaid, and abused workers during the industrial revolution
  • Called for workers and business owners to work together and respect each other's rights
• 1931: Quadragesimo Anno: "In the 40th Year"

  • Written by Pope Pius XI
  • Criticized capitalism and socialism
  • Introduced the concept of subsidiarity
  • Stated that the government must serve the common good
• 1961: Mater et Magistra (Mother and Teacher):

  • Written by Pope Saint John XXIII
  • Addressed ongoing and new issues relevant to the times
  • Criticized the gap between rich and poor nations
  • Criticized excessive spending on weapons
• 1963: Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth):

  • Written by Pope Saint John XXIII
  • Warned against modern warfare and nuclear weapons
  • Stressed that peace can only be achieved through social order
  • Listed human rights necessary for a just social order
  • Started when the Cuban Missile Crisis happened.
• 1965: Gaudium et Spes (Joy and Hope) (The church in the Modern World) Vatican II:

  • Issued by the second Vatican Council
  • Maintains that peace is not just the absence of war – it is the existence of justice throughout the society
  • Condemned the use of weapons of mass destruction
• 1967: Populorum Progressio (The development of Peoples)-

  
  

  Written by Pope Paul VI:

  • Linked economic development of the poor with moral development of the wealthy
  • Criticized unrestrained capitalism
  • Calls for true progress toward the economic, social, cultural, and spiritual fulfillment of human potential
• 1981: Laborem Exercens (On Human Work)-

  Written by Pope Saint John Paul II:

  • Addressed the dignity of work
  • Emphasized the rights of workers over profits
• 2009: Caritas in Veritate (Charity in Truth)-Pope Benedict XVI:

  • Warned against justice fundamentalism and exclusion of religion from society
  • Emphasized that technology should serve the common good
• 2013: Evangelii Gaudium (The Joy of the Gospel)- Pope Francis:

  • Aimed at overcoming complacency in the Church's hierarchy
  • Emphasized sharing the Gospel with joy and mercy
  • Don’t turn a blind eye before social injustice
• The Nature of CST:

  • Social Doctrine: teachings concerning societal issues
  • Magisterium: teaching authority of the Church
• Evangelio: Latin for "Gospel" or God spell

  • Evangelization: bringing the good news to others
  • Humane Vitae: Instructs Catholics on sexual ethics, especially contraception issues
• 2020 - Fratelli Tutti: "All Brothers"

  • Written during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • This is to promote a universal aspiration towards “Fraternity and Social Friendship”.
  • Religions at the Service of Fraternity in our World.
  • It starts with a consideration of what is holding humanity back from the development of universal fraternity.
• 2015 - Laudato Si: Calls for care and cultivation of the earth

  • Ecological Conversion: Pope Francis' call for humans to care for the earth
  • Living our vocation to be protectors of God’s handiwork
  • Integral Ecology: an integrated and holistic approach to human, social, political, economic and environmental problems.