Catholic Values from Catholic Values Across the Curriculum http://catholicvalues.parra.catholic.edu.au/home 1. Positive View on Life So God created humankind in his image (Gen 1:27) The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. Human life should be protected from: Abortion Euthanasia Cloning Embryonic stem cell research Death Penalty War Every person, from the moment of conception to natural death, has inherent dignity and a right to life consistent with that dignity. Human life at every stage of development and decline is precious and therefore worthy of protection and respect. 2. Community and Common Good You should love your neighbor as yourself (Mk12:31) Catholic tradition proclaims that every person is not only sacred but also a social being. Society plays an integral role in upholding the dignity of human persons. A society, which is run by allowing participation by all, is one which values the inherent dignity of human persons in that society. The Catholic Church teaches clearly that all people have a right to participate in society and all people have a right to things which allow them human decency, which can be named as the common good. 1
The center piece of society is the family. Family stability must always be protected and never undermined. Individuals grow and are nurtured in a loving family and the love present in families should resemble the unconditional love between persons in the Trinity. Loving families produce balanced individuals which make a positive impact on society. 3. Freedom from Oppression "For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in" (Mt 25: 35) Since every human person is created in the image of God, they have the natural right to be free and responsible. However, when individuals make choices that violate morality, then those actions are detrimental to others in society. Catholic teaching proclaims that the most vulnerable in society should have their needs put first. There should be a preferential option for the poor and needy in society, so that they can live a life, which upholds their dignity, as human persons. Everyone in society should share in goods and have access to common services. The Catholic Church teaches that no one in society should be oppressed and there shouldn t be a divide between rich and poor. There should be solidarity with everyone, especially the poor and socially excluded in society. Jesus Christ teaches us through Catholic social teaching that humanity is one big human family, which every member has to be looked after. The principal of solidarity leads to choices that protect and promote the human decency of everyone in society ( the common good ). 2
4. Search for Truth and Wisdom I am the way, and the truth, and the life (Jn 14:6) All human persons have a natural inclination to seek knowledge and to discover truth, which is ultimately, directed to God. God is truth and the source of all wisdom and only in God can humanity find true happiness. Every person should be encouraged to use their human intellect in many diverse fields such as: the arts, music, science, aesthetics, ethics, spirituality and emotions because the truth inherent in these fields point to God. Due to human beings imperfect nature, guidance is needed to live a life, which finds in itself true happiness. God s truth is preserved through the teaching of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. God has given this wonderful gift so that everyone can have access to the truth, which points to God himself. 3
5. Sacramentality or God s Presence in the Whole World God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth, and subdue it" (Gen 1:28) The order and beauty of the universe points to a perfect God, who is creator. Many facets of creation and life such as; The human body (physical and spiritual) The miracle of life The natural environment Family, human friendships and love Point to a divine and loving God who created everything out of nothing. These wonderful things point to God but it is in the Sacraments that Christ is truly present and people can most profoundly connect with God. God entrusted to humans the responsibility to be good stewards of creation, which means to look after everything in it. Humans have a responsibility to not only care for the physical environment, but also to carefully use the talents and goods that God has given to everyone. 6.Reconciliation For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you (Mt 6:14) Reconciliation is very important for every person, as it draws together what is apart, fractured and unhealed. The sacrament of Reconciliation is a great gift, which God has made available to each person, which allows healing and forgiveness. It celebrates the endlessly forgiving mercy of God; it brings about the reconciliation with God It celebrates the change of heart of all those who turn back to God after sin; it provides the grace and 4
help to not fracture the relationship with God again There are many areas of life that people need reconciliation with others: with God; within families; within neighborhoods; among nations; between racial and religious groups. Reconciliation brings true happiness within fractured relationships as well as to the person who gives and receives forgiveness. 7.Hope and Resurrection I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies (Jn 11:25) There are many events in the world today that can generate a sense of despair and hopelessness among people. The Christian message of hope is not oblivious to the forces of evil but all hope is built upon Jesus Christ s triumph over evil and death, which points to an eternity of happiness in Heaven. All people need hope in their life as a means to overcoming the many hurdles faced in life and ultimately God provides this hope in many ways. 5