Denver Catholic

12 NOVEMBER 11-24, 2017 | DENVER CATHOLIC PRINCIPLES AND POLICIES "We must distinguish between moral principles and policies," said Dr. Terrance Wright, associ- ate professor of philoso- phy at St. John Vianney Seminary in Denver, to the Denver Catholic. "The Church does not claim to be giving policies. Yet, it would be failing in its mission if it didn't give moral principles to guide those policies." St. John Paul II also illustrated this point in Sollicitudo Rei Socialis by aªrming that the Magis- terium "does not propose economic and political systems or programs, nor does she show preference for one or the other, pro- vided that human dignity is properly respected and promoted." This being said, "Two people of good faith could well disagree on a social policy," aªrmed Wright, "as long as both are trying to apply the moral princi- ples of the Church." Catholic social teach- ing is a component of moral doctrine because men "are by nature social beings," explained Wright. AUTHORITY TO TEACH "The authority of the Church to teach on morals comes from Jesus himself," aªrmed Wright. Christ's teachings were impregnated with morality. It becomes evident in the Gospel: "'If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.'" He also intended his teachings and way of life to be proclaimed to all: "make disciples of all nations… teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." The Magisterium recognizes that because its moral teachings are rational, they don't only belong to the faithful, but to every human person. "This is why it speaks of the natural law, which is man's under- standing of the divine law," explained Wright. "This is not merely a matter of faith – it's a matter of reason." A MESSAGE FOR EVERYONE "The Church cer- tainly does not only speak to the faithful," Wright said. "It is speaking the moral truth and the truth is not selective – the truth is the truth." Since the truth is universal, it applies to all men, religious or not. Thus, the Church calls all men and groups in society to recognize the truth and greatness of the human being. It's – as John Paul II expressed it – "an expert in humanity." The mission of the Magisterium is not to control all aspects of human life and civiliza- tion, but to lead human- ity to truth and justice. The Church knows that since "her message is in harmony with the most secret desires of the human heart," she is able to "[restore] hope to those who have already despaired." Around the Archdiocese A place for reconnecting With God. Come for a day or week. Book your next retreat with us! 719-258-1600 For Tour or Reservations www.eltesororetreat.org C F & C S N C A M A D For more information cfcsDenver.org MT. OLIVET CATHOLIC CEMETERY 12801 W. 44th Avenue Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 (303) 424-7785 ST. SIMEON CATHOLIC CEMETERY 22001 E. State Hwy. 30 Aurora, CO 80018 (720) 859-9785 ARCHDIOCESE OF DENVER FUNERAL CENTER Serving the greater Denver area (303) 425-9511 Start planning today: Funeral | Cremation | Cemetery | Family Estates S E E I N G I S B E L I E V I N G Visit our beautiful 200-acre campus in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia to discover the transformative power of our time-tested, authentic Catholic liberal arts education and find out why Pope St. John Paul II said that "Christendom is doing a great work for the Church." There's no better way to believe in our unique educational experience than to see it for yourself. christendom.edu/visit > F R O N T R O YA L , V I R G I N I A SPECIAL OFFER Any high school senior, who has never visited campus before and visits this year, can choose between a $100 travel reimbursement check or a $500 scholarship. BY VLADIMIR MAURICIO-PEREZ I s the Magisterium intruding in sec- ular matters? Does dogma seek to "impose" its views on non-believ- ers – or on believers – in matters that don't pertain to religion? Many Catholics who consider themselves "practicing " agree with the Catholic Church's teaching on "faith and morals." Nevertheless, many also feel uncom- fortable with the Church's social doctrine, fearing it oversteps its boundaries by making statements pertaining to politics, economics, immigration, or related issues. Can the Church tell me what to think on social issues?

• Cover