In order to fulfill our duty to the poor as Catholics, we need to respect and understand the importance of the three concepts of Subsidiarity, An Option for the Poor, and Human Dignity. Subsidiarity is a principle that calls smaller, more localized governing factors to be the primary factor in decision making when it comes to the poor and vulnerable. The main idea is to have larger powers and forms of government only intervene when in need of more competent authority and if absolutely necessary; Keeping a small, localized, family-oriented outlook would help to provide the most assistance to the poor and marginalized, therefore proving to be more impactful and effective. As one of the Four Principles of Catholic Social Teaching, Subsidiarity is one of the essential elements of our faith and beliefs. It is not to be taken as an option in the 'belief buffet'; If one is a true and practicing member of the Catholic faith, then this is a belief they hold. Another Principle of Catholic Social teaching that is necessary for helping the poor and vulnerable is Human Dignity. Human Dignity is a God-given right to love, respect, and equity that is instilled within all of us when our lives first begin. This is due to the fact that we are all created in the image and likeness of God, so by nature, we should all be able to revel in the gifts and virtues that God has bestowed on this earth. Though it is inalienable and thus cannot be destroyed or taken away, a person's Human Dignity …show more content…
These Principles emphasize the Culture of Life that the Catholic Church, through the "seamless garment" mentality, tries to promote and protect. This is a contrast to our current society views and opinions that usually emphasize the Culture of Death and all of the evils that come with it. This shows through our growth and progression as a society, being as though the response to the call of action has gotten slower, and moral obligation is turning into moral option. We are progressively becoming far more selfish than selfless, and letting our greed and superficiality control our lives and far worse, our moral compass. In Morality, I learned that no one is completely independent, no matter how much they claim to be so. We are made in the image and likeness of God, therefore we inherited His social nature, thus interdependence is not only natural, but