413. How are we to view social inequalities? (part 2 continuation)
(Comp 413 repetition) There are sinful
social and economic inequalities which affect millions of human beings. These
inequalities are in open contradiction to the Gospel and are contrary to
justice, to the dignity of persons, and to peace. There are , however,
differences among people caused by various factors which enter into the plan of
God. Indeed, God wills that each might receive what he or she needs from others
and that those endowed with particular talents should share them with others.
Such differences encourage and often oblige people to the practice of
generosity, kindness and the sharing of goods. They also foster the mutual
enrichment of cultures.
“In brief”
(CCC 1947) The equal dignity of human persons requires the
effort to reduce excessive social and economic inequalities. It gives urgency
to the elimination of sinful inequalities.
To deepen and
explain
(CCC 1938) There exist also sinful inequalities that affect millions of men and women. These
are in open contradiction of the Gospel: Their equal dignity as persons demands
that we strive for fairer and more humane conditions. Excessive economic and
social disparity between individuals and peoples of the one human race is a
source of scandal and militates against social justice, equity, human dignity,
as well as social and international peace (CS 29 § 3).
Reflection
(CCC 2437) On the international level, inequality of
resources and economic capability is such that it creates a real
"gap" between nations (Cf. SRS 14). On the one side there are those
nations possessing and developing the means of growth and, on the other, those
accumulating debts. (CCC 2317) Injustice, excessive economic or social
inequalities, envy, distrust, and pride raging among men and nations constantly
threaten peace and cause wars. Everything done to overcome these disorders
contributes to building up peace and avoiding war: Insofar as men are sinners,
the threat of war hangs over them and will so continue until Christ comes
again; but insofar as they can vanquish sin by coming together in charity,
violence itself will be vanquished and these words will be fulfilled:
"they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into
pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall
they learn war any more" (GS 78 § 6; cf. Isa 2:4). [END]
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