Mark Luedtke, sj

Guadium et Spes outline

Preface: Situation of humanity in the world of today (1-10)

- focus on the Church ad extra – engaging the world
- the joys and hopes of the world, its grief and sorrows as well
- desire to dialogue with the whole world, believers and non-believers alike
(1-3) the human person as the key – common language available to all humanity
dignity of the human person as the “toothing-stone” on which to build
point of contact between concerns of the world and concerns of the Church
(4-10) Signs of the times – the reality of change (think, historical consciousness)
people seeking ultimate meaning in their lives
Part I: The Church and the human vocation
- general principles of human anthropology
- read signs of the times, express values, proclaim Jesus Christ (contribution of the Church)
1) The dignity of the human person (12-22)
(12-18) Made in the image of God – dignity from God’s creative act
marred by sin by redeemed by Christ – very positive
intellect, conscience and freedom as key elements
(19-21) atheism as a threat – various forms, does not mention Communism specifically
2) The human community – from personal to communal (23-32)
links biblical (love of God and others) and social principles (common good and justice)
Christ in the world calls us toward solidarity
3) The activity of the human person in the world (33-39)
role of human work – value of people for what they are than what they have (35)
all activity perfected through love – example of Paschal Mystery
culmination in the world to come
4) The Church's function in the world (40-45)
mutual interaction of the Church and the world – link LG – Church as leaven
proper autonomy of each – Church not tied to one culture or nation or system
aid the human family be more human (40)
Church has received much from the world – does not have all the answers
one purpose: Kingdom of God may come, salvation for all
Part II: Urgent problems – organic unity of the two parts
1) The dignity of marriage and the family (47-52)
procreation and well-being of the couple – not primary, secondary – mutual
birth control: only general statements – moral rights and responsibilities
2) The proper promotion of cultural process (53-62)
“diverse mental and physical endowments” / importance of diversity
must serve humanity, need for more theological formation, freedom of inquiry
3) Social and economic life (63-72) link CST / papal encyclicals – dignity and welfare
4) The life of the political community (73-76) – exist for the common good
Church as sign and safeguard of human transcendence – witness to truth
5) Fostering peace and the international community (77-90) link Pacem in Terris
peace not war, right of nations to self defense
Conclusion – appeal to whole world – only a beginning