The Wholeness of the Individual in Society Essay -- Religion God Relig

The Wholeness of the Individual in Society Certain statements made by Pope John Paul II in his commentary on the lasting significance of the papal encyclical â€Å"Rerum Novarum,† resonate in a highly spiritual plane, others a highly earthly one, and others in both at once. I would posit that this integrated place is of utmost significance to a sound doctrine of social justice in society, with which both documents are highly concerned. The current pope most clearly states the intertwining of the spiritual and physical needs of the human being when he says that â€Å"the Church's social teaching is itself a valid instrument of evangelization † and â€Å"reveals man to himself† (John Paul II, 78). Like Pope John Paul II, I understand the social doctrine of the Church as more than an opportunity to show others how good God is and how much they need the spiritual salvation that comes from this same God's goodness. I believe in God's goodness, God is content to care for God's created and beloved children throu gh fostering the practice of justice and peace as integral threads in the tapestry of all ...