Joe Kainz

“Social Teaching of the Church” Journal

1.         The two Building Blocks of Catholic Social Teaching I see most apparent at SLUH are the Principles of Participation and Solidarity. For Participation, when we first came into the school, counselors, teachers, and fellow students urged us to get involved at SLUH, whether it be sports, clubs, or community service. As for Solidarity, I think the best evidence of that in SLUH is the “Brotherhood” banners hanging in each hallway. As of recent, I think SLUH could improve on the Principle of Human Dignity. In the “Prep News,” it was reported that homosexuals feel less comfortable at SLUH than they used to, and the events surrounding the sophomore do not contribute to human dignity. That is the main one I see we have a problem with, and maybe Preferential Protection for the Poor and Vulnerable with people trying to keep up with what the cool kids are wearing. The latter seems like more of a stretch than the first.

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3.         One story I want to remember from this chapter is the story of David Cash. Though the name of “Bad Samaritan” may seem harsh, considering what he did, it might be appropriate. I think his choice to just leave his friend alone and not tell the authorities is not illegal, but it is definitely “morally reprehensible.”

The second thing I want to remember from this chapter is Fr. Ralph Huse and his explanation of the Examen of Conscience. I like his comparison of morality as a battle between the Devil and Jesus. Before I saw the video, I did not think that pride was such a bad thing, but he was so adamant about its evils that it is hard not to believe him.

4.         Should there be a “Good Samaritan Law”?

As beneficial as I think it could be, I do not think there should be such a law. The United States was set up with a clear separation of Church and State. I think imposing such a law violates this idea. I mean, the law would be based off a story from the Bible. If that is not a violation of the separation between Church and State I do not know what is. If it were not for this principle, I believe the “Good Samaritan Law” could do wonders for our world.