LESSON I

THE NATURE OF THE SOCIAL TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH

OBJECTIVES

These are our learning outcomes and Benedictine value, as we discuss this week's lesson:
1. Understand the nature of the Social Teachings of the Church; and
2. Appreciate Church’s effort to bring about integral human development and social
transformation.

VALUE- FOCUS: DEPENDABILITY (Maaasahan) is the ability to work responsibly on the task
entrusted to us.

EXPOSITION
The Catholic Church has been established by Jesus Christ as mother and teacher of nations, so that
all who in the course of centuries come to her loving embrace may find salvation as well as the
fullness of a more excellent life. To this Church, the pillar and mainstay of the truth (cf. 1 Tim.
3:15), her most holy Founder has entrusted the double task of begetting sons unto herself, and of
educating and governing those whom she begets, guiding with maternal providence the life both of
individuals and of peoples. The lofty dignity of this life, she has always held in the highest respect
and guarded with watchful care. (Mater et Magistra, Pope John XXIII)

WHAT IS MEANT BY SOCIAL TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH?

➢ It is the accurate formulation of the results of a careful reflection on the complex realities
of human existence, in society and in the international order, in the light of faith and of the
church tradition (Sollicitudo Rei Socialis 102, John Paul II / Compendium of the Social
Doctrine of the Church 72).
➢ It is the application of the Word of God to people’s lives and society, offering
principles for reflection, criteria for judgment and directives for action (Centesimus Annus,
John Paul II).
➢ It is a systematized body of moral teachings on political and economic issues
communicated through the ordinary Magisterium of the Church. These teachings are
ordinarily expressed in the form of Encyclicals. An Encyclical is a letter addressed by the
Pope to all bishops of the whole Church intended for wide or general circulation.

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 ➢ It is a teaching given by the living Magisterium of the Church, that means by the Pope and
Bishops, speaking in the name of the mission and the power of teaching entrusted by Christ to
the apostles and their successors. It is a teaching applied to the social problems of our time; a
light given by the Church in order to help peoples to organize a more humane society in
accordance with God’s plan for the world.

AIMS OF THE CHURCH’S SOCIAL TEACHINGS

➢ To interpret human realities / social situations whether they are in conformity with or in
divergence from the Gospel, i.e., the gospel’s teaching on man and his vocation (SRS 41);
➢ To guide Christian behaviour, that is, how to respond to social situations which, in
turn, gives rise to a commitment to justice.

ELEMENTS OF THE SOCIAL TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH

The Social Teachings of the Church contains the following:

a) Truth—moral and religious truths—which enlighten Christians on the nature and

dignity of man;
b) Principles and norms that must be applied in public and private relationships
(moral behaviour concerning family life, economy politics, etc.); and
c) Values that Christians must respect, defend, and cherish.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SOCIAL TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH

A. Permanent Character: The Social Teachings of the Church, since it is based on the Bible,
Sacred Tradition and Natural Law, is valid at all times, for all peoples and for all places
(rooted in the Gospel truths / values that are valid and permanent, i.e., human dignity,
common good, justice, peace, etc. which need to be preserved and upheld).

B. Evolutionary Character: The Social Teachings of the Church adopts its principles to the
existing social situations in a given particular period of history. It also means that because of
the changing social situations, the social teaching of the Church evolves; it has to be
interpreted and applied according to changing and varying situations where the Church is in
(CST is continually updated and developed).

Example: On Private Property

1) Rerum Novarum: It states that private property is inviolable; it is sacred in the context
against Communism, in which property becomes common (RN 15, 55, 65, 67).
2) Mater et Magistra: It states that the right to private property is subordinate to the
common good, for the goods of the earth is meant for all.

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WHERE CAN WE FIND THE SOCIAL TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH?

The Social Teachings of the Church may be found in the following loci of magisterial teachings:

1) Papal pronouncements / proclamations particularly those on matters of faith and

morals.
2) Apostolic Letters or Encyclical Letters. Encyclicals are, originally, letters meant to be
passed around. Its name came from Greek words, “en” (in) and “kyklos” (circle), which
combine to form “enkyklike” or to go in circle. Encyclical letters, therefore, are letters that are
meant to be passed around until it is returned back to the original sender. But today, it is a lot
different due the advancement in printing. (An encyclical is a letter addressed by the pope to
all bishops of the whole Church for wide or general circulation).
3) Code of Canon Law.
4) Pronouncements made by Ecumenical Councils. An ecumenical council is a meeting of all
bishops that belong to the college of bishops under the leadership of the Pope.
5) Pronouncements made by the Synod of Bishops. A Synod of Bishops is a meeting of
Bishops selected from different parts of the world in order to assist the Pope on certain
matters.

SOURCES OF THE SOCIAL TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH

The Basic sources and foundation of Catholic Social Teachings are:
➢ Divine Revelation, as contained in the Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Tradition, as
faithfully interpreted and transmitted by the Church’s Magisterium;
➢ Natural Law, which is inscribed by the Creator in man’s very being as understood by his
intelligence. Natural law is interpreted and authenticated by the Magisterium or the
teaching authority of the Church and is applied to the present day experiences of the
people.

But running parallel to these sources are the contributions derived from human reason and
experience. The CST is developed by using the resources of human wisdom and modern sciences
through the assistance of learned priests, religious, laity, theologians, scientists, technologists, and
other thinkers.
This teaching authority is the guardian and interpreter of all official teachings in the Church. It is not
above the Word of God but serves it and explains it faithfully in accord with the divine commission
and with the help of the Holy Spirit.

THINGS TO PONDER:

1. As a member of the Catholic Church, what can you do to make the Social Teachings of the
Church known and practice by other Catholics and by others who are men of good will?
a. Think about the present situation of the community or barangay where you live in.
Give at least 5 characteristics of this place (those which really describe it).
b. When will your community be a real Community of faith?
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 c. Draw a symbol that depicts your dream community.
2. Should the Church involve in the social problems? Why or why not? Cite biblical
foundation.
3. What is the role of the Church in society?
Supplementary Reading: Is it time for a militant Church?
By: Asuncion David Maramba - @inquirerdotnet Philippine
Daily Inquirer / 05:02 AM September 17, 2017
https://opinion.inquirer.net/107175/time-militant-church

Sources/ References:
a. Sollicitudo Rei Socialis (SRS), On the Twentieth Anniversary of Populorum Progressio,
Pope John Paul II, 30 December 1987. https://bit.ly/1WJB2EX
b. Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church
(CSDC). Manila: Word & Life Publication 2004. https://bit.ly/IHnkOw
c. Centesimus Annus (CA), Commemorating the Hundredth Anniversary of Rerum Novarum,
Pope John Paul II, 15 May 1991. https://bit.ly/1BgALf1
d. Rerum Novarum (RN), On the Condition of Labor, Pope Leo XIII, 15 May 1891.
https://bit.ly/12fQ8aH

Reflection Paper #1: As a member of the Catholic Church, what can you do to make the Social
Teachings of the Church known and practiced by others?

That in all things God may be glorified.