HUMAN DIGNITY
The concept
of human dignity is the foundation upon which all authentic
social justice efforts are based. The human person,
fashioned in God's image, has a supreme dignity
which surpasses that of all other creatures - a
dignity fully revealed by God the Son, who became human
as Jesus Christ. There are inherent rights and responsibilities
which proceed from human dignity and demand recognition.
These include respect for human life from conception
until natural death, the right to make free decisions,
the right to choose a state in life, the right to food,
to religious freedom, to meaningful work, education
and shelter. Human dignity is not a means to achieve
an end; it has its own value because of the human person's
purpose and destiny: to know and love God. People do
not lose this dignity because of gender, sexual orientation,
disability, poverty, age, misadventure, misfortune or
sinful behaviour. Made in the image and likeness of
God, all persons are sacred - this is the heart
of human dignity.
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Related Concepts:
LOVE OF
NEIGHBOUR
RESPECT FOR LIFE
QUALITY OF LIFE
HUMAN RIGHTS AND DUTIES
EQUALITY AND EQUITY
DIVERSITY
SOLIDARITY
PREFERENTIAL OPTION FOR THE POOR
EDUCATION
ANTI-RACISM
ANTI-SEXISM
UNDERSTANDING
COOPERATION
SERVICE
WORK
HUMAN FREEDOM
JUSTICE
IMAGE OF GOD (IMAGO DEI)
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| Corresponding Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations: |
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| CGE1d Develops attitudes and values founded on Catholic social teaching and acts to promote social responsibility, human solidarity and the common good |
| CGE1e Speaks the language of life... "recognizing that life is an unearned gift and that a person entrusted with life does not own it but that one is called to protect and cherish it." (Witnesses to Faith) |
| CGE1h Respects the faith traditions, world religions and the life-journeys of all people of good will |
| CGE2c Presents information and ideas clearly and honestly and with sensitivity to others |
| CGE2e Uses and integrates the Catholic faith tradition, in the critical analysis of the arts, media, Technology and information systems to enhance the quality of life |
| CGE5e Respects the rights, responsibilities and contributions of self and others |
| CGE5f Exercises Christian leadership in the achievement of individual and group goals |
| CGE6a Relates to family members in a loving, compassionate and respectful manner |
| CGE7d Promotes the sacredness of life |
| CGE7e Witnesses Catholic social teaching by promoting equality, democracy, and solidarity for a just, peaceful and compassionate society |
| CGE7f Respects and affirms the diversity and interdependence of the world's peoples and cultures |
| CGE7g Respects and understands the history, cultural heritage and pluralism of today's contemporary society |
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