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The Theology of Integral Human Development

Since the encyclical Populorum Progressio (1967), integral human development has been a key concept in Catholic social teaching. Clemens Sedmak, Professor of Social Ethics at the University of Notre Dame (Indiana/USA), lays out the theological foundations of the concept. A theology of integral human development, he explains, argues for a balance between technological and moral progress and is committed to bridging the gap between our material capabilities and our spiritual needs. His article is part of a volume dedicated to the dialogue between Catholic social teaching and the global mining industry.

The article from Professor Sedmak can be found here:

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The book Catholic Peacebuilding and Mining, edited by Caesar A. Montevecchio and Gerard F. Powers can be found under this link: https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/oa-edit/10.4324/9781003094272/catholic-peacebuilding-mining-gerard-powers-caesar-montevecchio?refId=e5753501-7edc-499c-9309-4e8d51ef0e6d&context=ubx

Licence: CC BY-NC-ND

Good Work as a Key Topic of Christian Social Ethics

Foto: Arnd Küppers

Historically, Catholic social teaching is rooted in the workers’ question of the 19th and 20th centuries. Since then, human work and labor have been a key issue in Christian social ethics. Recent developments in robotics and artificial intelligence have led to a revival of the utopia of liberating humanity from work. This idea is at odds with those who are convinced that meaningful and satisfying work is an integral part of human life and flourishing. So should we aim for less work or better work? In his opening address to the Ethics Plenary of the Catholic Theological Society of America, David Cloutier sought to outline a Catholic position in this controversy. He develops a theological anthropology of good work grounded in the Vatican II core idea of the universal call to holiness.

The original is available at the CTSA proceedings page.