Social Doctrine

Social doctrine is that part of the Magisterium of the Church that is concerned with teaching the correct conduct of men in their social life. It applies the teachings of Jesus Christ to life in society, always with the aim of seeking the salvation of souls.

The ultimate goal is the salvation of souls. But the immediate aim of social doctrine is to propose principles and values that contribute to creating a society worthy of man, applying the teachings of Jesus Christ.

The Church elaborates its social doctrine on the basis of four fundamental principles: the dignity of the human person, the common good, subsidiarity, and solidarity. We comment on them below.

The human being possesses great dignity as God's image and as a creature specially loved by God. This singular status is the main foundation for the fitting treatment among men. This principle includes the right to life (abortion, embryo) and to religious freedom; the defense of marriage and the family.

The common good is the good of all men and of each one, including the spiritual aspects. The common good encompasses two great principles:

• The universal destination of goods. The Creator ordered the world for all men. This does not mean that anyone can take what they wish, but that in regulating human relations account must be taken of the development and benefit of others.
• Private property. This is necessary for personal autonomy and freedom. This principle is subordinated to the previous one, so that goods are also used for the benefit of others, with special care toward the poor. This protection does not consist simply in giving them money, but above all in providing them with the formation and necessary means to escape from their poverty.

According to this principle, higher-order societies must adopt an attitude of assistance and promotion toward smaller ones, facilitating their correct initiatives. In special cases they may substitute for them for a brief time. One consequence of subsidiarity is — on the part of citizens — the duty to participate in social life.

Solidarity, or social charity, expresses an idea of unity, cohesion, and collaboration. It is the firm and persevering resolve to commit oneself to the common good. We are dealing here with a habit or virtue — a stable decision to collaborate with others. With all men, since there is truly a bond with everyone, even if one does not feel united to some. Solidarity as part of charity encompasses the other principles.

For social life, there are four great goods that it is fitting to practice, since they are closely linked to the dignity of the human person.

• Truth. It is fitting to resolve situations by seeking the true good, independently of self-interest. In this way many tyrannies are avoided. This matter greatly affects the media and economic fraud.
• Freedom. In the religious, cultural, political, and other spheres. Always within the common good and public order. Without forgetting the true good and the corresponding responsibility, since the aim is to choose good, not evil — deliver us from evil.
• Justice. This is the habit of giving to God and to neighbor what is due to them. Above all, it is important to recognize the dignity of others, regardless of what they possess or what utility they provide. Justice must be based on natural law and it is fitting that it be improved upon by charity and solidarity.
• Charity. Love of neighbor is the supreme criterion of social ethics. If there is charity, there will be truth, justice, freedom, etc. Charity is practiced principally through a spirit of service to others, seeking their good — above all, the good of their souls.

The interior improvement of oneself includes the development of social qualities, and this personal change is the firm foundation of social renewal.

As an example, let us apply these principles and values to the very important field of culture.

• Human dignity, freedom, and the universal destination of goods call for culture and education to be accessible to all. Consequently, there must be free access to the media, freedom of research, parents' right to choose schools, etc.
• Truth and the common good in its spiritual aspect invite culture to be open to truth and to the religious dimension. We must bear in mind that religion grounds morality, and morality is the center of culture.
• Solidarity and truth must influence cultural media.
• Subsidiarity proposes that the State assist educational and cultural initiatives.

In part yes, in part no. Human nature does not change when people gather together, so the ethical principles, the ten commandments, and the virtues to be practiced are the same in both cases; and the summary of loving God and neighbor also coincides in the individual and social spheres. However, for social life it is fitting to give particular attention to the principles and values that have been explained.

No. This is a general mission of men, and in particular of those who govern, who have the money and draft the laws. It is for them to achieve a just distribution of goods. In any case, the Church resolves many social problems through charity. But this is not her mission: Christ did not come to earth to resolve economic difficulties. On the other hand, it is the task of the Church to establish principles and guidelines that indicate possible and erroneous paths, taking into account natural law and the teachings of Jesus Christ.