RAMONCHITO D.R.
AGUSTIN
SASMA
The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church serves as a comprehensive guide
to the Church’s teachings on social issues, emphasizing the dignity of the human person and the
common good. Chapter three and Chapter four delves into the principles and themes that
underpin Catholic social teaching, focusing on the dignity of human person, the common good
and the role of the state and society.
In the diagram, the center is the Human Person, which is central to Catholic social
teaching. The dignity is inherent and inviolable, rooted in the belief that every individual is being
created in the image and likeness of God (Imago Dei) “So God created human beings in his own
image...” (cf. Genesis 1:27). On the other side of the human person is the Human rights which is
universal, inviolable, and inalienable rights stemming from the human dignity, include the right
to live, freedom of religion, access to education, and just working conditions and it is
accompanied by responsibilities, such as respect for the rights of others and the promotion of the
common good.
Outside the circle of the human person is the Social Nature of every individual because
huma beings are inherently social creatures, called to live in community. This social nature
necessitates the development of relationships that fosters mutual respect and solidarity among
individuals. Whereas around the social nature of the person we can found the Moral and Ethical
Dimension that recognized and uphold human dignity. And it calls for a commitment to justice
and the common good, urging individuals and communities to act in a way that promote the well-
being of all.
On the both sides of the Human person we can found the principles of solidarity and
subsidiarity which are integral in achieving the common good. The state has a crucial role in
promoting the common good. It is responsible for creating laws and policies that protect the
rights of individuals while fostering social justice and equity. The state must also ensure that the
needs of the most vulnerable members of society are met. Solidarity emphasizes the
interconnectedness of all the people, while subsidiarity advocates for decisions to be made at the
most local level possible, empowering individuals and communities to take responsibility of their
own well-being.
And it is connected with the participation of the human person, his right and duty to
contribute to the social, economic, and political life of their community. This participation
ensures that the power is not concentrated in the hands of a few but is shared equitably. This
participation is pointed towards the common good that refers to the social conditions that allow
people both as individual and as a group to reach their full potential. There are three essential
elements of the common good: Respect for the Person- each individual must be treated with
dignity and respect, ensuring that their rights are upheld. Social well-being and development- the
society must create conditions that promote the social, economic and cultural development of all
its members. And lastly Peace and Security- a just society must ensure peace and security for its
citizens, allowing them to live without fear of violence or oppression.
And in the bottom, we can find the preferential option for the poor it reflects the example
of Christ, who identified with the least of society. This option is not exclusive but prioritizes the
needs of the marginalized, ensuring they have access to resources and opportunities required for
their dignity and development.
In conclusion, chapter 3 and chapter 4 of the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the
Church articulate the foundational principles of human dignity and the common good,
emphasizing the moral and ethical responsibilities of individuals and society in promoting a just
and equitable world. these teachings call for a commitment to uphold the dignity or every person
while working collaboratively for the common good which is the product of love, as St. Paul
says “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (cf. 1
Corinthians 13:7)
