Catholic Social Thought and Thereafter

Question: Discuss about the Catholic Social Thought and Thereafter. Answer: Introduction: The aim of the present assignment is to establish a profound essay about the nine distinct principles of Catholic social thought and thereafter its relation and relevance to self and community. More precisely, the intension of this paper is to demonstrate the interrelation between self and community with an insight of the nine core principles of Catholic social thought in a personal commentary manner. Prior to delve into the interrelation between self and community, it is required to have a coherent understanding about the nine principles of Catholic social thought. In this context, it is significant to denote that the phrase Catholic social thought predominantly refers to the reflection of the entire Church on orders of the social life. Most importantly, the principles constructing the main Catholic social thought have not only been initiated by the insights of papal encyclicals, documents of the Bishop and the Church council, but also with the contributions made by the catholic communities around the whole world. According to Thompson (2015), the purpose of establishing Catholic social thought is primarily relied on the fundamental contribution of the Church in response to both concern and the issues of the social life. Human dignity In the words of Johnston (2014), the very first core principle of Catholic social thought is the Human dignity. More specifically, the first principle of Catholic social thought is the life and dignity of the human individual. According to this initial Catholic, social principle, people on the earth regardless of their individual gender, race, nationality and age and financial status, have the right to have complete respect. As per Miller (2016), the first principle is indicative of the fact that every individual deserves respect as the Catholic doctrine believes that human beings are created in the likeness of the God. In this respect, it is to keep in mind that the key underpinning of this principle is related with the concept that human individuals are Gods special creation. Respect for life However, the second principle is respect for human life that indicates that in a human life, every stage is precious; therefore, each of them deserves respect and protection. According to the second principle, from the moment of birth to the end or death, every moment of the human life is sacred. Moreover, the principle contemplates that every moment of human life should be preserved vigilantly. Based on David et al. (2013), in terms of ethics, this principle has been a key issue for the society. Community and the common goal Nevertheless, the third principle of Catholic social life is called the family, community and participation, which says that social institution, is family centered. According to this fundamental principle, family should be supported and its strength should be maximized. Furthermore, this principle instructs that people in the society are created to take part in the community to become social along with sacred. Therefore, they possess the right as well as the obligation to participate in the society and to work cumulatively to promote the welfare of the common people (Csikszentmihalyi 2014). Rights and responsibilities On the other hand, the fourth principle, which is rights and responsibilities, says that every human individual is entitled to the rights, which are inalienable. The key right among the others is considered as the right to life. Most significantly, the main right indicates that for protecting human dignity and achieving a healthy community, every human right should be protected (Miller 2016). Most importantly, according to this principle of CST as a healthy community is determined by the preservation of human rights, with each of the right, there comes a particular responsibility, which every individual should uphold. Common good Possibly, one of the most important principles of CST (Catholic social thought) is the fifth one, which is the common good that includes all those social conditions, which permits every individual to reach to their potential and realize their dignity. According to Guay et al. (2015), the fifth doctrine of CST teaches that people in a society have the duty to strive for the common good that involves peace, security and social well-being. Dignity of work and rights of workers However, the sixth principle of CST- the dignity of work and the rights of the workers implies that the only way to safeguard the dignity of the workers is to respect workers principles. These rights include participation in the Union, productive work, fair wedges and economic initiative. In accordance with this fundamental doctrine, it is to say that the economy of the society should serve people that implicates that the dignity of the workers should be given utmost respect (Johnston 2014). Opinion for the poor and vulnerable Nevertheless, the seventh principle is called the preferential option for the people who are suffering with poverty. The doctrine says that a society is obliged to serve the needs of the vulnerable and poor individuals at the first. Furthermore, the doctrine instructs that a society should put all the needs of the poor as they deserve proper justice (Dale 2014). Stewardship of creation The next principle, named Stewardship implies that the human beings should respect the God or the creator by playing the roles of stewards. More precisely, the principle justifies that human beings are stewards of earth as they are the chief occupants of it (Sharkey 2012). Solidarity However, from the final doctrine of the CST - Solidarity, it has been understood that every person should treat others as their brothers and sisters and should love our neighborhood (Thompson 2015). It is because of the fact that each of the human being is responsible for the happiness of the other. Most significant underpinning of the principle is that human beings are created in Gods image; henceforth everyone in the society should attempt to strive toward the common welfare. Inter-relationship between self and community I believe all the doctrines of CST indicate that the individual concepts of self and community are interrelated. The concept of self means individuals beliefs about their self that largely includes their attributes (Tyler et al. 2014). On the other hand, the concept of community can be defined as a group of individuals who live in a particular locality, make interaction with each other, and share common interest. Considering the fundamental doctrines of the CST, I can say that the relation between self and community relies on the very ground that indicates every individual should work with each other in a community for promoting and increasing the common good. If I consider the last doctrine of the CST, I can strongly state that the concept and responsibility of a community could not have been constructed without the participation of individual self. More precisely, according to my understanding following the fifth principle of CST, it is every human individuals responsibility to serve for the good of the community (Dale 2014). Therefore, I can say that the concept of community could not be accomplished without the concept of self. On the other hand, I should contemplate that the idea of community depends on a mutual policy of give and take through the concerns of the individuals. Henceforth, it is my understanding that is shaped by the nine doctrines of CST that, says that individual selves should be given respect by the society whereas the common good of the society is comprised with the concerns of the individuals. Overall, it can be said that each of the doctrines of CST is indicative of the fact that an appropriate society can be accomplished by fulfilling common good, which is determined by individual participation. From keeping human dignity to playing the role of stewardship and maintaining solidarity, the concepts of sel f and community are related by all the means of each of the principles of CST. 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