A Concise Guide to Catholic Social Teaching

by Kevin E. McKenna, Ave Maria Press

A timely resource for understanding, teaching, and implementing Catholic social teaching. As parishes and schools intensify efforts to promote Catholic social teaching, here is a welcome distillations of social principles presented in both papal encyclicals and pastoral letters developed by American bishops. Following the structure of the U.S. bishops' document "Sharing Catholic Social Teaching," the book speaks to seven significant











Each chapter includes reflection questions ideal for individual or group usage, and an appendix offers biographical information about popes who have issued social encyclicals, suggested homily themes and a Reconciliation Service for Justice and Peace. Sure to become an invaluable resource for all pastoral ministers, A Concise Guide to Catholic Social Teaching is also suitable for parish adult study groups, and high school and college classes on Catholic social teaching.

Genres: Catholic

159 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2002

Reviews

[Luke Mohnasky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I appreciate this book for it's principle-driven stance towards the world instead of policy-driven. It pays attention to the common good, taking care of the poor and helpless in society, and taking care of creation. We have a responsibility to pay attention and take care of the world. However, there are several papers in this collection that use harmful language towards women, especially towards mothers considering abortion. I found those pieces disgusting and against what the rest of the book talked about.

It is choppy to read though. This concise guide does not provide in-depth rationale but states what the way of life should be like. Which is fine, but boring to read.

[Gwendolyn B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Especially in today's polarizing climate, it would behoove all Catholics to pick up this compendium of Papal and episcopal documents. It also might shock them. I needed nearly two weeks to finish this short book because its contents on social and economic justice, human rights, and eco-justice are that profound, thought-provoking, and shockingly ignored (or unheard of) by many lay Catholics.

My only gripe about the book is something the author couldn't help; it was published in 2002. I hope that Fr. McKenna puts out a revised edition that includes Laudato Si.

[Jason · Rating 2 out of 5]

The problem with this book is how it's organized. Instead of going topic by topic and harmonizing what the church teaches about it, the book just lifts pieces of encyclicals and other documents in chronological order. Because of this you get a lot of repetition.

[Dolores Downey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected more but it does say Concise. Somewhat superficial in my opinion,

[Lingui5t · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly just summaries of encyclicals. Definitely not very useful for my purposes. Also very dryly presented. Meh!

[Vance J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice review of the foundation of Catholic social teaching. A very important reference for these very interesting times we're facing in the United States right now. Especially edifying is the principle of moral teachings vs. political expedience.