Social Justice and the Poor

"What does the Church teach about the poor?"

3 Scripture passages2 objections answered2 Church Father quotes

The Short Answer

Christians are called to serve the poor and work for a just society. Catholic social teaching emphasizes the dignity of workers, care for the vulnerable, and the common good.

Quick Overview

Jesus spent His ministry with the poor, sick, and outcast. Following Him means doing the same. Catholics built hospitals, orphanages, and schools because that's what Christians do—serve the least of these.

Biblical Evidence

What the Scriptures say

Matthew 25:40

"As long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to me."

Why This Matters

Serving the poor is serving Christ Himself. Works of mercy are essential.

James 2:15-17

"If a brother or sister be naked, and want daily food... faith without works is dead."

Why This Matters

Faith without action for the needy is dead faith.

Proverbs 31:8-9

"Open thy mouth for the dumb, and for the causes of all the children that pass. Judge justly, and defend the poor and needy."

Why This Matters

We must speak for those who cannot speak for themselves and defend the vulnerable.

What the Church Teaches

Official Catholic doctrine

The Church has developed rich social teaching: the dignity of the human person, solidarity, subsidiarity, preferential option for the poor, and the universal destination of goods. Christians must work for justice (CCC 2419-2449).

Common Objections

Questions answered

Early Church Fathers

What the first Christians believed

St. John Chrysostom

c. 390 AD

"Not to share our wealth with the poor is theft from the poor and depriving them of their livelihood."

— On Wealth and Poverty, 2

St. Basil the Great

c. 370 AD

"The bread you store up belongs to the hungry; the cloak lying in your chest belongs to the naked."

— Homily 6 on Luke 12

Sanctity of Life

Just War

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