Foundations and History of Catholic Social Teaching
Historical Periods of the Social Doctrine
Two historical periods can be distinguished in the history of the Social Doctrine of the Church (SDC): before and after 1891.
The Period Before 1891
Before 1891, the SDC was mainly based on the Gospel and developed through the teachings of the Fathers of the Church and the Doctors of the Middle Ages. Important figures include:
- Augustine of Hippo
- Ambrose
- Jerome
- Pope Gregory the Great
- St. Thomas Aquinas
The Church already reflected on social issues, human dignity, and justice through Christian theology and philosophy.
The Period After 1891
After 1891, a new stage began with the publication of Rerum Novarum by Pope Leo XIII during the Industrial Revolution. Society experienced serious social and economic injustices, especially affecting workers and poor populations. The Church responded by developing a more systematic social teaching focused on human dignity, workers’ rights, and the common good.
Reasons for the Emergence of the SDC Since 1891
The important emergence of the Social Doctrine of the Church since 1891 was caused by social, political, and cultural reasons:
- The Industrial Revolution: This era created exploitation, poverty, and strong social divisions between classes. Large masses of workers suffered unjust labor conditions and economic insecurity.
- Political Hostility: Many governments showed hostility toward the Catholic Church, reducing its influence in political and public life.
- Cultural Shifts: Anti-Christian cultural ideas became dominant, and the Church progressively lost influence in intellectual and cultural life.
In response to these problems, the Church developed the SDC in a more systematic way in order to defend human dignity, justice, and the common good.
Sources of the Social Doctrine of the Church
The main sources of the Social Doctrine of the Church are:
- Sacred Scripture
- Tradition
- Reason
- Natural law
- Teachings of the Church’s Magisterium
The Gospel is the fundamental source because the SDC is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ regarding human dignity, justice, and charity. The Church also uses philosophical reflection, especially the integration of faith and reason developed by thinkers such as St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas. Another important source is social reality itself, since the SDC develops in response to historical and social changes.
Originary Principles of the Social Doctrine
The originary principles of the Social Doctrine of the Church are based on the Christian notion of the person and society:
- Dignity of the human person: Every human being is created in the image of God.
- The common good: This is understood as the set of social conditions that allow persons and groups to achieve their fulfillment more fully and easily.
- Subsidiarity: This principle teaches that higher authorities must help lower groups without replacing them.
- Participation: This is fundamental because every person has the right and duty to participate actively in social life.
- Solidarity: This emphasizes cooperation and mutual responsibility among persons and peoples.