Thursday, January 3, 2013

404. What else is required for an authentic human society? (part 1)



404. What else is required for an authentic human society?  (part 1)

(Comp 404) Authentic human society requires respect for justice, a just hierarchy of values, and the subordination of material and instinctual dimensions to interior and spiritual ones. In particular, where sin has perverted the social climate, it is necessary to call for the conversion of hearts and for the grace of God to obtain social changes that may really serve each person and the whole person. Charity, which requires and makes possible the practice of justice, is the greatest social commandment.
“In brief”
(CCC 1895) Society ought to promote the exercise of virtue, not obstruct it. It should be animated by a just hierarchy of values. 
To deepen and explain
 (CCC 1887) The inversion of means and ends (Cf. CA 41), which results in giving the value of ultimate end to what is only a means for attaining it, or in viewing persons as mere means to that end, engenders unjust structures which "make Christian conduct in keeping with the commandments of the divine Law-giver difficult and almost impossible" (Pius XII, Address at Pentecost, June 1, 1941).
Reflection
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). [IT CONTINUES]   

(The question: What else is required for an authentic human society? continues)

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