Chapter 9 Journal

By: Dan Baxter

1.         One of the Ten Building Blocks of Catholic Social Teaching which I believe is prevalent at SLUH is the principle of solidarity.  This states that “we are one human family.”  This is similar to the ideal of brotherhood which is a major factor at SLUH.

            Another which I find prevalent at SLUH is the principle of Human Equality.  This principle means “rendering to each person his or her due.”  This idea of justice or fairness plays a major role at SLUH as I feel most of the students treat each other fairly and as they deserve to be treated.

            One which I believe is lacking would be the Principle of Subsidiarity which encourages volunteer organizations.  While I have found that a large percentage of students at SLUH do community service, there is a larger percentage that does not.  This is one element which I believe we could improve on.

            A second principle which I believe needs to be more prevalent at SLUH is the principle of participation.  Once again, while a majority of the students are very involved with the school, there are still small percentages that resist becoming involved.  In the future this is something I would like to see changed as I was one of them my freshman year.

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3.                  I would like to remember the three components to the common good.  They are as follow:

-         “Respect for all persons’ natural freedom, conscience, and choice of vocation.”

-         “Accessibility to what is necessary for a truly human life (work, food, clothing...).”

-         “Peace and stability of a just order with those in authority using morally acceptable means to ensure the security of society.”

I believe it is important to remember these components because they are critical to creating a civilized society.  It is also important to remember that common good must be “founded on truth, built on justice, animated by love, and directed toward the progress of persons both spiritually and materially.”  With all of the many problems in the world today it is important for us to strive for the common good.

            I would also like to remember the key requirements to social justice.  The first of these is the “application of the virtues of social justice and solidarity.”  Solidarity is important because it is a form of brotherhood which requires a love for the common good.  The second aspect is to have a “well-formed individual conscience.”  Projects such as the Right Speech Experiment have also helped to teach me this during this year.  The third requirement is that “independent groups” must be “organized to secure the common good.”  This enforces the need for organizations which help those less fortunate in society.  Finally, it requires a “complementary state regulation based on the principle of subsidiarity.”  Subsidiarity means that we are obligated to help those less fortunate in society who cannot help themselves until they are able to independently sustain themselves.  These requirements on social justice from this chapter are key ideas which I hope to remember because I think they will help me contribute my share to society.

4.                  What is the purpose of social justice?

The purpose of social justice, surprisingly enough, is not to achieve the perfect society.  Instead, it is to achieve the highest level of perfection possible in each individual person.  Motivated by love of one’s neighbor, it is the obligation of every Christian.