Catholic Social Teaching 101 Video Series: Life and Dignity of the Human Person

"Children bear the image of their parents, both physically and psychologically and spiritually," says Bishop Robert Barron at the start of Life and Dignity of the Human Person, the first installment of CST 101, a series of videos from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services. "So in a similar way, all of us children of God represent God. We bear the likeness of God."

Bishop Barron, along with Prof. Helen Alvaré of George Mason University and Jonathan Reyes of the USCCB, goes on to explain in plain and beautiful language the the source and meaning of the radical and profound—but critical and compelling—notion that the value of the life and dignity of each human person is equal, and equally important to God's plan.

CST 101 is a collaborative 7-part video series presented by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Relief Services on Catholic social teaching.

Whenever we see people being spoken of more like objects, then we know that the principle of the radical equality of every human person is being violated.
— Prof. Helen Alvaré

The videos bring the themes of Catholic social teaching (too often called the "best-kept secret of the Church") to life and inspire us to put our faith into action.

Some suggested uses include adult faith formation, incorporating into high school theology classes, sharing with parents of religious education students, integrating into lay ministry formation and using them to prepare groups for service trips. Or simply for our own reflection, to better understand how we and our families exist in society along with our fellow creatures among God's creation, living and moving and bearing God's word.

Copyright 2016 Catholic Relief Services. All rights reserved.

Featured in these videos is the wonderful artwork of Bro. Mickey O'Neill McGrath, OSFS, along with contributions from some of the most respected figures in contemporary Catholic thought:

The videos are being released on a rolling basis, and all 7 will be released by the spring of 2016 with an accompanying discussion guide. The first video, Life and Dignity of the Human Person, appears below.

We hope you enjoy, share, and discuss this installment, along with the whole series to follow. It'll be the richest part of your day.

[embed width="560" height="315"]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABRl2ZSs58E[/embed]
Click CC for Spanish subtitles.

Installments to follow include:

• Call to Family, Community and Participation; 
• Care for God’s Creation;
• Rights and Responsibilities; 
• Option for the Poor and Vulnerable; 
• The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers; and 
• Solidarity.  

Please share with your communities, and watch this space for each installment to follow.

See all the Catholic Social Teaching 101 posts here.

Copyright 2016 Catholic Relief Services.