In the doctrine of the Church, "Arnaud de Lassus (an influential French Catholic traditionalist thinker) points out: "In the Doctrine of the Church, the Social Doctrine of the Church deals with the life of men in the temporal societies they constitute (from the family to the various intermediate bodies up to the State). Let us be more precise and say: it is “the application of the unchanging principles of moral theology to life in society.” The social doctrine of the Church is also called “Christian Law” inasmuch as it governs the family, the intermediate bodies and political society: Christian constitution and legislation of States, international law, and relationships between Church and State." Is the Church really competent in political and social matters? “In the portion of the social order coming into contact with the moral domain, the competence of the Church is indisputable to judge whether the bases of a given social organization are in conformity with the immutable order of things manifested by God through the natural law and Revelation,” said Pius XII (1876 – 1939 † 1958). quoting Pius XII’s radio message of 1st June, 1941 for the 50th anniversary of Rerum Novarum.] What does it mean the social doctrine of the Church? Social doctrine is the proclamation of faith made by the Church Magisterium in the face of social realities. With her social doctrine, the Church aims "at helping man on the path of salvation", of each person, about the entire human family and its needs, even in the material and social sphere. At the heart of the social doctrine is the idea that God is present in others and that we are our brothers and sisters' keepers. In Catholic teachings a special emphasis is placed on our responsibilities to help the most vulnerable of our neighbors. This is her only mission and also the reason why the Church has the right and duty to develop a social doctrine that forms men's consciences and helps them to live according to the Gospel and human nature itself. A coherent Christian directs all aspects of his life towards God, living according to his saving plan. The Church accompanies Christians in this task. The Church helps us to maintain organization, teachings, and to create a support system for members. By establishing a church, the Lord ensures that the correct doctrines are taught. The Church provides members with revelations, standards, and guidelines that help us live as Christ would have us live. People need guidance, and the Church gives a unique perspective on all aspects of life. The Church has much to say on the moral issues of the day, example, abortion and marriage. It is important for the Church to speak out and not remain silent. Principles Relative to the Political and Social Doctrine of the ChurchText approved by Rev. Fr. Bernard Rulleau, O.S.B., 18th July, 2011, 12th April 2018 - Cf. Rule, I, 7-12 in particular
1.- Christ the King: Christ, “the beginning and the end of all things,” is King of the universe, by nature since He created it, and of mankind, moreover by conquest, since He redeemed it by His blood. 2.- Origin of the Political and Social Doctrine of the Church: Man being a social animal, God created society at the same time as man. Hence, Christ, the God-Man, is the King of society as well as the King of every man and every family. From this flows the Political and Social Doctrine of the Church or Doctrine of Christ the King. 3.- Origin of Authority: “There is no power but from God.” (Rm 13:1) Even if the people is called upon to choose its representatives and leaders, the latter must rule, not owing to the authority they would supposedly have received from their constituents, but to the authority derived from their charge, according to the Natural Law willed by God. (Encyclical Diuturnum Illud) We call this: “divine right,” which may be confirmed by royal or imperial consecration and coronation. The people may choose its leaders, yet it cannot grant them authority. In this sense, the expression “Sovereign People” is wrong and the State must acknowledge that it owes its authority to God, for instance, in the first article of the Constitution. This is why a king or any head of State is only a Lieutenant of Christ the King. 4.- Catholic Legislation: The expression “Sovereign People” is also wrong, inasmuch as this latter might decide what is good or evil, including divorce, abortion, euthanasia, homosexuality, etc., directly or through its representatives, whereas human laws must conform with the Natural and Divine Laws (Encyclical Sapientiae Christianae). Consequently laws, like State Constitutions, must be Catholic. Hence, a Non-Catholic State is a deficient State. 5.- State Religion: Moreover, the Encyclical Quas Primas states that “not only private individuals but also rulers and princes are bound to give public honour and obedience to Christ,” and adds: “nor is there any difference in this matter between the individual and the family or the State; for all men, whether collectively or individually, are under the dominion of Christ.” As a consequence, the Catholic Faith must be the “State Religion.” The State professes it, and encourages its development, while it restrains as much as possible the circulation of errors by virtue of a “tolerance” adapted to the necessities of social peace and public order (restrictions on public worship for false religions and on errors of all kinds, and hence restriction imposed upon the use of mass media): this issue pertains to the virtue of prudence. 6.- Doctrine of the Two Swords: In the temporal order, God exercises His authority through the Natural Law and in the Spiritual order, through His Church. On the spiritual level, the Church exercises it on His behalf through her Hierarchy. On the temporal level, the authority of the head of State or of the father of family derives from the Natural Law. Yet, since man is affected by original sin, the Church
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