Introducing Catholic Social Thought

Overview

"Introducing Catholic Social Thought is what every teacher and student hopes for in a textbook --- it is well organized, clearly written, accurate in its presentation, and insightful in its treatment of an essential element of the Catholic tradition."---Kenneth R. Himes, OFM, Boston College

"This book answers the question: how can we find a brief but solid summary of Catholic social teaching? This introduction is informed by the author's engagement with the scholarly literature, his long teaching experience, and his wise responses to current debates. This will be valuable in college classrooms, parish discussion groups, and interfaith community organizations."---David O'Brien, College of the Holy Cross/University of Dayton

"Presents Catholic Social Thought linked not only to its origins but to the alternative perspective it offers to key issues of the day. illustrates the movements, theological convictions and ideas through which the Church engages in the public sphere. A fine companion to his earlier work, Justice and Peace: A Christian Primer."---Judith A. Merkle, SNDdeN, Niagara University

"|A| lasting contribution to understanding the social implications of Christian commitment. It is a fresh and updated reflection on the central values of the Church's social doctrine that flow from the following of Jesus in contemporary society.---Daniel Groody. CSC. University of Notre Dame

After offering a description of the general historical development of Catholic social thought, Thompson provides five chapters that each deal with a specific theme: faithful citizenship, economic justice, human rights, war and peace and the consistent ethic of life, and care for the earth. Each chapter identifies key documents and explores their meaning and how they are applied today. Stories of key practitioners include figures ranging from César Chávez and Mother Teresa to John Leary and Dorothy Stang.

Written by an experienced teacher in accessible language, Introducing Catholic Social Thought is appropriate for courses in Catholic social teaching, Christian ethics, and social justice for undergraduates and non-religion majors, as well as for adult and parish study groups.

J. Milburn Thompson teaches theology and Christian social ethics at Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky where he is also chair of the Department of Theology. He is the author of Justice and Peace: A Christian Primer (Orbis) and of many articles in the areas of social justice and moral theology.