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Catholic Social Tradition is not an optional “add-on” but rather the explicit expression of the social dimension of Christian faith. It is a spirituality rather than a doctrine, a regula to be lived rather than a rule to be followed. And its rootedness in the gospels makes it clear that enacting Catholic Social Teaching is not a social theory, based on certain key arguments and principles, but a social imperative, based on an encounter: the encounter with Christ.
Through the use of multiple examples encountered both in parishes and in the secular world (such as racism, vegetarianism, and taxation), Sedmak shows how enacting Catholic Social Tradition by honouring each person’s dignity is truly the commitment of following Christ in the world.
“Provides essential and timely clarifications and criteria for the application of CST in the world and in the Church of today, with crucial attention to the pastoral and practical dimensions.” —Massimo Faggioli
“An innovative reflection on how to translate principles into action.” —David Hollenbach, SJ
Clemens Sedmak is professor of social ethics and director of the Nanovic Institute for European Studies, University of Notre Dame. His recent books include A Church of the Poor: Pope Francis and the Transformation of Orthodoxy and The Practice of Human Development and Dignity.
