In the Beginning …

Catholic social teaching has its roots in Scripture, namely the Creation story in Genesis

Not a teaching on something that we do But a recognition of who are as persons

and what we are meant to become

What’s Special about Persons?

Persons are the only creatures that God made entirely out of love and for love

God did not make man as a means to an end

Created out of love, to share in the wonder of God’s creation

Made in God’s Image

Intellect and free-will

Created in an image of a Triune God

God is social Like God, we are

not meant to be alone

Each person is meant to be in communion with others

Am I My Brother’s Keeper? Cain and Abel story Jealous of Abel, Cain

kills him in anger We truly are our

brother’s keepers Not enough to go

through life simply taking care of ourselves

We are spiritually responsible for everyone else

Sacredness of All Life Social teaching of

the Catholic Church has at its basis the consistent ethic of life

Understanding that all people, created in the image and likeness of God, have inherent dignity that must always be respected

What the consistent ethic tells us …

In every situation, there is a right way to make a decision

Looking at our choices and options …

… always choose the one which respects the dignity of each person involved

Image of God, Redeemed by Christ Every person,

from the moment of conception to natural death, has inherent dignity and a life consistent with that dignity

Comes from God, not from any human quality or accomplishment