Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 280 - Part III.

 

YOUCAT Question n. 280 - Part III. What reasons do Christians give for human dignity?

(Youcat answer - repeated) Every person, from the first moment of his life in the womb, has an inviolable dignity, because from all eternity God willed, loved, created, and redeemed that person and destined him for eternal happiness.

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 1705) By virtue of his soul and his spiritual powers of intellect and will, man is endowed with freedom, an "outstanding manifestation of the divine image" (GS 17). (CCC 1706) By his reason, man recognizes the voice of God which urges him "to do what is good and avoid what is evil" (GS 16). Everyone is obliged to follow this law, which makes itself heard in conscience and is fulfilled in the love of God and of neighbor. Living a moral life bears witness to the dignity of the person.   

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) If human dignity were based solely on the successes and accomplishments of individuals, then those who are weak, sick, or helpless would have no dignity. Christians believe that human dignity is, in the first place, the result of God’s respect for us. He looks at every person and loves him as though he were the only creature in the world. Because God has looked upon even the least significant child of Adam, that person possesses an infinite worth, which must not be destroyed by men.

 (CCC Comment)

(CCC 1707) "Man, enticed by the Evil One, abused his freedom at the very beginning of history" (GS 13 § 1). He succumbed to temptation and did what was evil. He still desires the good, but his nature bears the wound of original sin. He is now inclined to evil and subject to error: Man is divided in himself. As a result, the whole life of men, both individual and social, shows itself to be a struggle, and a dramatic one, between good and evil, between light and darkness (GS 13 § 2). (CCC 1708) By his Passion, Christ delivered us from Satan and from sin. He merited for us the new life in the Holy Spirit. His grace restores what sin had damaged in us. 

(This question: What reasons do Christians give for human dignity? is continued)