🕊️ Catholic Social Teaching & Morality

Question 1

What is human dignity according to Catholic teaching?

Answer 1

It is the belief that every person has inherent worth because they are made in the image of God.

Question 2

How do the Beatitudes relate to human dignity?

Answer 2

They affirm the value of the poor, meek, and persecuted, encouraging justice and compassion.

Question 3

What is morality in the Catholic context?

Answer 3

Choosing good based on reason, conscience, and God’s law of love.

Question 4

What is mortal sin?

Answer 4

A serious sin done knowingly and willingly that breaks one’s relationship with God.

Question 5

What is venial sin?

Answer 5

A lesser sin that damages but does not destroy one’s relationship with God.

Question 6

What is social sin?

Answer 6

Sin embedded in systems or institutions that harm communities, such as racism or poverty.

Question 7

How do we address social sin?

Answer 7

Through awareness, advocacy, charity, and systemic reform rooted in justice and love.

Question 8

What is an example of social sin?

Answer 8

racism, poverty and inequality, violence and war, environmental destruction

Question 9

What is an example of venial sin

Answer 9

gossiping, lying, pride, coveting, envy, neglecting to pray or read scripture regularly, and drinking to excess.

Question 10

What is an example of mortal sin

Answer 10

murder, adultery, blasphemy, and idolatry

Question 11

what is the connection between human dignity and the beatitudes

Answer 11

• The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1–12) bless the poor, meek, merciful, and persecuted.
• They affirm that each person has value and dignity, even if the world ignores them.
• Catholic teaching says human dignity is inherent—we are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27).
• Dignity is not earned; it’s present from birth.
• The Beatitudes guide us to protect the vulnerable, act with compassion, and challenge injustice.

Question 12

Catholic Understanding of Morality and Sin (Catechism of the Catholic Church)

Answer 12

Morality = choosing good in accordance with reason, conscience, and God’s law (CCC 1776–1802).
Types of Sin (CCC 1849–1864):
* Mortal sin: Grave matter, full knowledge, full consent → separates us from God.
* Venial sin: Lesser offense; damages relationship but doesn’t break it.
* Sin is a failure to love God and neighbor.
Conscience: An inner voice given by God; it must be formed by Scripture, Church teaching, and prayer.

Question 13

social sin

Answer 13

• Social sin = collective decisions, laws, or systems that harm others.
  
  • It’s not just individual, but institutional.
  • Examples: racism, economic inequality, environmental destruction, unfair labor laws.
  • Catholic Response:
    ○ Raise awareness (prophetic role).
    ○ Reform structures (advocacy, policy).
    ○ Act in solidarity (charity + justice).
    CCC 1869: “Sin makes men accomplices of one another and causes concupiscence, violence, and injustice…”