YOUCAT Question n. 324 – Part I. On what principles does a society build?
(Youcat answer) Every society builds on
a hierarchy of values that is put into practice through justice and love.
A
deepening through CCC
(CCC 1886) Society is essential to the
fulfillment of the human vocation. To attain this aim, respect must be accorded
to the just hierarchy of values, which "subordinates physical and
instinctual dimensions to interior and spiritual ones" (CA 36 § 2). Human
society must primarily be considered something pertaining to the spiritual.
Through it, in the bright light of truth, men should share their knowledge, be
able to exercise their rights and fulfill their obligations, be inspired to
seek spiritual values; mutually derive genuine pleasure from the beautiful, of
whatever order it be; always be readily disposed to pass on to others the best of
their own cultural heritage; and eagerly strive to make their own the spiritual
achievements of others. These benefits not only influence, but at the same time
give aim and scope to all that has bearing on cultural expressions, economic,
and social institutions, political movements and forms, laws, and all other
structures by which society is outwardly established and constantly developed
(John XXIII, PT 36).
Reflecting
and meditating
(Youcat comment) No society
can last unless it is based on a clear orientation toward values that are
reflected in a just ordering of relationships and an active implementation of
this justice. Thus man may never made into a means to an end of social action.
Every society needs constant conversion from unjust structures. Ultimately this
is accomplished only by love, the greatest social commandment. It makes it
respect others. It demands justice. It makes conversion from inequitable
condition possible.
(CCC
Comment)
(CCC 1895) Society ought to promote the
exercise of virtue, not obstruct it. It should be animated by a just hierarchy
of values.
No comments:
Post a Comment