Religion Exam 2

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Religion Exam Review Unit 1: Ethical Foundations

Unit 2 : Scripture

Unit 3 : The Christian Mission/ Social Justice

Unit 1

1. Kant, Aristotle and Levinias Ethical Theories? Describe in detail each philosophical theory.

Kant (1724-1804) -

- categorical imperative (so unto others as you would have them do unto you)

- free when one acts in accordance without own best-

and universally valid will under which everyone can be free

- wanted to understand how the better more reasonable part of our natures could be strengthen so as to reliably win out over over our inbuilt weaknesses and selfishness

- engaged in the task of developing a secular rational version of what religions had always attempted to do; help us to be good

§ Practical

Reason

- Moves

beyond scientific and empirical knowledge to the moral dimension guiding human

behaviour. Humans act not only on impulse as affected by the laws of nature,

but also out of conscious choice based on principles. Moral duty that Kant

contributed to ethics.

§ Kant’s

Ethics

- Ethics

presents us not with rational, cognitive certainty, but with practical

certainty. Kant said there are three areas of interest in our lives: God,

Freedom and Immortality. 1.) God = there

are too many circumstances beyond our control. For this reason, Kant proposes

the existence of God allows us to achieve the supreme good. 2.) Freedom = to have the duty to do

something, we must be able to do it. Therefore, Kant argues that humans are by

nature free. 3.) Immortality = achieving

the supreme good is a hard task and impossible to obtain completely in this

life. That is why there is immortality, a life beyond.

- We

cannot prove God, Freedom and Immortality empirically. We need God, Freedom and

Immortality to be able to pursue and attain the supreme good.

§ The

Good Will

- Kant’s

ethics is to be discovered in private life, in the inner convictions and

autonomy of the individual. Good will is our most precious possession. Good

will is the will to do our duty for no other reason than that it is our duty. A

human action is morally good when it is done for the sake of duty. Real moral

worth is motivated by duty.

§ Kant’s

use of Moral Maxims

- An

ethical maximum is one on which every rational person would necessarily act is

reason were fully in charge of his/her actions. Principles tell us how we have

to act. But reason determines how this duty is universally applicable.

§ The

Person as an End, not a Means

- Kant

intended that people never be treated only as a means, that is, without regard

to their dignity or their working conditions. Treat one another as an end, not

just a means. He challenged people not to act like children under the control

of another. Kant valued the autonomy of the good will.

Kant’s Main Ideas

What is good? = A human act is morally good

when it is done for the sake of duty.

What motivates human beings? = “I must act

in such a way that the principle according to which I act should become

universal law”.

Moral Guidelines = Rules

Life Orientation = Duties

Requirements = Responsibility

Strengths = Structure and Organization

Weaknesses = Bureaucracy; blindly

following orders.

Ethical Perspective

§ Deontology

- Deon = Greek

word meaning duty.

- Asking

questions life = What is my duty? What is my duty as a Catholic?

- To

do what is right

Kant’s Ethical Theory

-Theory founded on 3 main aspects = God,

Freedom and Immortality

-Ethics are a matter of one’s inner

conviction and autonomy

-A human act is morally good when it is

done for the sake of duty

-The use of reason is central to moral

life – duty is determined by principles and values

How do you accomplish this according

to Kant?

- I

must act in such a way that the principles according to which I act should

become universal law.

- The

only good is good will.

- Good

is only good is it is done out of good will and provides not personal gain.

- Morals

acts are preformed out of duty and obligation.

- Reason

dictates what is good.

Summary on Kant’s Ethical Theory

- Ethics

is matter of one’s inner conviction and autonomy

- The

use of reason is central to moral life – duty is determined by principles

- Only

good is good will (no personal gain)

- I

should act in such way that the principles according to which I act should

become universal law.

- Reason

dictates what is good

- Moral

acts are preformed because of duty and obligation

Aristotle (384—322 B.C.E.)

-practical wisdom

- Catharsis (the cleaning of emotions)

1. Aristotle

§ The Pursuit of

Happiness

-

Aristotle

does not equate happiness with pleasure. Pleasure is only momentary, however, happiness

is an enduring state of someone who does the task well that are typical of a

human being. Happiness is the condition of the good person who succeeds in

living well and acting well. For Aristotle, some is happy “if and only if, over

some considerable period of time, that person frequently performs with some

success the most perfect of typical human tasks”.

§ Teleology

-

A

means to an end, what do you want to accomplish in the end. To act ethically,

therefore, is to engage our capacity to reason as we develop good character.

The good person is one whose actions as a rule are solidly based on excellent

reasoning and who spends a great amount of time thinking.

§ Human Excellence

-

Allowing

reason to guide one’s actions. A good person would use reason to control

desire. We become virtuous by choosing continually to do virtuous things, so

that these actions become ingrained in us like a habit.

§ The Mean

-

We

need to be very aware of the need to maintain balance in our actions. Be

moderate in all things. To be courageous is avoid some but not all dangers; to

be polite is to be courteous in some but not in all situations. To be generous

is to stay somewhere between extravagance and stinginess.

Aristotle’s Main

Ideas

What is good? =

The Human activity aims to achieving the good.

What motivates

Human Beings? = Humans find happiness within community.

Mora Guidelines =

Values

Life Orientation =

Goals

Requirements =

Imagination

Strengths = Vision

and Direction

Weakness =

Irrelevancy; ends justify the means.

Ethical

Perspective

§ Teleological

- Telos = Greek

root meaning goal, purpose or end”. Legos

meaning study.

- Having

to do with the design or purpose of something

- Looking

for the end – not as an end-point, but as a completion, as fullness.

- Seeking

to understand the ultimate goal, purpose or end of something.

Aristotle’s Ethical Theory

-Does not equate happiness with pleasure

-Humans find happiness within community

-To be happy is to live well and to do

well

-Human activity aims to achieving the

good—Happiness

-The highest form of happiness is based on

rational behavior— Live an Ethical Life

How do you accomplish this according

to Aristotle?

- Be

moderate in all things

- Absolute

good can be found only in God

- Good

is inscribed by God into the nature of all things (innate)

- To

find the good in anything is to discover its purpose

- A

person develops good character by acting virtuously-virtues control actions

Summary on Aristotle’s Ethical Theory

- To

be happy is to live well and to do well

- Human

activity aims at achieving the good – Happiness

- Good

can only be found in God

- Virtues

control passions – allowing us to live virtuously

- Happiness

is based on rational behaviour – live an ethical life

- To

find good in anything is to discover its purpose

- Good

is inscribed by God into the nature of all things (innate)

Levinas (1906-1995)

§ The

Sameness of Things

- Attempting

to overcome all difference and diversity by grouping everything under an

all-encompassing unity, which is called “Being”.

§ The

Singularity of Things

- The

singularity of things gives each thing its identity. Levinas could find nothing

that would hold all of these singularities together in some kind of unity.

§ The

Good is Infinite

- The

search of good goes beyond being. Being seeks to name what things have in

common when you take away all the differences. For Levinas, this concept of

Being is dangerous because it takes away from reality what is its most

fascinating quality: that each person or thing is credibly unique. Levinas

wants to maintain the uniqueness of each though and act.

§ The

Face as Witness of the Good

- Despite

all the ways to hide yourself and the truth, eyes can never be made up. The

eyes penetrate every mask. The face is an authority, highness, holiness,

divinity. In the other, you see one who is not your equal, but your superior.

§ The

Face as Ethical

- Recognizing

other’s depth of misery or humility is what makes the command or appeal of the

face ethical. The face suggests that there is another order of existence; the

order of an incredible good calling us to be responsible for the beggar with

bent head and mumbling voice. The face is a trace of God who has already passed

by.

§ Made

Responsible by the Face

- This

responsibility is our human vocation, our calling. Goodness, the Infinite One,

translates into responsibility for the other. Levinas’ ethics does not bend us

in God’s direction, but it twists us in the direction of our neighbor.

Levinas’ Main Ideas

What is good? = The central question is:

where is the good?

What motivates human beings? = The face of

the other calls me to respond.

Moral Guidelines = Needs

Life Orientation = Others

Requirements = Involvement

Strengths = Hearts and Grounding

Weaknesses = Sentimentality; people wear

masks

Ethical Perspective

§ Relational

- Starting

with the other (stranger), not with ourselves.

- Face

to face with the other who calls me to be ethical.

Levinas’ Ethical Theory

-The central question in philosophy is:

where is the good?

-Each thing or person is a unique

expression of the Good

-The face of another calls me to respond

How do we accomplish this according

to Levinas?

- Goodness

translates into responsibility for the other (turn away from own desires and

interests).

- The

infinite Good (God) is at the heart of ethics.

- Good

= vocation (not for myself)

Summary on Levinas’ Ethical Theory

- Each

thing or person is a unique expression of the good

- The

face of another call me to respond

- Goodness

translates into responsibility for the other (turn away from your own desires

and interests)

- The

infinite Good (God) is at the heart of ethics

- Good

come from vocation (not myself)

2. Four types of ethical Experience

1. The

Scream – The experience of personal response

- An

automatic response – a signal of help – do not think, just help.

2. The

Beggar – The experience of the other

- Recognizing

that it is our responsibility to help others in need.

- The

needy person has an impact on one’s life because the face is ethical and only

needs your help – nothing else.

- You

feel any emotions (such as guilt) and that you have to make a difference.

3. “I

have to…” – The experience of obligation

- Someone

who cares about you warms you of danger, which affects the way you are

connected with the experience of duty or obligation.

- Your

ethical sense is turned on when someone orders you to do something.

- An

authority can invade your consciousness.

- Obliges

you to follow the law or do what is right.

4. This

is intolerable! This isn’t fair – This experience of contrasts

- When

overwhelmed with unjust, we react with “it’s not fair”, because we are certain

that situations and the world’s actions are not right.

- The

terrifying wrong that humans do is unbelievable and it shocks us.

- Can

cause a change that opposes this destruction.

3. Reasons for abortion in Canada

- Couples

are not emotionally and/or financially ready to raise a child.

- The

female is raped and does not want to have a child, since she was held against

her will to have sex by force.

- The

female is forced to have an abortion due to an abusive partner.

- The

female must get an abortion because if she does not, her parents will abandon

her by kicking her out of the house.

- Couples

were careless by experiencing sexual intercourse, and they do not respect the

sacredness of life, and believe that abortion is a “simple solution” to their

“mistake”.

- Couples

believe that they are too young, do not want the responsibility of raising a

child.

- The

woman believes that it is her body, and she many do whatever she pleases to it.

4. Principal of Naturalism & Social Determinism

Social Determinism

- Your

behavior is determined not so much by your physical state as by the influences

of others upon you. Your actions can be explained by what you have undergone at

the hands of others. Your past determines who you are. Your behavior is

explained by social factors, not your decisions. You are not free because you

are the product of what others have done to you. Naturalism

- Would suggest that

everything can be explained by physical, biological, psychological, social

and/or environmental processes. It also understands the material universe as

unified and interconnected. Everything has a physical cause and a human agent

just tends to be a more complex physical cause.

- Humans

are part of the evolutionary process and humans are simply a part of the

material universe (we are not anything more). Everything, including humans are

connected by cause and effect.

- Science

rules here! Everything must be explained by experimentation. If something is

true, then it must be proven with concrete evidence. Everything that is

complex… life, reality, freedom even… is assembled from the very beginnings of

science! Life—Biology > Molecules—Chemistry > Particles and

Forces—Physics.

- Neutral

mechanics and genetic determinism challenge the notion of “self”. These schools

of thought would say that there is not human spirit or culture. Humans and

their activity are the result of natural selection processes.

- In

naturalism, freedom is an illusion, because actions are not free; they are the

result of brain processes. Naturalism denies human freedom—your promises and

commitments do not come from motives or intentions, but from genetic

disposition.

- Naturalism

throws away morality! Naturalism denies the possibility of ethics and

morality.

Artificial

Intelligence is the capability of a device to preform functions that may be

associated with human intelligence (reasoning and learning) through experience.

Artificial Intelligence is deep-rooted in the idea of naturalism. The

commonality between Naturalism and Artificial Intelligence is that they both

focus greatly on the brain and neutral pathways

5. Catholic Church view of Abortion & Euthanasia?

View of Euthanasia

§ The

Church opposes assisted suicide because human life is good, it is s gift from

God to be cherished and respected because every human being is created in the image

and likeness of God.

§ “Thou

Shall Not Kill”. We cannot dispose of life as we please.

§ The

Church has long maintained a distinction between “ordinary”(mandatory) and

“extraordinary”(optional) medical treatment, arguing that patients were

obligated to use only those means that offered real benefit without incurring

undue burden, suffering, or cost.

Views on Abortion

Goes against the Fifth Commandment = “You

Shall Not Kill”.

All life is

sacred from the moment of conception until natural death, and by taking an

innocent human life, whether born or unborn, is morally wrong.

Life is a gift from God that should be

cherished because every human being is created in the image and likeness

of God.

Sacredness of

life in the womb is disrespected. The womb is meant to promote life, not

death.

When God

creates a human being, He gives them a purpose in live and abortion

interferes with that destined role.

6. Different Theories of Conscience

§ The

“Hunch” Theory

- When

asked whether a certain action or decision is right or wrong, many people

respond: “I just know it is or something just tells me it is”.

- However,

when asked the reasons, they can’t be specific.

§ “Doing

what comes Naturally” Theory

- Some

believe we are born with a certain moral instinct that tells them right from

wrong.

- Therefore,

if people just did what came naturally by instinct they would be doing the

right thing according to their conscience.

§ “The

little voice” Theory

- A

voice inside telling right or wrong.

- To

them it is the voice of a force or a power other than themselves who gives

guidance.

- When

asked these people, they will often say: “I just know that’s what God wants or

its Gods will”.

§ “Follow

the Crowd” Theory

- This

group believes the majority can’t be wrong.

- If

enough people think or feel that something is right then it must be, or wrong.

It has to be so.

§ “The

Feeling” Theory

- Conscience

for some is a matter of how one “feels” after the action is taken or decision

is made.

- Is

you feel good – it was right, if you feel bad – it was wrong.

§ “No

Conscience” Theory

- No

conscience at all.

- The

idea is something that religions have made up to make people feel guilty about

certain actions.

- A

person just does what they decide to do or does what they must in a given

situation and that is all should be expected or required of anyone.

§ “Using

your Head” Theory

- Conscience

involves using our head – our ability to reason, considering all alternatives

and aspects of a given situation while always keeping in mind which values and

priorities are most important and which are not; and trying to do the most

loving and least harmful thing for all concerned.

- We also believe that a person’s conscience

develops as that individual’s ability to think, to reflect and to exercise

clearer, more objective judgement matures.

7. Catholic Church teachings about Conscience

- The

Catholic Tradition believes that our conscience is much more than an “internal

censor” that regulates our conduct by using guilt.

- According

to the Church, our conscience acts in love, and responds to the call to commit

ourselves to value.

- It

is the key to responsible freedom, or wanting to do what we do because we value

what we are seeking.

- The

“Using your Head” theory of conscience is the teaching of the Catholic

Church.

-We

also believe that a person’s conscience develops as that individual’s ability

to think, to reflect and to exercise clearer, more objective judgement

matures.

Unit 2

8. Differences Hebrew and Christian Bible

The Hebrew Bible The Christian Bible

-Based

on the Old Testament (The life of Moses, Abraham and all the major prophets.

Also, focuses on God’s many appearances on this earth, and His Messages, i.e.

The 10 Commandments).

-At

the time and even today, the Hebrew bible is worshiped by people who are literalists.

-The

Hebrew Bible provides specific rules/laws that Hebrews MUST follow.

-Focuses

on the New Testament (Jesus’ life and His teachings, i.e. The Beatitudes).

-The

Christian Bible mostly followed by those who contextualizes.

-The

Christian Bible provides guidelines for action, and tells us what is good and

moral. However, it is up to us to use out free will in order to do the right

thing.

9. Major Prophets

Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Daniel

10. Each Prophets vision of Justice

- They

were sent as challengers about the many evils in society.

- They

were comforters because the world they lived in was one of numerous doubts and

fears.

- Prophets

were spokesmen, they saw the potential for good that God had put in the people.

- They

offered the encouragement of God’s support for those who attempted to try a new

life.

- Are

critics who see injustice and suffering in the world and cry out against them.

- Always

defend the poor and voiceless persons.

- Become

a voice for the voiceless.

- Are

on the side of the poor, which is where God is.

- Have

vision and are the conscious mind of the community.

- Willing

to sacrifice their lives if necessary in order to be true to the message they

proclaim.

11. A prophets relationship with God

- Are

people who speak on God’s behalf.

- Have

an experience of God – hear God’s work, receive God’s plan, speak God’s word.

- Are

led by the spirit (God).

- Obey

only God.

- Not

influenced by power, personal glory, or possessions.

12. Identify traits of Covenant

1. The

Preamble

- The

treaty begins with the name, the titles and attributes of the Great Hittite

King and his genealogy.

2. The

Historical Prologue

- The

Great King the gives a historical overview that describes the previous

relations between the 2 contractors. It recounts the many benefits the

Sovereign has bestowed upon the vassal. The prologue forms an essential part of

the Covenant. There can be many variations depending on the circumstances at

the time of entry into the treaty.

3. The

Submission

- Includes

fundamental declaration on the future relations of the partners. It consists in

a request loyalty. This aspect of submission is expressed frequently by the

formula: “With my friend, be a friend! With my enemy, be an enemy!”

4. The

Witness

- The

witnesses are the gods of the 2 partners, but also deified elements of nature:

the mountains, the rivers, the sea, the heavens and the earth. Every legal

document and treaty requires witnesses.

5. The

Blessing and Curses

- The

treaty tells what will happen if the vassal remains faithful or is unfaithful

to the demands of the treaty.

How

is the Covenant on Sinai far greater than other covenants?

- Because

God’s Covenant is a bond of love, calling us in our freedom to respond in love.

God’s commitment to us is founded in love, and God’s commitment is forever.

13. Objectives of Exegesis & Hermeneutics

-

The

goal of exegesis is to understand what the text mean to its original audience

and in its original historical setting, as well as to explain what the text

means today.

Hermeneutics tries to understand the texts no just in themselves but how they still have

force today.

14. Exegesis & Hermeneutics concerned with?

1.

OBSERVATION

– “What does the author say?”

-

Begin

by reading the passage, perhaps a few times.

-

Note

your specific observations concerning the passage.

-

What

key words, images, symbols are used?

-

What

characters appear and what are their relationships?

-

What

issues are addressed in the passage?

-

Ask

yourself what cultural assumptions you might be making; e.g. economic, health,

family, etc.?

2.

INTERPRETATION

– “What did the author mean?”

-

Social-historical

context: What is the author’s and audience’s situation?

-

Literary

Context: focus on significant words, phrases, statements, and what is its

meaning (definitions; contextualize)?

-

Rhetorical

context: What is the significance of the progression in their thought pattern?

-

What

was the author trying to convey to the audience – e.g. theological truths,

practical advice?

-

What

types of responses did the author expect on the basis of writing this passage?

-

Theological

context: What do you know about the author’s theological perspective?

3.

Hermeneutics:

APPLICATION – “What does it mean for me?”

-

Hermeneutics

is moving the message of scripture from one social context to another. That is

moving scripture from another world to our own world.

-

What

am I to believe after reading this passage?

-

What

do I learn about relationships?

-

What

am I to do (actions, attitudes, sin)?

-

How

can you best explain the original meaning of the text?

§ Hermeneutics = It

tries to understand the texts no just in themselves but how they still have

force today.

- Exegesis

and hermeneutics are required to understand the full meaning of the text as

they were written centuries ago.

15. Identify the Beatitudes. Connect to learned Ethics. Explain.

1.

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

2.

Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

3.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

4.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for

righteousness, for they shall be

satisfied.

5.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

6.

Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God.

7.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of

God.

8.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the

sake of righteousness, for theirs

is the kingdom of heaven."

The Beatitudes cam connect to what I have

learned about ethics, because they are also teach us how to live our lives

ethically, morally and justly. The reason why is because these Beatitudes tell

us that if we do follow the teachings Jesus gave us, we will also be rewarded

in ways only God is capable of. Ethics and the Beatitudes go hand in hand,

because they are both guidelines in our lives that teach us to always do what

is right, and avoid wrongdoing.

Unit 3

16. 7 Virtues

The Cardinal Virtues (or Moral) virtues. These 4 virtues are the basis for moral life. We try to

develop these and become a person of good moral character, just like Jesus:

1.

Prudence

-

Knowing the

appropriate time, place and manner in which to conduct oneself. It is this

ability to know and judge when to speak and when to stay quiet.

-

Prudence helps you

stop and think before you act.

2.

Justice

-

Seeking to promote

fairness and equality among all; rewarding goodness.

-

Justice is about

loving your neighbour.

3.

Temperance

-

Using balance in

life between pleasure and self-control. It means knowing you limits and keeping

them; establishing, respecting and enforcing boundaries.

-

Self-control in all

area of life.

4.

Fortitude

-

Preserving in times

of trouble; having courage to do the right thing no matter what the

outcome.

The Theological Virtues: These virtues are our source of energy for perfecting

out relationship with God. By accepting these virtues and using them, we are

drawn into a deeper understanding and relationship with God.

5.

Faith

-

Faith invites us to

belive in God and also to accept or reject Him.

6.

Hope

-

It helps us overcome

discouragement.

-

Enables us to live

for the Kingdom and eternal life.

-

It works with Faith

and Love to give us confidence to live a better life.

7.

Love/Charity

-

Is the greatest of

all Theological Virtues.

-

It is the

Commandment to love all things, including one’s neighbour.

-

God is Love, and

Love is God.

-

Love makes all thing

possible.

17. 4 Cardinal Virtues

·

Prudence

Knowing

appropriate time, place and manner in which to conduct oneself. Prudence helps

you think before you act.

·

Justice

Seeking

to promote fairness and equality among all; rewarding goodness.

·

Temperance

Using balance in

life between pleasures and self-control.

·

Fortitude

Preserving in

times of trouble; having courage to do the right thing no matter the outcome

18. 7 Vices

o Pride

Overly

high opinion of oneself; exaggerated self-esteem; arrogance and vanity-

satisfaction

o Envy

Desire

for more than one needs or deserves

o Gluttony

One who eats too much with the intention

of a great of capacity for something

o Lust

To

feel an intense desire; especially a sexual desire; to long after or for.

o Anger

A strong feeling exited by a real or

supposed injury; accompanied by the desire to take revenge, or to obtain

satisfaction.

o Greed

Excessive

desire for acquiring or having desire for more than one needs or deserves.

o Sloth

Opposition

to action or labor, slanginess; laziness; slowness; delay.

19. 5 Basic Requirements for Law

o A LAWMAKER

God’s Law – God began his

law in the covenant (10 commandments)

(Positive law)

o NATURE LAW-

NATURAL MORAL LAW

Created in God’s image,

God’s law is embodied in us and it is unwritten yet known by all men and women

who have the use of reason. This makes the law natural. This law applies to

moral acts that involve free will.

o HUMAN LAW- HUMAN

POSITIVE LAW

Laws created by humans

(stop signs)

They are conditioned by

modern times, such as time periods, place and culture.

o CIVIL LAW

Laws written and enforced

by local, national and worldwide groups (ex. municipal, province, federal) that

covers all areas of human life.

o CANON LAW

The Supreme Court law of

the church that covers all aspects of the church life (ex. Teachings, customs,

sacraments, etc.)

20. Different Types of Justice

§

Commutative Justice = The

relationship of one individual to another individual.

-

Pertains to

contractual relationships between individuals and institutions that have the

legal status of a person (ex. Corporations, associations, retail stores,

schools, religious communities, etc)

§ Legal Justice =

The relationship of the individual to

society or the state.

-

Used to be concerned

primarily with the individual’s obedience to the laws of the state – now refers

also to what the individual in society can contribute to the life of society

beyond merely keeping the law (therefore also known as contributive justice).

§ Distributive

Justice = The relationship of society or

the government to an individual.

-

Deals with all sorts

of goods that are not economic – dilemma of unequal distribution and basic

equality. Goods are citizenship, security and public assistance, economic good,

plus offices and positions.

-

Concerned with

obligations that the society has toward all its members, and the role of

governments, corporations, communities and individuals in the just distribution

of society’s resources.

§ Individual

Justice = Concerned with obligations

between individuals, fairness and respect in one-to-one relationships.

§ Social Justice

= Concerned with obligations that

individuals have within subgroups have toward their own community, the larger

society and the world as a whole.

§ Ecological

Justice = Concerned with obligations

that human beings have to all the rest of creation.

21. 4 Basics of a Just World

1.

Concern for Basic

Needs

-

Each person needs to

have a decent life – such thing as food, shelter and healthcare.

-

Everyone has a right

to the means to attain these basic life goods through equal opportunity,

education, and employment.

2.

Concern for Dignity

and Esteem

-

Each person is

created equal in the image and likeness of God – and therefore has a right to

be recognized and respected as a person with dignity.

3.

Concern for

Participation

-

All people have a

right to help determine their future. This means the freedom and responsibility

to participate in the political economic, and cultural dimensions that shape

their lives.

4.

Concern for Social

Structures

-

All of us live in a

society and benefit from it. Therefore, everyone has the responsibility to

respect and protect their own rights, and the right of others.

-

This means working

alongside with victims of injustice to change the political and cultural

structures that cause some in society to be at a disadvantage.

22. 3 issues of Injustices (Community & World)

1.

Poverty – I am

concerned about this social justice issue, because no one deserves to have a

life filled with hunger, abandonment or with the feeling that no one is there

to help. It is our responsibility to assist those who are poor, and whom are

not blessed with the things which we take for granted. Experiencing poverty is

a tragedy and can affect anyone, even those who are wealthy and think that it

will last forever. We as humans to help each other, in order to achieve the

common good and no longer have injustices.

2.

Global Warming – I

am concerned about this social justice issue, because God gave us this

beautiful earth as a gift, which should have been cherished and protected.

However, humans have been careless and selfish, not realizing that Global

Warming, and overall not protecting our environment, will result in a lifeless

plus hopeless earth for future generations.

3.

Abortion – I am

concerned about this social justice issue, because it destroys someone’s life

and purpose bestowed by God. Abortion destroys the sacredness of life, because

the child is held against their will, since it does not have a voice in this

tragic decision making. Abortion is a disgusting act, and this evil has

brainwashed our society to think that it is okay. However, if today abortion is

accepted, what will happen in the future, will suddenly murder be seen as okay?

It is our responsibility to promote life, since our mothers gave us the chance

to live.

23. Principal of Catholic Social Teachings

Human Dignity

Human life is sacred

Community and Common Good

Everyone has a

responsibility to contribute to the good of the whole society, to the common

good.

Rights and Responsibility

Human dignity can be

protected and a healthy community can be achieved if all the human rights are

protected and responsibilities are met.

Option for the Poor and Vulnerable

The poor have the most

urgent moral claim

On the conscience of the

nation

Society must provide

justice for all

The obligation to

evaluate social and economic activity from the viewpoint of the poor and the

powerless arises from the radical command to love one’s neighbour as one’s

self.

Participation

All people have a right

to participate in the economic, political and cultural life of society.

Dignity of Work/Right of Workers

All workers have the

right to productive work, to decent fair wages and to safe working conditions.

People have the right to

economic initiative and private property, however these rights have limit.

Stewardship of Creation

Catholic radiations

insists that we show our respect for God by our stewardship of creation.

We are entrusted with the

responsibility of caring for these gifts and preserving them for future

generations.

Global Solidarity

Solidary means that “loving our neighbour” has a

global dimensions in an independent world

We are one human family

whatever our national, race, ethnic, economic and ideological differences.

Constructive Role for Government

One of the key functions

if the government is to assist citizens in fulfilling their responsibility to

others in society.

Promotion of Peace

Catholic teachings

promote peace as a positive, action-oriented concept.

Peace is the fruit of

justice and it is dependent upon right order among human beings.