Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 280 - Part II.

YOUCAT Question n. 280 - Part II. What reasons do Christians give for human dignity?

(Youcat answer - repeated) Every person, from the first moment of his life in the womb, has an inviolable dignity, because from all eternity God willed, loved, created, and redeemed that person and destined him for eternal happiness.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 1701) "Christ,… in the very revelation of the mystery of the Father and of his love, makes man fully manifest to himself and brings to light his exalted vocation" (GS 22). It is in Christ, "the image of the invisible God" (Col 1:15; cf. 2 Cor 4:4), that man has been created "in the image and likeness" of the Creator. It is in Christ, Redeemer and Savior, that the divine image, disfigured in man by the first sin, has been restored to its original beauty and ennobled by the grace of God (Cf. GS 22). (CCC 1702) The divine image is present in every man. It shines forth in the communion of persons, in the likeness of the union of the divine persons among themselves (cf. Chapter two). 

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) If human dignity were based solely on the successes and accomplishments of individuals, then those who are weak, sick, or helpless would have no dignity. Christians believe that human dignity is, in the first place, the result of God’s respect for us. He looks at every person and loves him as though he were the only creature in the world. Because God has looked upon even the least significant child of Adam, that person possesses an infinite worth, which must not be destroyed by men.

 (CCC Comment)

(CCC 1703) Endowed with "a spiritual and immortal" soul (GS 14 § 2), the human person is "the only creature on earth that God has willed for its own sake" (GS 24 § 3). From his conception, he is destined for eternal beatitude. (CCC 1704) The human person participates in the light and power of the divine Spirit. By his reason, he is capable of understanding the order of things established by the Creator. By free will, he is capable of directing himself toward his true good. He finds his perfection "in seeking and loving what is true and good" (GS 15 § 2).

(This question: What reasons do Christians give for human dignity? is continued)