Pacem in Terris

- Brief Structural View –

UNIVERSAL              Begins very large – with a universal view:

                                    The majesty of God is reflected in the grandeur of nature and the universe.

                                    In that grandeur, what do we discover?

                                       1.  That there is order in the universe

                                       2.  That this order is intelligible by human beings

                                       3.  That the order of the forces of the universe is different from the order

                                            of the human heart (conscience). 

PARTICULAR           Moves to the particular view of humanity, the focus is now on the human conscience:

                                    Human beings are beginning to recognize their own dignity.

                                    What is that peculiar dignity:

                                       1.  We are created in the image of God

                                       2.  God shared in our humanity, through Jesus Christ.

                                       3.  All people are equal in dignity.

SOCIAL ORDER       Moves to the community of humanity:

                                    There is order in society.    

This order is based on human dignity, which is equal for all. 

Hence, society must strive for the common good as its goal: 

   1. By recognizing that human beings have basic human rights within society.

            a.  Right to life, bodily integrity, food, shelter, medical care, etc.

b. Workers rights, women’s rights, rights of minority groups.

                                       2.  These rights impart a corresponding duty:

                                                a.  To claim those rights.

b.  To protect the rights of others. 

c.  To effectively fulfill those rights.  (Proactive)

i. Contribute to common welfare, actively participate in government, etc.

WORLD PEACE        Re-states the purpose of the Encyclical. 

                                    Communities and nations have rights. 

World peace can only come about through mutual trust, not equality of arms.  Mutual trust must be:

                                       1.  Founded on TRUTH

                                       2.  Built according to JUSTICE

                                       3.  Integrated by CHARITY

                                       4.  Put into practice in FREEDOM     

PUBLIC

AUTHORITY             The public authority of nations must have as its objective:

                                       1.  The recognition of human rights

                                       2.  Respect for human rights

                                       3.  The safeguarding of human rights

                                       4.  The promotion of human rights

                                    This is why public authority exists, deriving its authority from God.

                                    Laws derive their force from the moral order.

Laws contrary to the moral order and the will of God are not binding on the conscience of citizens.

RIGHTS OF

NATIONS                   All nations are equal in dignity.  (This follows from human dignity.)

                                    People must be able to choose the form and manner of government.

                                    Nations have rights:

                                       1.  Right to exist

                                       2.  Right to self-determination

                                    No nation may oppress another nation, or meddle in their affairs:

                                       1.  Either through force, coercion, or economic oppression.

WORLD

COMMUNITY           We are a world community.

                                    From the recognition of our national rights, come national duties. 

   1.  Nations must recognize and promote the rights of other nations.

                                       2.  No nation may rely on its national interests alone to set policy.

                                    There is a need for a world, governing authority, set up by common accord.  (U.N.)

                                       1.  To safeguard human rights.

                                       2.  To safeguard the rights of nations.

                                       3.  To eliminate weapon stock piles.

                                       4.  To ban nuclear weapons.

                                       5.  To progress toward global disarmament.

                                       6.  To eliminate every trace of racism in social and international affairs.

We should distinguish between false ideologies (philosophies) which are historically static, and the movements which rise out of them (which are historically dynamic).  Change is possible.  World peace is possible.

Revolutionaries should be aware that the law of life is to proceed gradually. 

We as individuals have rights as well as duties to be a spark of light, a center of love, a leaven among people.