An Introduction to Catholic Social Thought

An overview of Catholic social thought, both official and non-official, particularly in recent decades, first published in 2006.

In this 2006 book, Michael Hornsby-Smith offers a critical introduction to Catholic social thought. While drawing on official papal and episcopal teaching, he takes seriously the need for dialogue with secular thought. He deliberates the social reality of injustices, providing analysis of their causes and suggesting appropriate social action responses.Michael Hornsby-Smith offers an overview of Catholic social thought particularly in recent decades. While drawing on official teaching such as papal encyclicals and the pastoral letters of bishops' conferences, he takes seriously the need for dialogue with secular thought. The 2006 book is organized in four stages. Part I outlines the variety of domestic and international injustices and seeks to offer a social analysis of the causes of these injustices. Part II offers a theological reflection on the characteristics of the kingdom of God which Christians are urged to seek. Part III reviews Catholic social thought in six main areas: human rights, the family and bioethical issues, economic life, social exclusion, authentic development, and war and peace. Part IV completes the cycle with a consideration of appropriate social action responses to the injustices which the author has identified and analysed.