Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church by Catholic Church

Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church Reviews

• 
  John

  "We shall not be saved by a formula, but by a Person..."
  
  "The immediate purpose of the Church's social doctrine is to propose the principles and values that can sustain a society worthy of the human person..."
  
  "Only love can completely transform the human person..."
  
  The Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, in 250 concise pages, expands upon the teachings of the Catholic Church as they relate to society. There are large chapters on work, the family, the environment, war and peace, and politics. While clear and simple to read, the message will challenge all people, but especially those of us who live in relative comfort. Comes with a great index, glossary, and list of Biblical and Magisterial references.
• 
  Conor

  Absolutely incredible. This could be the basis for a new politics and for a civilization of love.
• 
  Amicizia

  If you're not clear on the Catholic social teachings, this is a great read. It explores each in solid detail:
  
  1. Life/dignity of human person
  2. Call to family/community/participation
  3. Rights/responsibilities
  4. Protection of poor/vulnerable
  5. Dignity of work/rights of workers
  6. Solidarity
  7. Care for God's creation
  
  These teachings are important to know as they impact several aspects of our daily lives ~ work, environment, family, the poor/vulnerable in our midst, and our dignity as human beings.
• 
  Angela

  If you have questions on the Church's view of anything related to the social sphere—I mean, anything—it's found in here. It covers everything from the mission of the Church, to human rights, to the importance of the family. It discusses politics and economics in length. It talks of work, and how our jobs are to connect to one another and to the whole of society.
  
  

  Christ did not bequeath to the Church a mission in the political, economic, or social order; the purpose he assigned to her was a religious one. But this religious mission can be the source of commitment, direction, and vigour to establish and consolidate the community of men according to the law of God.

  
  
  At the heart of it is the need to love and respect God, others, and ourselves. In that, we may create a more fulfilling and compassionate society.
  
  

  Charity is the greatest social commandment. It respects others and their rights. It requires the practice of justice and it alone makes us capable of it.
• 
  Richard R., Martin

  A really important book for all Christians to read. It is not the type of book you will sit down with and read for an hour or two but one that you want to take in small bites and think about what is said. Nearly half of the book is indices and reference material so it is a great book to have on your shelf. It would be great to have an update of this book with references to the writings of Pope Francis.
• 
  Etienne OMNES

  Je n'ai lu que la moitié au moment où je rédige cette note, mais j'en assez vu pour reconnaître que ce compendium est un ouvrage digne de lecture et de consultation, et que le travail réalisé par le magistère romain est assez impressionnant. En tant que protestant, j'aurais certainement mes réserves ici ou là, mais dans l'ensemble, c'est une très bonne ressource, qui m'aidera pas mal à clarifier mes idées quant à la doctrine sociale chrétienne. Je recommande, au moins pour la consultation.
• 
  Greg

  Surprising and enlightening text. One hears sound bites delivered by social justice warriors who claim their ideas represent the Catholic faith. Once you study the actual social doctrine in all its rich texture and magnificent intellect, you will quickly realize the social justice crowd delivers misdirection. The Social Doctrine of the Church provides hope that using the principles of faith, one can bring peace and order to a troubled world.
• 
  Jan Petrozzi

  I learned so much about my church and fell in love with Catholicism for the first time - I am a cradle Catholic with 12 years of Catholic Education, yet there is so much I did not know. The Catholic Church clearly, in most areas, has it down! It would be lovely to see more of our social teachings at work in our regular churches and congregations.
• 
  Elias Turk

  Poi essere agnostico, ateo, o di qualsiasi relgione non cristiana. Ma questo libro è da leggere se vuoi capire come vede la più grande religione nel mondo la società e come vuole costruire la civiltà dell'amore.
• 
  Sasha Wolf

  Good, readable summary of the social doctrine of the Catholic Church, with extensive citations to the sources. There is also a very useful topic index for quick reference.
• 
  Donnie Schenck

  May the Lord give you His Peace!
  
  If you like sound philosophy, you will become more fully alive (and give glory to God) as you reflect on this well-ordered treatise on Human Nature. [Please note that I use the term "man" in the sense that includes all human beings, not only because it is used that way in this book, but also because that is how the term "man" is used in most other books on Human Nature in the philosophical tradition.--I say this so that the reader won't misunderstand and be offended.--The same explanation could be made for the traditional practice of capitalizing important words that carry substantial meaning, a technique that this book also makes good use of.]
  
  The First Part deals with the Meaning and Purpose of Life: how all men are Loved by God and called to greatness by the Church; how we are endowed by God with certain inalienable Rights flowing from Human Nature; and how we can discern from Human Nature certain objective principles of morality, or a kind of "Natural Law."
  
  The Second Part is oriented toward practical applications of the Natural Law in Society. The different aspects of Society are considered, each in their proper order: first the Family, then Work, Economy, Politics, World Affairs, Environmental Concerns, and Peace.
  
  The Concluding Part considers the role of the Church in the Modern World. It explains the role of Pastors in Society, and then goes into depth on the role of the Laity. Finally, it gives the exhortation to build a "Civilization of Love."
  
  Interested?--I highly encourage you to buy yourself a hard copy. But if you want to share a section with a friend over the internet, you can easily refer to the online version at
  http://www.vatican.va/archive/index.htm
• 
  Emily

  Five stars for content, completeness, and organization. The division into thematic chapters is very helpful, since it can be difficult to cull together everything that's been said by the Church on a particular topic (i.e. human rights, the family, the economy, etc.) if all you've got are encyclicals and conciliar documents that all treat the same topics but with differing emphases and in varying historical contexts. Indispensable for acquiring a thorough understanding the social dimension of moral theology. Needs to be more widely read!
  
  Four stars for readability. I didn't find the Compendium nearly as engaging as the social doctrine encyclicals that have the "voice" of a particular pope— but the treasury of wisdom it contains far outweighs that critique!
• 
  Robert

  An important document that offers guidance on issues regarding the family, marriage, the worker and working conditions, the common good, politics, technology, economics, social studies, sciences, and the environment. To put it briefly: the document gives a concise but complete overview of the Catholic Church's social teaching through 2004.
• 
  Chuck

  not a fun read but an important one
• 
  Kevin Holmes

  Serious subject. Must read for Catholics. I'll repeat that I often hear people talk about solidarity or subsidiarity in exclusion. We need to keep the two together: subsidiarity and solidarity.