A Historical Study of Modern Catholic Social Teaching

Author: Hyung Kyu Lee

Page: 151-174

Abstract

​ This essay provides an in-depth exploration of moral values shaping modern Catholic social thought as an alternative social vision against both monopolistic capitalism and state socialism. It also analyses the major contributors of that body of knowledge known as modern Catholic social teaching. It is evident that the social thought of the modern Catholic church in particular shows a people–centered economy with a communitarian vision. Catholic social teaching offers a moral vision of society based on inner-worldly asceticism for a new economic and social transformation. This paper also considers essential questions such as “Can religio-moral values offer ethical and religious guidelines for modern economic systems such as capitalism and state socialism?” The first part of the study examines how social Catholicism embodies more religiously empowering teachings. The second part suggests how religio-moral values might respond to contemporary social problems