Best book on Catholic Social Teaching

[Johann_du_Toit]

Could anyone give me advice on what is the best book on Catholic Social Teaching?

There are a lot of books out by I am not sure all of them necessarily have the approval of the Church.

 

[Joe_5859]

I tend to go with primary sources, so I would start with the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church. The text is also available on the Vatican website:

vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/documents/rc_pc_justpeace_doc_20060526_compendio-dott-soc_en.html

Also, here are some of the recent papal and conciliar documents that touch on social justice:

• [Caritas in veritate (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/b...-xvi_enc_20090629_caritas-in-veritate_en.html) - Benedict XVI (June 29, 2009)
• [Evangelium Vitae (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/j...f_jp-ii_enc_25031995_evangelium-vitae_en.html) - John Paul II (March 25, 1995)
• [Centesimus annus (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/j...f_jp-ii_enc_01051991_centesimus-annus_en.html) - John Paul II (May 1, 1991)
• [Sollicitudo rei sociales (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/j...enc_30121987_sollicitudo-rei-socialis_en.html) - John Paul II (December 30, 1987)
• [Populorum Progressio (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/p...uments/hf_p-vi_enc_26031967_populorum_en.html) - Paul VI (March 21, 1967)
• [Gaudium et spes (http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_...vat-ii_const_19651207_gaudium-et-spes_en.html) - Vatican Council II (December 7, 1965)
• [Pacem in terris (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/j...cuments/hf_j-xxiii_enc_11041963_pacem_en.html) - John XXIII (April 11, 1963)
• [Rerum Novarum (http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/l.../hf_l-xiii_enc_15051891_rerum-novarum_en.html) - Pope Leo XIII (May 15, 1891)

 

[Tigg]

There is also a newer publication entitled “Reclaiming Catholic Social Teaching” published by Sophia Institute Press with accolades from prominent priests. Cannot comment on it - I’ve just started to read.

 

[DCNBILL]

Another good resource is;

Catholic Social Thought edited by David J. O’Brien and Thomas A. Shannon

 

[Joe_5859]

There is also a newer publication entitled “Reclaiming Catholic Social Teaching” published by Sophia Institute Press with accolades from prominent priests. Cannot comment on it - I’ve just started to read.

Hmmm, I hadn’t heard of that one yet. That does look pretty promising. Let us know what you think when you’re done with it.

 

[Tigg]

Hmmm, I hadn’t heard of that one yet. That does look pretty promising. Let us know what you think when you’re done with it.

ooohhh…I’m in big trouble (and maybe a book glutton to boot!) There are two others sitting before me that I said I would finish first.

 

[Joe_5859]

ooohhh…I’m in big trouble (and maybe a book glutton to boot!) There are two others sitting before me that I said I would finish first.

No problem. I don’t mean to rush you. But whenever you get around to reading it, I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts (if you care to share). Whether it be in a week or a year (or ten years ).