Responses to Suffering
What are the four common responses to suffering?
Hopelessness, individualism, enlightened self-interest, compassion.
What year was Rerum Novarum written, and by which pope?
1891, Pope Leo XIII.
What is the most fundamental principle of CST?
Life and dignity of the human person.
What three factors shape our worldview?
Culture, experience, and blind spots
What central Old Testament story is a symbol of God freeing people from oppression?
The Exodus
Which response to suffering is modeled by Jesus?
Compassion
What social issues sparked the beginning of modern Catholic social teaching?
Industrial Revolution, capitalism, socialism, Enlightenment ideas
Define the common good
The social condition that allows all people to reach their full potential.
What does Jesus mean when he promises “abundant life” (Jn 10:10)?
life full of dignity, goodness, and flourishing.
In the Beatitudes, whom does Jesus call “blessed”?
The poor, suffering, oppressed.
What does “human dignity” mean?
The worth/value every person has because they are made in God’s image
What is an encyclical?
A letter written by the Pope addressing Church teaching on an issue.
What does subsidiarity mean?
Decisions should be made at the most local level possible
What are the three steps of the circle of faith-in-action?
Awareness, analysis, action.
Give an example of direct action vs. social action.
Direct: serving food at a shelter. Social: advocating for affordable housing laws.
Why might someone respond to suffering with hopelessness?
They don’t believe they can make a difference.
Which document emphasized the dignity of work and rights of workers?
Rerum Novarum (On Capital and Labor)
What is solidarity?
Commitment to the good of all; “we are all responsible for all.”
What are the “two feet of justice”?
Direct action and social action.
Which CST theme is most clearly shown when workers fight for a just wage?
Dignity of work and rights of workers
What is justice, according to the text?
Loving relationships among God, humans, and creation so life can flourish
Why is CST sometimes described as a “bridge”?
It connects timeless Church teaching with modern social issues
Which CST theme calls us to protect the planet?
Care for God’s creation.
What is a “structure of sin”?
Social patterns/relationships that block justice.
If someone ignores injustice because “it doesn’t affect me,” which response to suffering are they choosing?
Individualism