An Introduction to Catholic Social Thought

An overview of Catholic social thought, both official and non-official, particularly in recent decades, first published in 2006.

Michael P. Hornsby-Smith (Author)

9780521681995, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 9 November 2006

402 pages, 7 tables
22.9 x 15.2 x 2.3 cm, 0.59 kg

'I would strongly recommend it to NJPN Newsletter readers.' Justice and Peace

Michael Hornsby-Smith offers an overview of Catholic social thought particularly in recent decades. While drawing on official teaching such as papal encyclicals and the pastoral letters of bishops' conferences, he takes seriously the need for dialogue with secular thought. The 2006 book is organized in four stages. Part I outlines the variety of domestic and international injustices and seeks to offer a social analysis of the causes of these injustices. Part II offers a theological reflection on the characteristics of the kingdom of God which Christians are urged to seek. Part III reviews Catholic social thought in six main areas: human rights, the family and bioethical issues, economic life, social exclusion, authentic development, and war and peace. Part IV completes the cycle with a consideration of appropriate social action responses to the injustices which the author has identified and analysed.

Part I. Social Reality and Social Analysis: 1. Introduction
2. Capitalism in a global context
Part II. Theological Resources: 3. The kingdom of God
4. Christian citizenship
5. Catholic social thought
Part III. Justice Issues: 6. Human rights
7. The family
8. Economic life
9. Social exclusion
10. Authentic development
11. War and peace
Part IV. Action Responses: 12. Catholic responses to injustices
Appendix 1. Selected campaigning organisations.

Subject Areas: Sociology & anthropology [JH], Christian social thought & activity [HRCX6], Christian theology [HRCM], Christianity [HRC], Social & political philosophy [HPS]