Within the Catechism and Gaudium et Spes, the common good and private ownership of goods is explained. As paragraph 1905 in the Catechism instructs, in keeping with the social nature of man, the good of each individual is necessarily related to the common good. Presupposing respect for the person, the social well-being and development of the group, and peace (Cat. 1906-1908), the common good is always oriented towards the progress of persons. (Cat. 1912) Also, as outlined in the Basic Sixteen Documents of Vatican II, Gaudium et Spes mentions how the Church is obligated to extend its works toward the common good. For example, basic human needs such as: food, clothing, housing, the right freely to choose their state of life and set up a family, the right to education, work, to their good name, to respect, to proper knowledge, the right to act according to the dictates of conscience and to safeguard their privacy, and rightful freedom, including freedom of religion is intended to be protected and honored by the Church. (GS26)
With respect to the private ownership of goods, the Catechism deals with such an enterprise under the Seventh Commandment of “You Shall Not Steal”. (Cat. 2401) Noting how in the beginning God entrusted the earth and its resources to the common stewardship of mankind (Gen. 1:26-29) the Catechism teaches that such stewardship lends itself to the natural urging of a solidarity between men. Thus, in maintaining the ‘integrity of creation’, and the ‘natural law’ which follows, the Catechism encourages private ownership to the extent in which private ownership fertilizes the common good of humanity. (Cat. 2452)
As Gaudium et Spes mentions, humanity has always tried to develop its life by its own effort and ingenuity. Nowadays, it has extended and continues to extend its control over nearly all spheres of nature with the help of science and technology. (GS 33) However, although Gaudium et Spes greatly emphasizes ‘humanities’ role in attempting to control nature, Gaudium et Spes also notes how ‘individuals’ are the source, focus, and the aim of all economic and social life. Thus, Gaudium et Spes mentions how it is very important, then, to facilitate access to some ownership of external goods on the part of individuals and communities. (GS 71) However, due to income unworthy of a human being, exploitation, and other excessive economic and social differences and inequalities Gaudium et Spes notes how it is the responsibility of the Church to encourage and work towards a humane equilibrium for all peoples. (GS 66)
In conclusion, both the Catechism and Gaudium et Spes teach that common good is “the sum total of social conditions which allow everyone to reach their fulfillment”. (Cat. 1924) Also, the Catechism and Gaudium et Spes agree, “the order of things must be subordinate to the order of persons, and not the other way around”. (Cat. 1912, GS 26) Thus, as both documents teach that the dignity of the human person requires the pursuit of the common good, the Church encourages that everyone should be concerned to create and support institutions that improve the conditions of human life.
With respect to the private ownership of goods, the Catechism deals with such an enterprise under the Seventh Commandment of “You Shall Not Steal”. (Cat. 2401) Noting how in the beginning God entrusted the earth and its resources to the common stewardship of mankind (Gen. 1:26-29) the Catechism teaches that such stewardship lends itself to the natural urging of a solidarity between men. Thus, in maintaining the ‘integrity of creation’, and the ‘natural law’ which follows, the Catechism encourages private ownership to the extent in which private ownership fertilizes the common good of humanity. (Cat. 2452)
As Gaudium et Spes mentions, humanity has always tried to develop its life by its own effort and ingenuity. Nowadays, it has extended and continues to extend its control over nearly all spheres of nature with the help of science and technology. (GS 33) However, although Gaudium et Spes greatly emphasizes ‘humanities’ role in attempting to control nature, Gaudium et Spes also notes how ‘individuals’ are the source, focus, and the aim of all economic and social life. Thus, Gaudium et Spes mentions how it is very important, then, to facilitate access to some ownership of external goods on the part of individuals and communities. (GS 71) However, due to income unworthy of a human being, exploitation, and other excessive economic and social differences and inequalities Gaudium et Spes notes how it is the responsibility of the Church to encourage and work towards a humane equilibrium for all peoples. (GS 66)
In conclusion, both the Catechism and Gaudium et Spes teach that common good is “the sum total of social conditions which allow everyone to reach their fulfillment”. (Cat. 1924) Also, the Catechism and Gaudium et Spes agree, “the order of things must be subordinate to the order of persons, and not the other way around”. (Cat. 1912, GS 26) Thus, as both documents teach that the dignity of the human person requires the pursuit of the common good, the Church encourages that everyone should be concerned to create and support institutions that improve the conditions of human life.
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