Human life and Dignity. The Catholic Church proclaims that human life is sacred and that the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. In our society, human life is under direct attack from abortion and euthanasia. The value of human life is being threatened by cloning, embryonic stem cell research, and the use of the death penalty. The intentional targeting of civilians in war or terrorist attacks is always wrong. Catholic teaching also calls on us to work to avoid war. Nations must protect the right to life by finding increasingly effective ways to prevent conflicts and resolve them by peaceful means. We believe that every person is precious, that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person.

Scriptures

Gen1:26-31 - God created man and woman in his image.      

Deu 10:17-19 - God loves the orphan, the widow, and the stranger.        

Ps 139:13-16 - God formed each of us and knows us intimately.        

Proverbs 22:2 - The Lord is the maker of both rich and poor.

Lk 10:25-37 - The Good Samaritan recognized the dignity in the other and cared for his life.

Jn 4:1-42 - Jesus broke with societal and religious customs to honor the dignity of the Samaritan woman.

To be continued…