Catechism index

1881 I. The Communal Character of the Human Vocation Each community is defined by its purpose and consequently obeys specific rules; but "the human person . . . is and ought to be the principle, the subject and the end of …
1882 I. The Communal Character of the Human Vocation Certain societies, such as the family and the state, correspond more directly to the nature of man; they are necessary to him. To promote the participation of the greatest number in the …
1883 I. The Communal Character of the Human Vocation Socialization also presents dangers. Excessive intervention by the state can threaten personal freedom and initiative. the teaching of the Church has elaborated the principle of subsidiarity, according to which "a community of …
1884 I. The Communal Character of the Human Vocation God has not willed to reserve to himself all exercise of power. He entrusts to every creature the functions it is capable of performing, according to the capacities of its own nature. …
1885 I. The Communal Character of the Human Vocation The principle of subsidiarity is opposed to all forms of collectivism. It sets limits for state intervention. It aims at harmonizing the relationships between individuals and societies. It tends toward the establishment …
1886 II. Conversion and Society Society is essential to the fulfillment of the human vocation. To attain this aim, respect must be accorded to the just hierarchy of values, which "subordinates physical and instinctual dimensions to interior …
1887 II. Conversion and Society The inversion of means and ends, 10 which results in giving the value of ultimate end to what is only a means for attaining it, or in viewing persons as mere means …
1888 II. Conversion and Society It is necessary, then, to appeal to the spiritual and moral capacities of the human person and to the permanent need for his inner conversion, so as to obtain social changes that …
1889 II. Conversion and Society Without the help of grace, men would not know how "to discern the often narrow path between the cowardice which gives in to evil, and the violence which under the illusion of …
1890 IN BRIEF There is a certain resemblance between the union of the divine persons and the fraternity that men ought to establish among themselves.
1891 IN BRIEF The human person needs life in society in order to develop in accordance with his nature. Certain societies, such as the family and the state, correspond more directly to the nature of …
1892 IN BRIEF "The human person . . . is and ought to be the principle, the subject, and the object of every social organization" (GS 25 # 1).
1893 IN BRIEF Widespread participation in voluntary associations and institutions is to be encouraged.
1894 IN BRIEF In accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, neither the state nor any larger society should substitute itself for the initiative and responsibility of individuals and intermediary bodies.
1895 IN BRIEF Society ought to promote the exercise of virtue, not obstruct it. It should be animated by a just hierarchy of values.
1896 IN BRIEF Where sin has perverted the social climate, it is necessary to call for the conversion of hearts and appeal to the grace of God. Charity urges just reforms. There is no solution …
1897 I. Authority "Human society can be neither well-ordered nor prosperous unless it has some people invested with legitimate authority to preserve its institutions and to devote themselves as far as is necessary to work …
1898 I. Authority Every human community needs an authority to govern it. 16 The foundation of such authority lies in human nature. It is necessary for the unity of the state. Its role is to …
1899 I. Authority The authority required by the moral order derives from God: "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have …
1900 I. Authority The duty of obedience requires all to give due honor to authority and to treat those who are charged to exercise it with respect, and, insofar as it is deserved, with gratitude …