In this handout we are looking at the key themes of the Catholic social teachings. We are focusing on the theme of colonialism and economic development.
When we think about the global exploration in fifteenth century, we rarely hear or think about the fact that there were priests and pastors on those same boats as soldiers. These priests and pastors conducted baptisms and conversion that were forced just as much the land of the natives were forced to be given over to the whites. And it is claimed at the same time that these same priests and preachers were against the violence of the slave trade and the genocide of the natives.
Next thing that is brought up is that catholic social teaching focuses on the gaps between the rich and the poor and how we must address that as a community and as individuals. They say that we all have an obligation to not ignore the sufferings of the poor, even though it is not in our own homeland. World poverty is everyone's problem and ignoring it is giving in to selfishness and isolation.
The second part of this social teaching had to do with no longer just pondering these problems, and giving vague suggestions for fixing them, but now to confront them head on. No longer looking at the past for blame but looking towards the future and these generations now and condemning them for continuing these bad habits and poor thinking and actions.
Paul VI was the one to say this, and he said that each economy must be restructured because they were all made to fit their own needs, and it was time that all economies were there to serve all humans. He said that there must be land reform in third world countries and more international aid in those poor countries. It is focused on changes of the entire WORLD economy.
It is also mentioned that it is impossible to be a quick change, but rather it will be a slow and gradual change, one that will only propel forward if many individuals do their part when they can.
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