World 24/07/19 In the Name of Dignity

[성기화 요셉]

In the Name of Dignity

The recent document of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith is a timely document that clearly presents the foundation on which the meaning of human life is based

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By Julio L. Martínez SJ

Published: July 19, 2024 08:45 AM GMT

Updated: July 19, 2024 08:47 AM GMT

The declaration Dignitas Infinita (DI) from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith is a timely document that clearly presents the foundation on which the meaning of human life is based and its incomparable value, without overlooking the most serious violations committed against it.

A timely though not unprecedented pronouncement released to coincide with the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it resonates in the current nihilistic era, which sees values transforming and differences becoming blurred or abandoned.

Particularly appropriate is the division between a first part devoted to the fundamentals, and a second part that focuses on the main points of Pope Francis’ moral teaching and highlights the coherent ethics of life advocated by the Church, without polarization or misrepresentation.

It is a valuable reflection on the Christian theology of human dignity, presenting and documenting today’s firm appeal of faith in Christ relevant for the intrinsic value of every human life and the importance of securing the social conditions so that this dignity does not remain a pious and abstract rhetorical notion.

Its theological dimension is characterized by an appeal to “reason informed by faith.” This is not reason replaced by faith, nor reason without faith, but reason shaped by faith regarding perspectives, themes and insights associated with the Christian tradition.