Pope Francis travels to Brazil to convey the message of social justice (Washington Post)

[JackyB]

I agree with this sentence wholeheartedly. I have found the repeated attempts by the secular media to paint the Holy Father as some sort of socialist liberation theologian to be disgusting.

He is trying to call Catholics to a radical conversion of heart that is above all, a personal conversion, and, through this, to create a society that is centered on charity and gratuitousness.

Pity that there are some, including some in the Church, who continue to insist that the way to achieve this is at gunpoint.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

Pope in Rio slum: Solidarity with the poor is not optional

He continued, “I would like to make an appeal to those in possession of greater resources, to public authorities and to all people of good will who are working for social justice: never tire of working for a more just world, marked by greater solidarity.”

…

The culture of selfishness and individualism that often prevails in our society is not what builds up and leads to a more habitable world: it is the culture of solidarity that does so.”

The other cannot be seen as a “rival” or a “statistic” he urged, but must be recognized instead as a brother or sister.

Pope Francis commended Brazil’s efforts to “integrate” the poorest among its people and added that “no amount of ‘peace-building’ will be able to last, nor will harmony and happiness be attained in a society that ignores, pushes to the margins or excludes a part of itself.”

When a nation excludes, ignores, or marginalizes any part of its population, “it loses something essential” and “simply impoverishes itself,” he taught.

 

[ronaldmiller]

How is that applicable to his message referencing social justice in Brazil? It seems to take attention off one message…

Social justice and the family go hand in hand. Do you think that traditional teachings of the Church detract from what the Pope is saying in Brazil?

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

Social justice and the family go hand in hand. Do you think that traditional teachings of the Church detract from what the Pope is saying in Brazil?

No, it’s accepted that social justice and the family go hand in hand; the Holy father addresses in that way. It just seems that some would detract from a social justice message to include more, which seems an effort to minimize a part. If you minimize a part, it’s hard to make the connection of support for that call.

This is a social message, and I don’t see the same qualifications placed upon the call by the Holy father. I don’t believe he would neglect anyone in need of aid based on any factors. The act of giving is an act of love. That act conveys the Gospel message the best, which is the way we are called to evangelize.

Look at the responses in this thread. Some include the ‘political’ aspect, others don’t bring up the political view. Where is the political message in the Pope’s call? It’s not there, other than he includes public authorities, and nations. That’s apolitical because the call is the same no matter what partisans are in control.

 

[Abu]

The renowned, late Fr Stephen Torraco places social justice is its rightful place.

Do We Need Social Justice Or Social Engineering?
This question is answered by Fr Torraco of EWTN to a Question:
What is “Social Justice”? When was this concept introduced in Catholic moral doctrine?
Answer by Fr.Stephen F. Torraco on Nov-24-2003:
‘The term “social justice” was introduced into Catholic teaching in the 19th century. On the one hand, it is intended, at least in part, to avoid the error of reducing what Aristotle calls “general justice” (devotion to the common good of one’s country) to LEGAL justice. On the other hand, consciously or not, the term “social justice” aptly reflects the political philosophy of the modern philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, according to whom justice is fundamentally a matter of achieving the proper institutions and external settings that would effectively mold human beings into model citizens. In other words, for Rousseau, justice is not rooted in nature as it is for Aristotle and for the Church’s teaching. It is something that has to be attained by “social engineering.”

‘Unfortunately, in the minds of many if not most, consciously or not, the term “social justice” is viewed more in a Rousseaunian than an Aristotelian way. From the vantage point of both Aristotle and the Church’s teaching, the phrase “social justice” is redundant because justice is already social: it is the social virtue par excellence.’

When individuals are formed in the right virtues and values and the State respects freedom and the rule of right law, then the conditions can be developed for justice for all, with the State assisting to ensure that justice is carried out for all.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

The renowned, late Fr Stephen Torraco places social justice is its rightful place.

Did the Pope place social justice in the wrong place?

 

[Abu]

Prodigal Son1 #25
Did the Pope place social justice in the wrong place?

As Fr Torraco points out:
‘On the other hand, consciously or not, the term “social justice” aptly reflects the political philosophy of the modern philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, according to whom justice is fundamentally a matter of achieving the proper institutions and external settings that would effectively mold human beings into model citizens. In other words, for Rousseau, justice is not rooted in nature as it is for Aristotle and for the Church’s teaching. It is something that has to be attained by “social engineering.”

‘Unfortunately, in the minds of many if not most, consciously or not, the term “social justice” is viewed more in a Rousseaunian than an Aristotelian way. From the vantage point of both Aristotle and the Church’s teaching, the phrase “social justice” is redundant because justice is already social: it is the social virtue par excellence.’

It is vital that justice is not promulgated as based on factors of social engineering in the Rousseaunian way. Justice, as the social virtue par excellence is in no danger from Pope Francis, only from those who distort it.

 

[Prodigal_Son1]

As Fr Torraco points out:
‘On the other hand, consciously or not, the term “social justice” aptly reflects the political philosophy of the modern philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, according to whom justice is fundamentally a matter of achieving the proper institutions and external settings that would effectively mold human beings into model citizens. In other words, for Rousseau, justice is not rooted in nature as it is for Aristotle and for the Church’s teaching. It is something that has to be attained by “social engineering.”

‘Unfortunately, in the minds of many if not most, consciously or not, the term “social justice” is viewed more in a Rousseaunian than an Aristotelian way. From the vantage point of both Aristotle and the Church’s teaching, the phrase “social justice” is redundant because justice is already social: it is the social virtue par excellence.’

It is vital that justice is not promulgated as based on factors of social engineering in the Rousseaunian way. Justice, as the social virtue par excellence is in no danger from Pope Francis, only from those who distort it.

To be honest, it seems to search a Church as large as the Catholic Church for snippets from one of the men of the Church that seem to support a political view is a distortion. I believe both speak in light of each other, and neither independent of the other. There is no political speak from either; only those trying to push a political agenda, , and often for what seems to be different than the actual message, like this one from our Holy Father.