One of the seven themes of Catholic social teaching that most informs or influences Catholic views of media is the call to family, community, and participation. The catholic social teachings provide “a rich treasure of wisdom about building a just society and living lives of holiness amidst the challenges of modern society” (Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching, 2003, p. 1). Each of the seven teachings touches on an area of focus within the church, the community, and society. Two of the challenges that the social teaching of call to family, community, and participation touches upon is how the organization of Catholics in society “directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community” and that “people have the right and duty to participate in society” (Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching, 2003, p. 1). According to the Communio et Progressio “the Church sees…media as ‘gifts of God’ which, in accordance with His providential design, unite men in brotherhood” (Order of Second Vatican Council, 1971, p. 1). As we discussed in groups in class, from this quote, it can be understood that God has given media to His follower so that they are able to unite and cooperate with one another, forming and solidifying their communities. Media also allows for distant participation from the members of the church. It allows for individuals to connect with people within and outside of the church so that they are able to participate with one another as well as spread the gospel in an attempt to grow their communities. Being able to spread the word of God through media and enhance the connections Catholics have with one another will show service to their community and media users’ active participants, as they are called to do as one of the Catholic social teachings. Image one, seen below, is of Westminster Abbey Church in London, England and image two is of the Duomo Cathedral in Florence, Italy. Media portrays these facilities as being cool museums and attractions that acts as a popular tourist location. While this is true, this is simply what draws individuals into the buildings. Both facilities are still active as worship centers. Each day, specifically in Westminster Abbey, while tourists are inside, prayer and services are still carried out. This relates to community because it uses media to draw individuals from all over, even if they are not catholic, into the buildings and then places them into the catholic community. This immersion exposes them to the catholic faith and has the potential of influencing an individual’s convergence to Catholicism, growing the Catholic community.
References
Order of Second Vatican Council. (1971). Communio et Progressio. Retrieved April 7, 2019 from http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/pccs/documents/rc_pc_pccs_doc_23051971_communio_en.html
Seven themes of Catholic social teaching. (2003). United States conference of Catholic bishops. Retrieved April 2, 2019, from http://www.usccb.org/BELIEFS-AND-TEACHINGS/WHAT-WE-BELIEVE/CATHOLIC-SOCIAL-TEACHING/SEVEN-THEMES-OF-CATHOLIC-SOCIAL-TEACHING.CFM