Topic
Faith in Society
Catholic social teaching: human dignity, the common good, the poor, work and care for creation.
Questions about faith in society
All in Q&A
What is Catholic social teaching?
Catholic social teaching is the Church's body of teaching on how to build a just society. Its key principles include the dignity of every human person, the common good, solidarity, subsidiarity, care for the poor and vulnerable, the rights of workers, and care for creation.
Should Robin Hood be considered a hero, given that he stole?
In the story, Robin Hood was reclaiming goods the crown had unjustly taken from the poor through unjust taxation and returning them. The Catechism teaches there is no theft when refusal would be contrary to reason and the universal destination of goods.
Must I give money to panhandlers?
No. There is no obligation to give money to panhandlers, especially those who don't appear to need it or who might waste it. If you support the Church and give to reputable charities, you can gently decline without qualms — and offer shelter information instead.
Does the Church frown on interracial marriage?
No. Marriage is open to any eligible man and woman; race is no obstacle, because all races are equal before God.
Does God want us to be wealthy?
No. Jesus told a rich young man to sell what he had and give to the poor, and said it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for the rich to enter God's kingdom. The Gospels show God's favor focused on the poor; the "gospel of the full stomach" is not the gospel of Jesus.
What guidelines did John Paul II offer for preventing illegal immigration?
The document usually meant is his message of July 25, 1995, "The Church and Illegal Immigration." Its full text is available from EWTN, and Jimmy Akin has written about it.
What is liberation theology?
A movement begun in Latin America in the late 1960s that stressed the Gospel as liberation from earthly poverty and oppression, with little or no emphasis on liberation from sin. Its main problem: Jesus cared for the poor, but came above all to save humanity from sin.
Why does the Church say it's acceptable to be a patriot as well as a Christian?
Patriotism isn't opposed to Christianity. We don't worship our country any more than we worship the people we love. God comes first, but that doesn't mean nothing can come second or third: render to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.
Should there be laws protecting homosexuals from workplace discrimination?
Real injustice should be corrected. If homosexual persons are being unjustly discriminated against at work, society may rightly correct that injustice through legislation.