1.

In which encyclical was the term social justice first used in official catholic social teaching
Mater et Magistra
2. Explain briefly what is meant by the principle of subsidiarity
The way various levels of society should relate to each and assist one another in bringing about the best
outcomes of the people/
3. What is the definition of common good in Catholic Social Teaching
Sum total of those conditions of social living whereby men are enabled more fully and more ready to
achieve their own perfection.
4. According to Mater et Magistra, there are three factors that must be taken into account in
determining a just wage. Name the three factors.
a. The effective contribution which each individual makes to the economic effort
b. The financial state of the company for which he works
c. The requirements of the general good of the particular country
5. What does Mater et Magistra say about women as a group suffering particular injustices
Mater et Magistra did not focus on the women as a group suffering particular injustices.
6. Explain very briefly the two competing values regarding property.
 Private ownership – necessary social principle in a fallen world. But, sharing should apply tot
e use of goods and not ownership
 Common gifts from God – God does not intend humans to share equitably the common gifts
of creation. Apeals to broad distribution of resource.
7. The principal theme of CST is “The Dignity of Every Person and Human Rights.” What is
the basis or key foundation of this principal theme?
The basis is the idea that all humans are created in the image and likeness of God. All people reflect the
image of God. There is sanctity and infinite value of each human life.
8. Which historical event served as impetus for writing of Pacem in Terris?
The Cold War. In this encyclical, John XXIII reacted to the political situation in the middle of the Cold
War. The document reflected the Pope’s experience of 1960 in trying to resolve difficulties arising out of
the four-power occupation of Berlin. This encyclical was commonly known as the “peace encyclical”
9. A. What was the major challenge addressed by Rerum Novarum?
Conditions of labor was the major challenge addressed. Fair wages are defined in Rerum Novarum as at
least a living wage. It accounted for new situations and needs that place honest limits on property holding
and unlimited acquisition of goods. It is based on the principle that God intended the common gift of
earth to be used for nourishment and sustenance of all.
B. What was the major new message or idea it contained?
Promotion of just wages for the workers and to treat labor not just as a commodity but rather labor and
employment should work hand in hand. It differentiated just ownership from just use. It should be
considered that the use of private ownership considers the common good.
10. In the light of Catholic Social Teaching, what is your evaluation of the so-called ‘War on
Drugs’?
11. State or enumerate at least nine key themes of CST
a. The Dignity of every person and human rights
b. Solidary, Common Good, and Participation
c. Family Life
d. Subsidiary and Proper Role of Government
e. Property Ownership in Modern Society: Rights and Responsibilities
f. The Dignity of Work, Rights of Workers, and Support for Labor Unions
g. Colonialism and Economic Development
h. Peace and Disbarment
i. Option for the Poor and Vulnerable
12. What do you understand by the term social sin? Give an example of one
All-consuming desire for profit and thirst for power. War and poverty.
 13. Why is the concept of solidarity said to be a counterbalance to the principal concept of
human dignity?
Because it counterbalances unregulated individual rights, that left unconstrained, can turn toward anarchy.
14. What was Tertullian’s question?
What has Jerusalem to say to Athens? It asks the question on how we can relate our citizenship and
discipleship. It looks at how we can remain participants in the life of the Church and participants in a
secular culture that resists and even rejects the demands of faith.
15. Four Sources of Christian Ethics
a. Revelation
b. Reason
c. Tradition
d. Experience
16. What was the nickname given to the encyclical Pacem in Terris of Pope John XXIII?
Catholic Charter of Human Rights
17. Which encyclical clearly proves that the Church was ahead of its time in advocating for
better treatment of workers?
Rerum Novarum
18. Why can it be said that the notion of the “preferential option for the poor” has been present
within the Christian tradition from the very start?
Throughout the Judeo-Christian bible, there has always been a trend of preference being given to the
well-being of the poor and powerless of society.
19. Name some of the structures of evil identified by CST as responsible for the worsening
plight of the poor countries
a. Crushing burden of international debt
b. Arms-race
c. Neo-colonialism
20. Why is the Catholic view of human rights said to be distinctive?
It is grounded on a complete theological framework wherein all people are made in the image and
likeness of God.