ECONOMIC INJUSTICE
A serious concern of the Church
A few possess extraordinary wealth, while many
possess almost nothing - SOLLICITUDO REI SOCIALIS 28
THE SEARCH FOR HAPPINESS
Attraction of materialism- one mistake we make to
seek happiness by endlessly trying to have more and
earn more
“WE CLAMOR FOR MORE AND MORE, AND ALWAYS
WANT TO GET AHEAD OF OTHERS, AS IF OUR IDENTITY
AND SECURITY DEPEND ON POSSESSING THESE
THINGS”
The more one possesses the more one wants, while
deeper aspirations remain unsatisfied and perhaps even
stifled – SOLLICITUDO REI SOCIALIS 28
Simplicity of lifestyle- opposite of materialism and
consumerism. Way of living that focuses on the
essentials
Simple living- significant way of every individual can
choose to help bring justice to our economy and society
Material satisfaction- is not what can give us a deep
sense of fulfillment, ONLY GOD can give that to us
Genuine Happiness- God’s gift. Experience that springs
from utter dependence on God and love for fellow
human persons
SATISFYING ECONOMIC NEEDS
If we try to satisfy economic needs, we deal not only
with physical but also with spiritual needs because we
are embodied spirits
As personal spirits, we are born, grow of interpersonal
relationships, creating for us a cultural not mere animal,
life under God, our personal transcendental creator-
redeemer – CFC 1145
THE CHRISTIAN VIEW OF MATERIAL GOODS
It is necessary to relate economics with the Christian
beliefs about material goods, these are based on:
I. BASED ON SCRIPTURES
Inspired scripture presents God’s plan of salvation as
manifested in words and deeds
A. CREATED BY GOD
In Genesis creation account, God created and is creating
all things in this world.
1. BASICALLY GOOD
God looks at everything he had made, and he found it
very good – Gn 1:31
Everything that God created has its own laws, order,
values, stability, and truth – GAUDIUM ET SPES 36
“We can find god in all things” – ST. IGNATIUS
2. GOD’S GIFT
When used properly the gifts of God, these things can
be instruments to help us become holy
Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given you besides – MT 6:33;
cf LK 12:31
B. OUR RESPONSIBILITY
When God created the world, He ordered human
persons to exercise dominion over all creation – GN 1:28
WE ARE COMMANDED TO ACT AS STEWARD OF GOD’S
CREATION IN:
1. HUMAN PERSONS OVER MATERIAL THINGS.
Human persons- are more important than temporal
goods
Human Dignity- superiors to the worth of material
things
WE SHOULD NEVER HELD MORE IMPORTANT THAN
OR EQUAL TO US
2. NO ABSOLUTE CONTROL
We do not have absolute control over material goods
God- the Sole Creator and the ultimate owner of
everything
Humans- God’s ‘trustees’
THE INTEGRITRY OD CREATION MUST BE RESPECTED
WITH COMPLETE TEUST IN GOD
C. PART OF JESUS CHRIST’S SALVIFIC MISSION
The Christian attitude toward material things is
definitely tied to Christ’s mission salvation JESUS:
(1) Frees us from greed and self-seeking attitudes
(2) Infuses us instead with respect for others,
sensitivity to our surroundings, and
compassions and generous love for the needy
1. THE DANGER OF RICHES
Jesus showed us the power of riches to gain hold on
us
Jesus Himself saw this danger when He was
tempted by the devil in desert and when he
encountered a rich young man (Mt 4:8-10)
The story of a rich young man- shows one’s
attachment to material possessions.
2. A NEW HIERARCHY OF VALUES
Jesus clarifies our priorities in life and sets a new
hierarchy of values that should ground our work
II. BASED ON CST
1. THE RIGHT TO PRIVATE PROPERTY
The earth is rich but, it doesn’t yield fruit unless we
work
Work- concrete exercise of our intelligence and
freedom to subdue the earth
This right allows humans to meet their temporal needs
It prohibits humans from taking anything or doing
anything that they want without the regard for others
2. UNIVERSAL DESTINATIONS OF GOODS
GAUDIUM ET SPES 69- stresses that our private
property is necessary and good only if it helps us
develop as individuals
ST. JOHN PAUL II “The goods of this world are originally
meant for all” – SOLLICITUDO REI SOCIALIS 42
3. CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Stewardship is actually for our own good
WE HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT
BECAUSE THE DESTRUCTION OF OUR PHYSICAL
ENVIRONMENT IS THE DESTRUCTION OF LIFE
‘WE HAVE NO RIGHT TO EXPLOIT OR DESTROY GOD’S
CREATION’
DOING ECONOMIC
1. DESIRED END
Refers to whatever goal or objective is sought by an
individual or society
MINIMAX (minimum cost, maximum profit) – calls for a
careful reinterpretation and management resources
 2. ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES
The process of making economic decisions includes
appropriating resources

3. ALTERNATIVE USES
The possible uses of the resources available
Law of OPPORTUNITY COST- the cost of using resources
for a certain purpose that is measured in relation to
alternative purpose that was given up
- Helps us to determine how responsible we are
in making our decisions
OUR MORAL OBLIGATION IS TO CONSTANTLY WEIGH
OUR OPTIONS AND GEAR TOWARD WHAT CAN HELP
US FOSTER ECONOMIC JUSTICE