Human Dignity and Social Justice in the Modern World
Human Dignity: The Central Principle of Catholic Social Doctrine
Until the mid-20th century, the central principle of Catholic Social Doctrine (CSD) was debated. Some argued for property rights, reflecting the dominant ideologies of liberal capitalism and collectivist socialism. Others emphasized work, seeking to uphold the dignity of workers in the industrial age. Still others focused on justice, denouncing the injustices of modern economic systems. Today, the central principle is understood as the dignity of the human person, as articulated by Pope John Paul II.
Equality and Diversity
Equality of all human beings: The radical equality of all people is a cornerstone of Christian anthropology, grounded in human dignity.
Equality between men and women: The biblical narrative emphasizes that God created humans, male and female, in His image and likeness, stressing their fundamental equality.
Equal dignity of all human beings: Christian anthropology affirms the radical equality of all people. This dignity stems from being human, regardless of sex or any other individual characteristic. It is the basis for fundamental human rights, enshrined by the UN in 1948 and incorporated into the constitutions of most countries.
Individual diversity: Human equality does not negate individual diversity. Natural differences, such as sex, and acquired differences, like professions, are not inherently unjust. However, they become unjust when combined with social inequalities that diminish individual dignity, such as discrimination based on sex or religion.
Social Imbalances and Injustice
The CSD condemns the vast social inequalities that exist globally, both within and between nations. It is unjust that access to fundamental rights is not universal.
Violations of Human Dignity
The modern era has witnessed an unprecedented devaluation of human life. The Second Vatican Council denounced a litany of human rights violations, including:
- Violence against life: Killings, abortion, genocide, and euthanasia
- Violations of human integrity: Mutilation, torture, imprisonment, slavery, and prostitution
Specific Condemnations
The death penalty: The Church advocates for its abolition, arguing that it is unjustifiable given the state’s capacity to repress crime and protect the innocent.
Genocide: The systematic extermination of groups based on religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation. The 20th century witnessed horrific genocides, including the Holocaust. Tragically, genocides continue to occur in some parts of the world.
Euthanasia: Euthanasia, meaning “good death,” aims to end suffering. However, the Church upholds two principles: 1) Only God is the master of human life; 2) While patients have the right to die with dignity, this does not justify taking life.
Abortion: Abortion is the termination of a human being before it can survive outside the womb. Induced abortion is not primarily a religious issue but a human, social, and natural law issue. Scientific consensus holds that human life begins at fertilization. The conceived being has a right to life, and the mother does not have the right to end it. Induced abortion is the destruction of innocent human life. This act is punishable by excommunication.
Artificial procreation: Techniques like in vitro fertilization, which involves fertilization outside the woman’s body, raise ethical concerns. The Church argues that the end does not justify the means, even if the purpose is noble. The accumulation of human embryos resulting from these techniques leads to their discard or freezing, treating human beings as objects. The Church also condemns cloning for therapeutic or medical research.
Techniques that eliminate human beings are immoral and antisocial. No promise of cure or future benefit can outweigh respect for human dignity.