Key Texts for Nine Themes in Catholic Social Teaching
Theme | Most Important Texts |
The Dignity of Every Person and Human Rights |
Pacem in Terris, 8 - 38 Gaudium et Spes, 12 - 19 Centesimus Annus, 6 - 11 |
Solidarity, Common Good and Participation |
Pacem in Terris, 98 - 108 Gaudium et Spes, 26 - 32 and 68 - 75 Solicituo rei Socialis, 35 - 40 |
Family Life |
Gaudium et Spes, 47 - 52 Octogesima Adveniens, 13 Laborem Exercens, 10 and 19 |
Subsidiary and the Proper Role of Government |
Quadragemiso Anno, 76 - 87 Mater et Magistra, 51 - 77 and 122 - 177 Pacem in Terris, 140 - 141 |
Property Ownership in Modern Society: Rights and Responsibilities |
Quadragemiso Anno, 44 - 52 Mater et Magistra, 51 - 67 and 104 - 121 Centesimus Annus, 30 - 43 |
The Dignity of Work, Rights of Workers and Support for Labor Unions |
Rerum Novarum, 1 -3, 20 - 21 and 31 - 38 Mater et Magistra, 68 - 81 Laborem Exercens, 1 - 27 |
Colonialism and Economic Development |
Mater et Magistra, 157 - 211 Pacem in Terris, 121 - 125 Popolorum Progressio, 1 - 87 |
Peace and Disarmament |
Pacem in Terris, 109 - 119 Gaudium et Spes, 77 - 90 US Bishops' "The Challenge of Peace" |
Option for the Poor and Vulnerable |
Gadium et Spes, I Octogesima Adveniens, 23 Centesimus Annus, II |
1 Thomas Massaro, S.J., Living Justice: Catholic Social Teaching in Action, Lanham,
Maryland: Sheed & Ward, 2000. Table 2, p. 167.
Catholic Statements on the Environment Mentioned in "The Greening of American Catholicism":
- Peace with God the Creator, Peace With all of Creation (John Paul II, World Day of Peace Message, 1 January 1990)
- Renewing the Earth: An Invitation to Reflection and Action on Environment in Light of Catholic Social Teaching (US Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1991)
- At Home in the Web of Life: A Pastoral Message on Sustainable Commitments in Appalachia (Catholic Bishops of Appalachia, 1995)
- Global Climate Change: A Plea for Dialogue, Prudence and the Common Good (US Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2001)
- For I Was Hungry and You Gave Me Food: Catholic Reflections on Food, Farmers, and Farmworkers (US Conference of Catholic Bishops, 2003)
- The Columbia River Watershed: Caring for Creation and the Common Good (Bishops of the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia and Alberta, 2001)