+'module 1: GENERAL Orientation
+'module 1: GENERAL Orientation
+'module 1: GENERAL Orientation
ORIENTATION
In this module, we will review and
familiarize the USA Vision-
Mission-AGA, the nature,
elements, and principles of the
Social Teachings of the Church.
Here, we will come to appreciate
the importance of studying
Theology 5 in relation to our
being an Augustinian. It is good
for us to review the university’s
vision, mission and graduate
attributes, which you have
been memorizing since last year,
so that we can focus again on
what we want to become
as Augustinians.
Activity 2c: Lecture Presentation: Nature, elements and characteristics, and principles of the
Social Teachings of the Church 20-30 mins.
THEO_5-STC_Meaning_nature_elements_characteristics_and_principles.pptx
Write on our discussion board the 7 principal themes of the Social Teachings of
the Church which you learned from the video.
The 7 Principal themes of the Social Teaching of the Church are as follows:
LIFE AND DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON - God created us in his his image and makes us like him,
because of this we believe that each person has inherent dignity and has worth beyond money or
power.
CALL TO FAMILY, COMMUNITY, AND PARTICIPATION - its where we learn to love and how to get along.
The church teaches that this relationship is sacred and that it should be nurtured by society.
RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES - there are fundamental rights that everyone has regardless of who they
are and where they live: The right to food, clothes, shelter, education and healthcare and in addition to
being able to choose those who govern. With rights also comes responsibilities. To advocate for just
laws, to be proactive and providing for oneself and family. Caring for others and being a productive part
of society.
OPTION FOR THE POOR AND VULNERABLE - We should worry about for those who suffer the most.
When there is money to give that's where we should put it.
THE DIGNITY OF WORK AND RIGHTS OF WORKERS - the purposes of work are two-fold, to be able to
provide for oneself and family and to provide a sense of fulfillment and self worth. Everyone has an
obligation to work if they can. Everyone has the right to honest work and no job is unimportant. Pay and
benefits should be fair and working conditions respectful of ones dignity.
SOLIDARITY - everyone, no matter who they are or their situation in life are our brothers and sisters. We
are all connected and responsible for each other's welfare.
CARE FOR GOD'S CREATION - God created the earth for us and we should be good towards the earth
and to all that lives and grows. We must be sensitive to protecting the environment and we ought to be
ethical in our treatment of animals. The earth is our home that must be respected for and cared for.
• 2. Is the application of the Word of God to people’s lives and society, offering principles for
reflection, criteria for judgment and directives for action (Centissimus Annus).
• 4. Is a teaching given by the living Magisterium of the Church that means by the Pope and
Bishops speaking in the name of the mission and the power of teaching entrusted by Christ to
the apostles and their successors.
• 5. It is a teaching applied to the social problems of our time; a light given by the Church in order
to help peoples to organize a more humane society in accordance with God’s plan for the world.
(Lucie de Noel).
• 2. To guide Christian behavior, that is, how to respond to social situations which in turn
give rise to a commitment to justice.
• b. Principles and norms that must be applied in public and private relationships (moral
behavior concerning family life, economy politics, etc.)
• Permanent Character – The Social Teachings of the Church, since it is based on the Bible, Sacred
Tradition and Natural Law, it is always valid at all times, for all peoples and for all places. Divine
revelation
• Evolutionary Character – The Social Teachings of the Church adopts its principles to the existing
social situations in a given particular period of History. It also means that because of the changing
social situation, the social teaching of the Church evolves; it has to be interpreted and applied
according to changing and varying situations where the Church is in. (CST is continually updated &
developed)
The Social Teachings of the Church may be found in the following loci of magisterial teaching
(Montemayor, 1988 p. 2):
• 2. Apostolic Letters or Encyclical Letters. Encyclicals are originally letters meant to be passed
around. Its name came from Greek words “en”- in, “kyklos”- circle, which combine to form
“enkyklike” or to go in circle. Encyclical letters, therefore, are letters that are meant to be passed
around until it is back to the original sender. But today it’s a lot difference due the advancement
of printing. (Encyclical is a letter addressed by the pope to all bishops of the whole church for
wide or general circulation.)
• 1. Rerum Novarum
• 2. Quadragesimo Anno
• 3. Mater et Magistra
• 4. Populorum Progressio
• 5. Caritas in Veritate
• v Divine Revelation as contained in the Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Tradition as faithfully
interpreted and transmitted by the Church’s Magisterium
• v Natural Law which is inscribed by the Creator in man’s very being as understood by his
intelligence. Natural law is interpreted and authenticated by the Magisterium or the teaching
authority of the Church and applied to the present day experiences of the people.
• But running parallel to this sources are the contributions derived from human reason and
experience. The STC is developed by using the resources of human wisdom and modern sciences
through the assistance of learned priests, religious, laity, theologians, scientists, technologists,
and other thinkers.
• This teaching authority is the guardian and interpreter of all official teachings in the church. It is
not above the Word of God but serves it and explains it faithfully in accord with the divine
commission and with the help of the Holy Spirit.
1. it presents “principles for reflection, criteria for judgment, and directives for action oriented
towards moral conduct that promotes a just society
2. 2. Stc is necessary for the formation of social consciences (pcp ii)
3. -Knowledge and interiorization of the social teachings is necessary
In the nineteenth century, events of an economic nature produced a dramatic social, political and
cultural impact. Events connected with the Industrial Revolution profoundly changed centuries-old
societal structures, raising serious problems of justice and posing the first great social question — the
labour question — prompted by the conflict between capital and labour.
In this context, the Church felt the need to become involved and intervene in a new way: the
res novae (“new things”) brought about by these events represented a challenge to her teaching
and motivated her special pastoral concern for masses of people.
1. Industrial Revolution – The Invention of Machines. The advent of machines has changed the
picture of the economic life. It has created a shift from an agricultural to an industrial economy
in Western Europe. This shift resulted in the congregation of the huge masses of workingmen
around the emerging industrial centers. This is what we call “Urbanization.”
2. Capitalism- which makes use of the machines solely for profit. The economic theories of
Capitalism guided the above industrial growth.
Main Tenets of Capitalism: In Populorum Progressio, Pope Paul VI describes also Neo –liberal
capitalism as follows:
Profit for profits sake. Profit at all cost! Capital has priority over labor. Material profit over
human beings is the rule of the thumb. Money assumes more value than people. People
become object, not subject, to be harnessed for making profit.
The supreme law is competition, unlimited and free. In fact, this is the sole guiding rule in
economic life.
Survival of the fittest! Big fish eats the small fish! Big businesses kill the small businesses.
Ordinary or small people have no place in the system.
The owner has no social obligation. He/she does not have responsibility for the common good.
The owner can do as he/she pleases; what to produce, how to produce, what price tag to attach
to the product. Owner’s rights have no limits. Sky is the limit. And all for the sake of profit. (Alay
Kapwa 1998 Resource Book 56)
“As it is well known, the outlook that prevailed on economic matters was the most part a purely
naturalistic one, which denied any correlation between economics and morality. It was alleged
that the only motive of economic action was personal profit. The supreme rule regulating the
relations between economic agents was free competition without limit. Interest on capital prices
of goods and services, profits, and wages were determined by the purely mechanical application
of the laws of the market. The state it was held should refrain from all intervention in the
economic field. Trade unions, according to the conditions of different countries, were forbidden,
tolerated, or considered to have legal personality I private law.” (MM #11)
Rise of Marxist Socialism. The economic misery of the masses was such that a number of
socialist groups arose and these took up the cause of the masses. The most prominent of these
socialist, Marxist Socialism, proposed radical changes that affect not only the economic sphere
but also the basic institutions of society. In addition, it maintained that these changes could be
brought about only through CLASS STRUGGLE. All this created an atmosphere ripe for violent
change.
Synthesis:
The Catholic Church, faced with this widespread economic oppression and with the threat of
violence from Marxist socialism, had to come out with a position on the economic issues of the
day.
Since these issues involved Christians on both sides, the Church position had to come from
her central authority in order to show her deep concern for them and also to avoid any sign of
vested interest.
This position was expressed through Leo XIII’s RERUM NOVARUM. This document became
the first official social teaching of the Church. A line of documents followed it.
It is clear then, that Rerum Novarum and the other social documents that came after it form
in the strict sense of the word, the SOCIAL TEACHINGS OF THE CHURCH.
Message:
Message:
States need to reform greedy capitalist systems to which they have become slaves.
Context: Science and technology advance in developed nations, while millions live in poverty in
Third World.
Message:
Context: Cold War, erection of Berlin Wall (1961), Cuban Missile Crisis (1962).
Message:
Peace ensured through social rights and responsibilities-- between people; between
citizens and public authorities; between states; among nations.
Message:
Church is not separate from the world, but intimately intertwined with it.
Assesses the rapid cultural changes and technological advances in the light of the
Gospel.
Overall warm and optimistic tone, but reflects pastoral concern for faith, family,
transcendent destiny of man.
Context: World verging on recession. In U.S., see civil rights and women’s movements, Vietnam
war protests.
Message:
Urbanization has presented problems, especially the “new poor” – cities’ elderly,
handicapped and marginalized.
Message:
Structural injustices and oppression must be met by liberation rooted in justice. God is
“liberator of the oppressed.”
Message:
Context: Great numbers of people are unemployed, migrant workers exploited. Both capitalist
and communist systems exploiting the worker.
Message:
Work is part of man’s vocation and dignity, participation in God’s creative work. Has
spiritual dimension.
Work must serve the family, with special consideration for working mothers.
Steps must be taken to assure that disabled can participate in dignity of work.
Message:
Employment policy, tax and welfare systems, farm support, role of U.S. in world trade
should be examined.
Context: World economy in flux – debt, unemployment and recession hitting both rich and poor
nations.
Message:
Critiques economic gap between northern and southern hemispheres and global debt.
Should be one united world.
Critiques consumerism and waste, as well as international trade practices that hurt
developing nations.
Message:
Gives qualified support to free market as most efficient system for utilizing resources
and responding to needs. Free market also recognizes freedom of human person.
Message:
Gives overview of threats to human life both past and present, and brief history of the
many Biblical prohibitions against killing.
Context: First Encyclical of Benedict XVI. Comes in the midst of a culture of relativism.
Message:
Part Two: Affirms the Church’s irreplaceable vocation to carry the charity of
Christ into a world in need.
Context: Worldwide economic crisis centered on weakness in financial institutions and the
collapse of the housing market.
Message:
True human development requires charity lived out in truth, including respect for the
common good, religious freedom, and the sanctity of human life. Only an economy of
communion, a business ethic centered in persons and not in profit, will be a sufficient
response to the present economic and financial crisis.
Welcome to Module 2 !
In this module, we will try to understand the meaning and mission of the
Church as well as the purposes and historical development of the Social Teachings of
the Church. It is a sad fact that many Catholics are not familiar with the basic content
of Catholic social teaching, and they do not adequately understand that the social
mission of the Church is an essential part of Catholic faith. Hopefully, this lesson will
help deepen our Christian faith as Augustinians.
Module 2: Learning Objectives
At the end of the module, the students shall be able to:
1. manifest clear knowledge and understanding that the Social Teachings of the
Church is the Church’s social mission.
2. recognize the Church’s efforts in helping the people in times of crisis.
3. make a prayer to show support to the church's social mission
Module 2: Course Content: THE CHURCH’S SOCIAL MISSION
Topic 1: Meaning of the Church
We ask this prayer in the name of Jesus who pushes back the horizons of our hopes and
invited the brave to follow Him. Amen.
Activity 1a: Reflect and share (Synchronous) 10-15 mins
Instructions:
1. Draw an object that symbolizes your idea of the "Church". Explain briefly how that
objects represents the Church
2. Share your drawing and explanation in our discussion board. You will get 10pts. for this
task.
Activity 1b: Video clip presentation: 10-20 mins
Activity 1c: Lecture Presentation: Meaning of the Church(Synchronous) 30-40 mins
Look for video clips about the Church’s efforts in helping people in times of crisis,
especially during this time of covid 19 pandemics. (Offline)
(For non connectivity students)
Look for news clips about the Church’s efforts in helping people in times of crisis.
Make a collage of these clips.
B. Prayer writing (CO3) Make a personal prayer showing your support to the church’s
social mission.
Question 1
STC are ordinarily expressed in the form of Encyclicals.
Question 2
A source of STC contained in the Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Tradition as faithfully
interpreted and transmitted by the Church’s Magisterium
Question 3
7 Themes of the STC.
Question 5
STC is given by the living Magisterium of the Church that means by the Pope and Bishops
speaking in the name of the mission and the power of teaching entrusted by Christ to the
apostles and their successors.
Question 6
A premier academic community of life-long learners working with one mind and one heart to
search for, discover and share the Truth for the promotion of authentic human and societal
development.
Question 7
Elements of the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church
Question 8
Source of STC which is inscribed by the Creator in man’s very being as understood by his
intelligence.
Question 9
An Encyclical is a letter addressed by the Pope to all bishops only.
Question 10
Characteristics of STC
Question 11
A transformative community builder oriented towards God, a restless critical and creative
thinker, a social communicator of the Truth
Question 12
_____ is the application of the Word of God to people’s lives and society, offering principles for
reflection, criteria for judgment and directives for action
Question 13
The University of San Agustin is an Augustinian, Catholic and Filipino educational institution
that aims to form the members of its academic community in Virtus et Scientia to serve Western
Visayas, the Philippines and the world.
Question 14
STC is a systematized body of moral teachings on political and economic issues communicated
through the ordinary Magisterium of the Church.
Question 15
STC is applied to the social problems of our time; a light given by the Church in order to help
peoples to organize a more humane society in accordance with God’s plan for the world.
O Lord, our Lord, how glorious is your name over all the earth! You
have exalted your majesty above the heavens.
Out of the mouths of babies and sucklings you have fashioned praise
because of your foes, to silence the hostile and the vengeful.
When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and
the stars which you set in place - What is man that you should be
mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him?
You have made him little less than the angels, and crowned him with
glory and honor. You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
putting all things under his feet: all sheep and oxen, yes, and the
beasts
f the field, the birds of the air, the fishes of the sea, and whatever
swims the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how glorious is your
name over all the earth!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was
in
the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen!
Welcome to Module 3!
In this module, we will study the most important character in the course of the
Social Teachings of the Church, the very important creature and masterpiece of
God, the Human Person. This topic was already taken up in our Moral Theology.
In this module, we will focus only on the dignity of the human person based in his
nature as a social being and human rights and responsibilities.
• Values:
Persons In Christ:
• For Christians, the answer can only be grounded in Jesus Christ himself. In Christ and through
Christ, we have acquired full awareness of our dignity, of the heights to which we are raised, of
the surpassing worth of our humanity, and of the meaning of our existence”. “For by his
incarnation, the Son of God has united himself in some fashion with every person”
• Christ reveals how the essential dignity of all persons is grounded directly on their origin,
meaning and destiny.
• All human rights, personal and social, all moral duties and responsibilities, all virtues and moral
character—all depend directly on the answers we give to the questions:
• 2. CONSCIOUS BEING
• 3. EMBODIED SPIRIT
• 4. HISTORICAL
• The person is placed in the world with others. We need the world (family, country) in order to
live, to eat, and to be clothed, to shelter.
• No man is an island; we grow into our full selves as persons only in relating to others. To be a
human person is to be directed toward others. We realize being a person means: THE BS’
• This is how the Holy Spirit works not only within but among us as the people of God journeying
toward our common destiny in God.
3. Conscious beings
3. Embodied spirit
• All our relationships with others and with God are expressed through our bodies, which are the
“natural sacrament” of our spiritual depth.
• Man is open to Transcendence – because of man’s spiritual reality, man is open to the Infinite
(God) and to all created things.
• Openness to God: With his intellect and will, man raises himself above all the created order and
above himself, he becomes independent from creatures, is free in relation to created things and
tends towards Total Truth and the Absolute Good. (CSDC # 130)
4. Historical
• In all men, there is a common, universal reality, human nature-“our common humanity”.
(Yet each of us is called to “image” God in a unique way- no one can “take our place,” as it were. Each
one has his own individuality. Each one of us is a unique reality, singular, distinct from one another.)
• The fundamental equality of all individual persons also grounds the participation and
solidarity/ unity of all the peoples.
• In all men, there is a common, universal reality, human nature-“our common humanity”.
• Despite physical differences as well as differing intellectual and moral powers, we instinctively
realize that as persons, in some basic way, we are all equal. This is what our Faith explains: “All
men are endowed with a rational soul and are created in God’s image; they have the same
nature and origin and, being redeemed by Christ, they enjoy the same divine calling and destiny,
there is a basic equality between all men” (GS 29).
• Yet each of us is called to “image” God in a unique way- no one can “take our place,” as it were.
Each one has his own individuality. Each one of us is a unique reality, singular, distinct from one
another.
• To each of us Christ says: “Fear not. For I have called you by your name and you were mine” (Is
43:1).
• We are all equal; we recognize the unique identity of each person despite of our color, race,
culture, beliefs, and status in life. etc.
• The fundamental equality of all individual persons also grounds the participation and solidarity/
unity of all the peoples.
• “Since God the Father is the origin and purpose of all people, we are all called to be
brothers/sisters. Therefore, if we have been summoned by the same destiny, which is both
human and divine, we can and should work together to build up the world in genuine peace”
(GS 92).
Module 4: Overview
● Think about your family, post your experience about your family.
● Briefly share your experience in our discussion board.
Module 4 – Activity 1d: Exposition (35 minutes).
● The conjugal family is established upon the consent of the spouses. Marriage and the
family are ordered for the good of the spouses and to the procreation and education of
children. The love of the spouses and the begetting of children create among members of
the same family personal relationships and primordial responsibilities. (CCC2201).
● The Christian family constitutes a specific revelation and realization of ecclesial
communion, and for this reason it can and should be called a domestic church.
(CCC2204).
● The family is the original cell of social life. It is the natural society in which husband
and wife are called to give themselves in love and in the gift of life. Authority, stability
and a life of relationships within the family constitutes the foundation for freedom,
security and fraternity within society. The family is the community in which, from
childhood, one can learn moral values, begin to honor God and make good use of
freedom. Family life is an initiation into life in society (CCC 2207).
● The family should live in such a way that its members learn to care and take
responsibility for the young, the old, the sick, the handicapped, and the poor. There are
many families who at times incapable of providing this help. It devolves then on other
persons, other families and, in a subsidiary way, society to provide for their needs:
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans
and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (CCC
2208).
● The importance of the family for the life and well-being of society (GS 47) entails a
particular responsibility for society to support and strengthen marriage and family. Civil
authority should consider it a grave duty “to acknowledge the true nature of marriage
and the family, to protect and foster them, to safeguard public morality and promote
domestic prosperity (CCC 2210).
Overview:
The Church was commissioned by the Lord to preach the Good News to all people in
order to form them to be Christ-like. It includes all kinds of institution and most
importantly, the family.
Welcome to Module 2 !
In this module, we will try to understand the meaning and mission of the
Church as well as the purposes and historical development of the Social Teachings of
the Church. It is a sad fact that many Catholics are not familiar with the basic content
of Catholic social teaching, and they do not adequately understand that the social
mission of the Church is an essential part of Catholic faith. Hopefully, this lesson will
help deepen our Christian faith as Augustinians.
Module 2: Learning Objectives
At the end of the module, the students shall be able to:
1. manifest clear knowledge and understanding that the Social Teachings of the
Church is the Church’s social mission.
2. recognize the Church’s efforts in helping the people in times of crisis.
3. make a prayer to show support to the church's social mission
Module 2: Course Content: THE CHURCH’S SOCIAL MISSION
B. Prayer writing (CO3) Make a personal prayer showing your support to the church’s
social mission.
Question 1
STC are ordinarily expressed in the form of Encyclicals.
Question 2
A source of STC contained in the Sacred Scriptures and Sacred Tradition as faithfully
interpreted and transmitted by the Church’s Magisterium
Question 3
7 Themes of the STC.
Question 5
STC is given by the living Magisterium of the Church that means by the Pope and Bishops
speaking in the name of the mission and the power of teaching entrusted by Christ to the
apostles and their successors.
Question 6
A premier academic community of life-long learners working with one mind and one heart to
search for, discover and share the Truth for the promotion of authentic human and societal
development.
Question 7
Elements of the Social Teachings of the Catholic Church
Question 8
Source of STC which is inscribed by the Creator in man’s very being as understood by his
intelligence.
Question 9
An Encyclical is a letter addressed by the Pope to all bishops only.
Question 10
Characteristics of STC
Question 11
A transformative community builder oriented towards God, a restless critical and creative
thinker, a social communicator of the Truth
Question 12
_____ is the application of the Word of God to people’s lives and society, offering principles for
reflection, criteria for judgment and directives for action
Question 13
The University of San Agustin is an Augustinian, Catholic and Filipino educational institution
that aims to form the members of its academic community in Virtus et Scientia to serve Western
Visayas, the Philippines and the world.
Question 14
STC is a systematized body of moral teachings on political and economic issues communicated
through the ordinary Magisterium of the Church.
Question 15
STC is applied to the social problems of our time; a light given by the Church in order to help
peoples to organize a more humane society in accordance with God’s plan for the world.
O Lord, our Lord, how glorious is your name over all the earth! You
have exalted your majesty above the heavens.
Out of the mouths of babies and sucklings you have fashioned praise
because of your foes, to silence the hostile and the vengeful.
When I behold your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and
the stars which you set in place - What is man that you should be
mindful of him, or the son of man that you should care for him?
You have made him little less than the angels, and crowned him with
glory and honor. You have given him rule over the works of your hands,
putting all things under his feet: all sheep and oxen, yes, and the
beasts
f the field, the birds of the air, the fishes of the sea, and whatever
swims the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how glorious is your
name over all the earth!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was
in
the beginning is now and ever shall be world without end. Amen!
Welcome to Module 3!
In this module, we will study the most important character in the course of the
Social Teachings of the Church, the very important creature and masterpiece of
God, the Human Person. This topic was already taken up in our Moral Theology.
In this module, we will focus only on the dignity of the human person based in his
nature as a social being and human rights and responsibilities.
Module 4: Overview
● Think about your family, post your experience about your family.
● Briefly share your experience in our discussion board.
Module 4 – Activity 1d: Exposition (35 minutes).
● The conjugal family is established upon the consent of the spouses. Marriage and the
family are ordered for the good of the spouses and to the procreation and education of
children. The love of the spouses and the begetting of children create among members of
the same family personal relationships and primordial responsibilities. (CCC2201).
● The Christian family constitutes a specific revelation and realization of ecclesial
communion, and for this reason it can and should be called a domestic church.
(CCC2204).
● The family is the original cell of social life. It is the natural society in which husband
and wife are called to give themselves in love and in the gift of life. Authority, stability
and a life of relationships within the family constitutes the foundation for freedom,
security and fraternity within society. The family is the community in which, from
childhood, one can learn moral values, begin to honor God and make good use of
freedom. Family life is an initiation into life in society (CCC 2207).
● The family should live in such a way that its members learn to care and take
responsibility for the young, the old, the sick, the handicapped, and the poor. There are
many families who at times incapable of providing this help. It devolves then on other
persons, other families and, in a subsidiary way, society to provide for their needs:
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans
and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world. (CCC
2208).
● The importance of the family for the life and well-being of society (GS 47) entails a
particular responsibility for society to support and strengthen marriage and family. Civil
authority should consider it a grave duty “to acknowledge the true nature of marriage
and the family, to protect and foster them, to safeguard public morality and promote
domestic prosperity (CCC 2210).
Overview:
The Church was commissioned by the Lord to preach the Good News to all people in
order to form them to be Christ-like. It includes all kinds of institution and most
importantly, the family.
Origin of marriage.
God instituted marriage
“ And the Lord God said, it is not good that the man should be alone: I will make him an help meet for
him” Genesis 2:8.
Since marriage was instituted by the unchanging God, His plan, pattern and purpose for it has not
changed.
What is Marriage?
a union between a single man and a single woman
An adult decision
Has parental consent