Human Dignity

Genesis 1:27

“So God created humankind in his image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

Galatians 3:28

"There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus."

Question 280: What reasons do Christians give for human dignity?

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. [Catechism of the Catholic Church 1699-1715]

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.

Question 54: What makes every human being unique?

Every human being is unique because he or she was willed by God as an unrepeatable person, created out of love, and redeemed with even greater love. This shows us what dignity the human person has and how important it is to take everyone quite seriously as a person and to treat him with the greatest respect. This requirement applies also to political systems and institutions. They must not only respect the freedom and dignity of the human person. They should contribute to the comprehensive development of every person. A community cannot exclude individuals or entire groups from development.

• There are excellent activities on the Development and Peace website to use with staff and students. Check out the Awareness Activities
• Watch this video where Father Mike Schmitz explains that courtesy relates to Human Dignity
• Read Pacem in Terris (Peace on Earth) Encyclical of Saint Pope John XXIII
• Read The Way of Human Dignity, a short article by Loyola Press

Open Our Eyes

Lord God, formed by your loving hands, each person bears the imprint of your divine image. Open our eyes to see your presence in each person and help us to value them simply because they are your beloved child.

May we see beyond what is visible to our eyes and treat all people with respect and fairness. Through Christ our Lord. Amen

Prayer by Michelle Hoogeveld, District Chaplain

If you are interested in preparing a liturgy or staff meeting around this Catholic Social Teaching, please consider these songs:

1. All Are Welcome (Jesse Manibusan)

2. Bread of Life (Rory Cooney)

3. Christ, Be Our Light (Bernadette Farrell)

4. Open My Eyes (Jesse Manibusan)

5. With One Voice (Ricky Manalo)

All titles are found in Breaking Bread 2019 and are permitted for reprint with One License. Click on the song title to listen to a sample. Songs researched by Andreas Berko, Consultant, Fine and Performing Arts.

Created by Nancy Krar, Secondary ELA Consultant, these posters are intended to create discussion around books and lessons in Catholic Social Teachings. The idea is to print the poster and then create a display of books around the theme or concept. Click the image to the left for other ideas.