The Bible and Catholic Social Teaching

The Bible and Catholic Social Teaching

“Catholic social teaching is a central and essential element of our faith.”

– United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, “Catholic Social Teaching,” USCCB, https://www.usccb.org/offices/justice-and-peace/catholic-social-teaching.

Catholic social teaching draws on 4 streams of knowledge:

• The Bible, including specific passages and overarching themes.  (All of Catholic social teaching is based on Scripture, starting with Genesis: We are made in the image of God.)

• Church documents, including encyclicals and other documents written by the popes, documents of Church councils, pastoral letters from conferences of bishops, etc.

• The 7 themes of Catholic Social Teaching identified by the U.S. Catholic bishops.

• Facts and analysis, including an examination of root causes that underlie specific issues.

Themes of Catholic Social Teaching

1.     Life and Dignity of the Human Person - All people are made in the image and likeness of God, so we must protect life and preserve human dignity from the beginning of human life to the end.

• Scriptural Support: Genesis 1:26-31; Luke 10:25-37; Romans 12: 9-18.  For more, see Life and Dignity of the Human Person | USCCB.

• Examples of relevant issues: Abortion; euthanasia; the death penalty; terrorism; war; immigration; racism.

2.     Call to Family, Community, and Participation - All humans are social beings and are called, and must be welcomed, to participate in community.

• Scriptural Support: Romans 12:4-8; 1 Peter 4:8-11; Leviticus  25:23-28,35-43.  For more, see Call to Family Community and Participation | USCCB.

• Examples of relevant issues: Government support for families; education; homelessness; new immigrants in your community; people with disabilities; people on the fringes of society; the role of Christians in politics/government.

3.     Rights and Responsibilities - Everyone has human rights and a duty to care for and share with those who lack what is required for human decency         .

• Scriptural Support: Isaiah 1:16-17; Luke 16:19-31; Psalm 72:1-14.  For more, see Rights and Responsibilities | USCCB.

• Examples of relevant issues: Protection of life; access to food and water; access to shelter and basic health care; education; employment; equal treatment; protection from discrimination, injustice, and oppression; rights of conscience and religion.

4.     Option for the Poor and Vulnerable – We must put the needs of the poor and vulnerable first.

• Scriptural Support: Zechariah 7:8-11; Isaiah 58:6-10; Matthew 25: 31-46.  For more, see Option for the Poor and Vulnerable | USCCB.

• Examples of relevant issues: Poverty; safety net programs; support for people with disabilities; refugees, asylum seekers, and other migrants; people threatened by violence; orphans and children in foster care.

5.     The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers – We must ensure that workers are treated fairly and that their rights are respected.

• Scriptural Support: Deuteronomy 24:14-15; Matthew 20:1-16; James 5:1-6.  For more, see The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers | USCCB.

• Examples of relevant issues: A just/living wage; basic benefits; time off (sick/vacation/family leave); employment training/assistance; fair treatment/equal employment; unions/collective bargaining.

6.     Solidarity – We must stand with others in their struggle for justice and work for the common good of all people.

• Scriptural Support: Proverbs 31:8-9; Psalm 82:3-4; Leviticus 19:33-34; 1 Corinthians 12:12-26.  For more, see Solidarity | USCCB.

• Examples of relevant issues: Advocating for the oppressed, needy, voiceless, migrant, disabled, ill, abused, etc.; humanitarian aid to poor people in other countries; supporting people whose human rights are violated; weighing private interests vs. the common good in society.

7.     Care for God’s Creation – We must be good stewards of creation and protect the environment.

• Scriptural Support: Genesis 2:15; Leviticus 25:18-24; Matthew 6:25-34.  For more, see Care for Creation | USCCB.

• Examples of relevant issues: Air and water pollution; conservation; climate change; location of sites with toxic substances/environmental hazards; contamination of soil and groundwater; waste management; deforestation; surface mining.

For a summary of the 7 themes, see Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching Handout from Catholic Relief Services.

For more information about the 7 themes of Catholic Social Teaching, see Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching | USCCB, which has a separate page on each of the 7 themes, with relevant Scripture passages and excerpts from Church teachings and documents.