Social Welfare and Catholic Social Teaching: Foundational Theological Principles for Case Studies

Abstract

For well over a century, Catholic social teaching has advocated for generous social welfare policies that assist members of poor and marginalized communities. Efforts to understand and describe the shape and influence of these advocacy endeavors, naturally conducted primarily by social scientists and historians of policy, must be grounded in foundational theological considerations, as well as an appreciation of recent church history. Among the topics of central relevance are the tensions within these teachings between: (1) engagement and intervention; (2) key contending metaphors, such as “blueprint” and “yardstick”; and (3) the interplay between universal principles and local applications. Only by first appreciating these tensions in their historical and theological dimensions may a fully adequate portrayal of the purpose and influence of Catholic social teaching emerge, even if a significant share of these tensions remains ultimately unresolved. Clarifying these key issues in the developing self-awareness of Catholic social teaching enhances our ability to chart a course forward regarding the prospect of fostering social change, even within highly challenging pluralistic contexts. Adhering to hard-won lessons from past social involvements will allow Catholicism to retain its constructive influence on future social welfare policy.

Role of the Nurul Hidayah Integrated Taklim Council in Meeting the Religious Learning Needs of the Elderly in Cirebon Regency

“…As previously explained, the implementation of activity programs at the Nurul Hidayah Tengah Tani Integrated Taklim Council is not only routine recitation activities, but there are also programs that can improve the selfdevelopment of the congregation. This of course the taklim assembly also plays a role in increasing religious understanding (Fadli, 2023;Sukirman et al, 2021), in addition, it can also increase social and economic awareness of the congregation (Heist & Cnaan, 2016;Thomas Massaro & Massaro, 2023). To find out more clearly about the programs implemented at the Nurul Hidayah Tengah Tani Integrated Taklim Council, the following will be explained regarding the implementation of the Nurul Hidayah Tengah Tani Integrated Taklim Council program:…”

Kepentingan Diri dan Martabat Manusia

“…Martabat manusia merupakan prinsip dasar yang harus dapat menjadi fondasi terkait keputusan sosial dan ekonomi manusia. Ketiga, "The Catholic Church and Economic Justice" (Booth, 2014;Heron & Ranganathan, 2022;Hunnes, 2021;Massaro, 2021;Nothelle-Wildfeuer, 2018;O'boyle, 2020). Artikel artikel tersebut mengkaji tema seputar keterhubungan antara ASG dan keadilan ekonomi.…”