Ten Building Blocks of Catholic Social Teaching
Next, the Principle of Respect for Human Life makes it clear that all humans, in continuation of the ideas originally states in the Principle of Human Dignity, are equal and should be allowed to live life at every stage. This means humans are entitled to life from the very moment of conception, to natural death. In accordance with this ideal, abortions are forbidden and the death penalty is considered to be wrong. The reasons for Pro-Life is because for Catholics, the sacred life in all humans begins at the moment of conception; abortion interupts the natural plan of God by killing off life. Likewise, the death penalty brings life to an unnatural, and untimely death, regarless of the crimes of the accused. I think that life should always be preserved, nomatter what the costs.
Thirdly, the Principle of Association states that it is important how we organize as a society, primarily in relation to our government and how it is establised and run. Government should encourage the dignity of all people and the family unit is the core of the entire entreprise. Striving for the common good should be a constant focus. Fourthly, The Principle of Participation makes it clear how we should participate in the just society showcased in the previous building block. Through our participation we further the human dignity that is entitled to us, but to do so we must actively strive to better society. This may be acheived through a job or proffesion which continues our human participation in God's creation. I believe that human particpation in the world is beneficial for society as a whole, even though a job, at times, may seem to be a burden.
Fifthly, the Principle of Preferential Protection for the Poor and Vulnerable calls for us to treat all peoples with equality by caring for the least among us, regardless if they are poor, sick, or somehow different from ourselves. Once again, this is important because it helps to progress society as a whole and and ultimately improve society. Sixthly, the Principle of Solidarity makes it plain that we are all part of one, huge human family and that we must care for each other like brothers and sisters. In pursuit of the common good that we all strive for, we must constantly "love our neighbors as ourselves." Personally, I think that it is paramount that we care for all those people who "show up" in our path of life. We cannot avoid those who may need our help or assistance.
Seventh on the list of the building blocks is the Principle of Stewardship. Not only must we care for our fellow humans on earth, but we must also care for the very earth itself. This means that we must care and protect the environment, by doing this we may come to a fuller understanding that God is the creator of all things. We must care for these creations even if it seems trivial. Eightly, the Principle of Subsidiarity deals with the government and how it performs its duties to its people. It is important that the government is not oppresive or take too much control away from the people. For me, I feel that a just and fair government fosters the common good in humanity.
Following this comes the Principle of Human Equality which summarizes some of the presceding blocks. This states that all people must be treated in an equal fasion to gurantee their dignity. The tenth, and final block is the Principle of the Common Good. Respect should be shone to all in pursuit of the Common Good. This encompasses many aspects on how we should live good lives; for example such human attributes like, charity, kindness, and consideration. It seems to me that these final two building blocks are the most vital because they encompass the major ideals of the previous principles.
