Our Daily Fight

[PauloFreire2]

How do you promote Catholic social teaching in your daily life? Professionally, I interact with large numbers of people in a very diverse community. I am constantly, albeit quite subtly, stressing the precepts of the common good and dignity of the human person. I have found it helps break down barriers and promotes positive interaction. Stressing our common humanity, IMO, is the most effective argument against the many ways in which we typically on segregate ourselves.

 

[Pani_Rose]

That is good. Basicaly no matter where you are, you take what you agree upon and build from there. That way offence isn’t taken by people, because it is done with charity and love. Then, when we or they are opened, at some point the Holy Spirit comes in with the words of Life.

 

[PauloFreire2]

Thanks, Pani. I can’t believe I only got ONE response. I’m beginning to think I’m just one boring dude. At 49, I can’t but wonder if that’s a symptom of age. I HATE the idea of being boring, but I guess there are advantages to that as well.

 

[Genesis315]

Nah, it doesn’t mean you’re boring, just that you said something so good no one can argue with it

 

[puzzleannie]

I think OP is quite right about such witness being very subtle, and would also add clear, firm and consistent. For instance, if some one asks why you have a box to collect cans in the lunchroom, say “we encourage recycling”, not “recycling is mandatory”, or I would say, “I am not comfortable with jokes that make fun of a person’s race, and would rather not listen to them” instead of “You racist jerk, shut up or I will report you for harrassment”. Then once I say such a thing, I have to remember to always recycle, and to avoid racist remarks myself.

 

[Kevin42]

Stressing our common humanity, IMO, is the most effective argument against the many ways in which we typically on segregate ourselves.

I agree. People are usually much more open to what you have to say when it isn’t overly divisive or controversial. Plus I think that this is one of the most important things to focus on, because we are all sons and daughters of God. Also, when you focus on our common humanity alot, people usually seem to be more open to listening, and more respectful when you promote ideas that are controversial or not commonly accepted.

 

[PauloFreire2]

Jesus, as God, yet a commoner and champion of the poor by choice, is the sole explanation and purpose of my life. I find solutions to every conceivable problem in His story.

 

[PauloFreire2]

We should focus more on fighting Evil. It has a face, a name, and it’s everywhere.

 

[PauloFreire2]

I’m not a priest. I’m not a pacifist. I am a warrior – a warrior for God.