Synopses & Reviews
An overview of Catholic social thought, both official and non-official, particularly in recent decades.
Review
'I would strongly recommend it to NJPN Newsletter readers.' Justice and Peace
Synopsis
Michael Hornsby-Smith offers a critical introduction to Catholic social thought. While drawing on official papal and episcopal teaching, he takes seriously the need for dialogue with secular thought. The book is organized into four parts. Part I: the social reality of injustices and social analysis of their causes; Part II: theological reflection based on principles such as human dignity, the common good, solidarity, and the preferential concern for the poor; Part III: areas of injustice including human rights violations, poverty and war; and Part IV: social action responses to injustices.
About the Author
Michael P. Hornsby-Smith is Emeritus Professor of Sociology, University of Surrey. He is author of Roman Catholic Beliefs in England (1991) and editor of Catholics in England 1950-2000 (1999).
Table of Contents
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.