Sociology 3

The Social
Teachings of the
Church

II. HUMAN DIGNITY

References
Compendium

of the Social
Doctrine of the Church
Catechism of the Catholic
Church
DeBerri and Hug, et. al. Catholic
Social Teaching: Our Best Kept
Secret. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis
Books, 2003

Human Dignity
Foundation of
Catholic Social
Teachings

What is Human Dignity?

It refers to the stature that
human beings possess as people
created in the image and likeness
of God. Human dignity is not
conferred on people based on their
reputation, their productivity, or
their self-sufficiency.
ONeil and Black. Essential Moral Handbook.
Ligouri, MN: Ligouri Publications, 2010. p.
303

Foundation of Human Dignity

Trinitarian

Foundation of Human Dignity

From the Father

We are made in Gods image

and likeness (Gen.1:27)

Foundation of Human Dignity

From the Father
Stewardship
Centrality of the
human person in
creation
domination
(Gen.1:28)
= responsibility
and stewardship

Foundation of Human Dignity

From the Father
Human Freedom
absolute
freedom
= guided by
Gods plan/will
(Gen.3:3)
Role of authority
and formation of
consciences

Foundation of Human Dignity

From the Father
Companionship
between Man and
Woman
Intention in the
Creation Story of
Man and Woman
domination/supe
riority of man

Foundation of Human Dignity

From the Father
Companionship
between Man
and Woman
= equality and
complementari
ty
= solidarity
and communion

Foundation of Human Dignity

From the Father
Institution of the day
of rest (Gen.2:2) (CSDC,
284)
Rest from work is a
right
To enable person to
enjoy fruits of labour,
to have family time,
and tend to social,
cultural, and religious
needs/obligations

Foundation of Human Dignity

From the Father
Institution of
the day of rest
Importance of
Sunday
Role of the
government to
ensure there is
rest from work

Foundation of Human Dignity

From the Son
Human nature is
redeemed and
divinized by
Christ (fulfilment
of the protoevangelium of
Gen.3:15)

Foundation of Human Dignity

From the Son
GS, 22; DV, 2: Christ as
Perfect Revealer
Christ fully reveals the truth
about human nature and
makes our supreme calling
clear
By making God at reach, He
elevates our fallen human

Foundation of Human Dignity

From the Son
Supreme Calling:
Exodus
Eph. 4:21-24: Call
to
Transformation
and Conversion
to abandon our
sinfulness and go
back to who we
really are

Created by
Love for

Foundation of Human Dignity

From the Son
Theology of
the Cross:
supreme
Christian proof
of Gods love

Foundation of Human Dignity

From the Son
Sacrifice
burdensome but
= concrete
expression of
love
The Cross has a
mysterious
power to
convert and

Foundation of Human Dignity

From the Holy Spirit
The Holy
Spirit
sanctifies us
(Recall your
Sacraments in
THY 2)
We are
Temples of

Human Dignity and Rights

CCC, 1930: From
human dignity
flow human
rights
Many rights, but
the primary ones
are:
Life, Liberty,
Property

Human Dignity and Rights

Respecting
human dignity =
recognizing and
respecting these
rights
CCC, 1929: human
person = ultimate
end of society
CSDC, 384:
human person =

Human Dignity and Rights

John Paul II,
Encyclical Letter
Redemptor
Hominis, 14:
The human
person is the
primary and
fundamental
way for the

Characteristics of Human
Dignity and Rights (CSDC, 153154)

Universal
Inalienable
Inviolable
Indivisible