Principles of Catholic Social Thought: Self vs. Community

This essay explores the principles of Catholic Social Thought (CST) and their influence on the relationship between the concepts of self and community. It delves into principles such as the dignity of the human person, community and participation, promotion of peace, and rights and responsibilities, explaining how each principle shapes individual self-perception and communal interaction. The essay argues that these principles emphasize the interdependence of self and community, highlighting how actions promoting human dignity and the common good benefit both individuals and society. It concludes that understanding and implementing these principles are essential for fostering healthy relationships and ensuring the well-being of both individuals and the community, advocating for further research and education on CST to promote a society that values both personal growth and communal harmony. Desklib offers a wealth of similar essays and study resources for students.

Running head: PRINCIPLES OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL THOUGHT 1
Principles of Catholic Social Thought and the Relationship between the Concepts of Self and
Community
Name
Institutional Affiliation

PRINCIPLES OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL THOUGHT 2
How the principles of Catholic Social Thought explain the relationship between the
concepts of self and community.
Principles of Catholic Social Thought are the doctrines that guide the Catholic church
concerning issues of human dignity and doing good for individuals in the society. These
principles have a foundation in the scriptures and also teachings of the Catholic church. God has
a plan for each and every one of us and within this plan, these principles set expectations for us.
We are not only expected to live our lives spiritually but also do good actions in every aspect of
our lives from how we pray to how we treat those around us. Therefore these principles give us
how we are expected to act in everyday life so that we ensure that we are in accordance with
God’s plan for us (Massaro, 2015). These principles of Catholic Social Thought (CST) explain
how the concepts of self and community interrelate
There are several principles of Catholic social thought which include the following; the
first principle is the dignity of the human person. It is where an individual has a sense of being
valued, appreciated and pleased in society in accordance with their actions. The Catholic church
holds human life in high regard and thus having human dignity is key to a moral vision in society
and thus they require us to respect and value people in the society. They, therefore, hold the view
that human dignity is key to the social teachings for individuals (Massaro, 2015). The concept of
self is explained in that this principle gives an individual the confidence to value themselves
because when an individual is treated with the dignity they get confident and thus they will easily
prosper. The concept of community is promoted by this principle in that when we treat people in
the society with the dignity it ensures that they do actions for the common good of the
community. The relationship between the two shows up in instances that individuals are treated

PRINCIPLES OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL THOUGHT 3
with the dignity it means that the community will benefit from this and thus both the individual
and community reap their benefits (Papacharissi, 2010).
Next is community and participation which is explained as where humans work together
in solidarity for the common good of the society and it is encouraged by the Catholic church. As
humans we are made to be not only sacred but also be social creatures thus we are supposed to
work together for the common good and everyone has a right to reap the benefits especially the
poor and needy in the society (Massaro, 2015). Therefore this principle reminds us that we are
responsible for the well being of those around us. The concept of self is explained by this
principle in that an individual can prosper in a society that works together for the common good
and the concept of community shows up because we are social creatures and thus when working
together creates a community. These two concepts are related in that when this principle is put in
action it ensures that individuals reap the positives from communities working together for the
common good while the community also benefits especially those in need(Papacharissi, 2010).
Another principle is the promotion of peace. The Catholic church recognizes peace as a
positive thing and thus encourages us to ensure that there is always peace not only within us but
with others. Peace is explained as not only the absence of war but also the presence of mutual
respect and confidence between individuals and countries. The teachings on peace by the
Catholic church is closely related to its teachings on justice this, therefore, shows a relationship
between peace and justice (Massaro, 2015). Hence this principle expects individuals to be
peacemakers wherever they go by bringing forgiveness and using nonviolent means to bring
reconciliation in a time of adversity. The concept of self is explained in that when an individual
is at peace with themselves it ensures that they have the ability to prosper in life while the
concept of community is seen in that when people are at peace in a society, they will live

PRINCIPLES OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL THOUGHT 4
together well and thus the community will prosper (Papacharissi, 2010). Therefore the
relationship between the two concepts is seen when there is peace in a community it means that
an individual will easily prosper because they can easily relate with others in the society and
work well together and thus everyone will reap the benefits.
The final principle is rights and responsibilities. It is where human rights are respected
and every individual performs their responsibilities when expected for the good of self and
community. This principle encourages us to observe human rights and also meet our
responsibilities. A healthy community is achieved by ensuring this is done. Every individual has
the right to life and also to access basic needs such as food, shelter, employment, clothes,
education and proper healthcare all of which ensures there is the promotion of human decency
(Massaro, 2015). In correspondence to this when our rights are observed we all have
responsibilities and duties to the community. The concept of self is seen when our rights are
observed and the concept of community is seen where individuals meet their duties and
responsibilities. The relationship between this two is seen when human rights are observed and
individuals meet their responsibilities thus ensuring that a person not only prospers but also the
community does so (Papacharissi, 2010).
In conclusion, these principles of CST are important in everyday life since they help us
navigate everyday life while ensuring that we respect everyone in society. the principles explain
the relationship between self and community with the general concept that relationships are
important in everyday life and these principles aid in maintaining these relationships. These
principles force individuals to work in communities for their own benefit and also for the good of
society. More research on this topic should be done and information given for individuals o read
on so that they know what is expected of them thus ensuring that the common good is done

PRINCIPLES OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL THOUGHT 5
always for both the community and the individual. Thus self and community are nothing without
the other and are basically interdependent.

PRINCIPLES OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL THOUGHT 6
References
Massaro, T. (2015). Living justice: Catholic social teaching in action. Rowman & Littlefield.
Papacharissi, Z. (Ed.). (2010). A networked self: Identity, community, and culture on social
network sites. Routledge.