The poor will always be with you, Jesus said - but that doesn't mean Christians have ever figured out how to be with the poor.

Pope Francis has emphasized a vision of a Church that is poor and for the poor. But growing economic inequality continues to spread across the globe. This book takes a fresh look at the role of churches, and individual Christians, in relating to poverty and the poor among them. A strong focus is placed on the biblical and theological roots of the Church's commitment to care for the poor.

At times praised as a virtue and blessed as a condition, poverty easily confuses us, and we are often left doing little to nothing to make a difference with and for the poor. As a social evil and a burden, poverty has elicited many kinds of reactions among the followers of Christ. It is time for Christians to figure out what to do about it.

Contributors include Pope Francis, Pheme Perkins, Sandra M. Schneider, and Thomas Massaro SJ.

Now revised to reflect the many changes in our society, around the world, and in the church, this volume provides basic introductory information about the edition of Catholic social teaching, giving a concise overview of what the major documents of the tradition say about political, economic, and social life. Laced throughout with references to the actual documents, the volume puts into accessible language the key ideas that the church has proclaimed in the are of social teaching. Grouped by topics, the questions represent the most common inquiries the the typical Catholic asks about the church's teaching. The answers are brief, accurate responses based on the important official documents of the church. While the book can be read easily in a sitting or two, the format also permits the reader to check on a single topic or idea for quick reference. Ideal for personal education, the book is also suitable for adult formation, discussion, and reflection. +

A study of the deep historical roots of Catholic Social Teaching

What is often neglected in studies of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is the underlying theology that it presumes, especially the biblical and patristic roots that have forged a broader tradition of social thought than is found in the more recent writings of the Catholic hierarchy.

Sacred and Social fills this gap by providing an extended analysis of the Catholic understanding of the human person, especially the beliefs in human dignity and humanity's essentially social nature. Himes argues that, before the documents of the modern papacy, a rich tradition already shaped and informed the Catholic lens on social reality. He illustrates the theological basis for the ethical commitments of CST with the fundamental theological themes--creation, incarnation, Trinity, Body of Christ--that gave rise to the Catholic social imagination.

A study of the deep historical roots of Catholic Social Teaching

What is often neglected in studies of Catholic Social Teaching (CST) is the underlying theology that it presumes, especially the biblical and patristic roots that have forged a broader tradition of social thought than is found in the more recent writings of the Catholic hierarchy.

Sacred and Social fills this gap by providing an extended analysis of the Catholic understanding of the human person, especially the beliefs in human dignity and humanity's essentially social nature. Himes argues that, before the documents of the modern papacy, a rich tradition already shaped and informed the Catholic lens on social reality. He illustrates the theological basis for the ethical commitments of CST with the fundamental theological themes--creation, incarnation, Trinity, Body of Christ--that gave rise to the Catholic social imagination.

Including contributions from twenty-two leading moral theologians, this volume is the most thorough assessment of modern Roman Catholic social teaching available. In addition to interrogations of the major documents, it provides insight into the biblical and philosophical foundations of Catholic social teaching, addresses the doctrinal issues that arise in such a context, and explores the social thought leading up to the modern era, which is generally accepted as beginning in 1891 with the publication of Pope Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum. The book also includes a review of how Catholic social teaching has been received in the United States and offers an informed look at the shortcomings and questions that future generations must address. This second edition includes revised and updated essays as well as two new commentaries: one on Pope Benedict XVI's encyclical Caritas in Veritate and one on Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Si'. An outstanding reference work for anyone interested in studying and understanding the key documents that make up the central corpus of modern Catholic social teaching.

Including contributions from twenty-two leading moral theologians, this volume is the most thorough assessment of modern Roman Catholic social teaching available. In addition to interrogations of the major documents, it provides insight into the biblical and philosophical foundations of Catholic social teaching, addresses the doctrinal issues that arise in such a context, and explores the social thought leading up to the modern era, which is generally accepted as beginning in 1891 with the publication of Pope Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum. The book also includes a review of how Catholic social teaching has been received in the United States and offers an informed look at the shortcomings and questions that future generations must address. This second edition includes revised and updated essays as well as two new commentaries: one on Pope Benedict XVI's encyclical Caritas in Veritate and one on Pope Francis's encyclical Laudato Si'. An outstanding reference work for anyone interested in studying and understanding the key documents that make up the central corpus of modern Catholic social teaching.

With an equal emphasis on every word in the title-and with a distinctly American perspective-Himes and his distinguished associate editors and contributors, have assembled the most thorough and authoritative assessment of modern Roman Catholic social teaching to date, likely to remain the touchstone volume for decades. This culmination of many years of effort by twenty stellar scholars has produced a reference work for anyone interested in understanding or studying the key documents that comprise the central corpus of Catholic social teaching.

In addition to interrogations of the major documents, this volume provides an understanding of the biblical and philosophical foundations of Catholic social teaching, addresses the doctrinal issues that arise in such a context, and explores the social thought leading up to the modern era, generally accepted as beginning in 1891 with the publication of Pope Leo XIII's Rerum Novarum. Finally, there is a review of how Catholic social teaching has been received in the United States, and an informed look at the shortcomings and questions that future generations must address.

By any standard, Modern Catholic Social Teaching is a remarkable work-intellectually rigorous and deeply faithful, it provides accessible and thought-provoking insights into the heart of a belief tradition that every Catholic will find invaluable.