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

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

(Youcat answer) 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 1700) The dignity of the human person is rooted in his creation in the image and likeness of God (article 1); it is fulfilled in his vocation to divine beatitude (article 2). It is essential to a human being freely to direct himself to this fulfillment (article 3). By his deliberate actions (article 4), the human person does, or does not, conform to the good promised by God and attested by moral conscience (article 5). Human beings make their own contribution to their interior growth; they make their whole sentient and spiritual lives into means of this growth (article 6). With the help of grace they grow in virtue (article 7), avoid sin, and if they sin they entrust themselves as did the prodigal son (Lk 15:11-32) to the mercy of our Father in heaven (article 8). In this way they attain to the perfection of charity. 

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 1699) Life in the Holy Spirit fulfills the vocation of man (chapter one). This life is made up of divine charity and human solidarity (chapter two). It is graciously offered as salvation (chapter three). (CCC 1710) "Christ… makes man fully manifest to man himself and brings to light his exalted vocation" (GS 22 § 1).

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