Scripture, Documents and ThemesSuicide and Alcoholism
Articles
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Scripture
Deuteronomy 15:11
"There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land." Deuteronomy 27:19 "'Cursed is the man who withholds justice from the alien, the fatherless or the widow.' Then all the people shall say, Amen!'" Psalm 12:5 "Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise, says the LORD, I will protect them from those who malign them." Psalm 82: 3-4 "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." Church Documents
The Church and Racism
This document discusses the churches sensitivity towards racial prejudice and racial behavior. Biblical Revelation strongly affirms the dignity of every person created in God's image, the unity of humankind in the Creator's plan, and the dynamics of the reconciliation. This document focusses on racism and the conflictual attitudes, intolerance, and prejudice that comes with. The document goes on to address racism throughout history then discusses forms of racism today. It discusses racism in forms of spontaneity, toleration, and institutional. The principle of equal dignity of all persons, of whatever race, is evident in the Catholic church. The document goes on to dispel much of the false evidence used to justify racist behavior or delay necessary changes. God created the human being- man and women- in his image and likeness. We are God’s children and we must treat each other as such. We cannot forget about our nation’s original inhabitants, for we owe everything to them. We cannot let such a thing as suicide erode the native communities. A Place at the Table (Poverty) The Gospel and Catholic social teaching place our service of the poor and vulnerable and our work for justice at the center of Christian witness. A sixth of our children are growing up poor in the richest nation on earth. 1 The blessings and burdens of American life are not being shared fairly. In the face of these challenges, our community of faith must continue to preach the Gospel and pursue the Church's evangelizing and social mission. We can help shape a world where the lives and dignity of all people are respected and protected. The poverty level on reservations is high and something we should be concerned about. We should be helping these communities by creating empowering opportunities for them to prosper in any way that could help individuals and families. |