Just war?

In the face of modern warfare with 'WMDs' or weapons of mass destruction, it is argued that no war can be considered just.  From your reading:
"the changing realities of modern warfare have
inspired the church’s awareness of a greater need
for nonviolent conflict resolution. Never have
humans been able to inflict so much damage on
such a massive scale. Because WMDs can not discriminate
between combatant and non-combatant,
they violate a main Jus in Bello tenet. From this
perspective, Just War Theory can no longer apply
to modern warfare. Thus the only option to address
conflict is through nonviolent means."

What do YOU think?  Based on all you have learned throughout the course and in your other classes, life, etc...  is nonviolent resolution to conflict an option? ? How can we change our culture to be a culture of life and not a culture of death, as Pope John Paul II reminds us?  How can you be an agent of change and nonviolence? 

Silence begets violence?

As the news of the school shooting in Connecticut broke on my ipad during class on Friday, I happened to be reading this article on Busted Halo challenging our society's silence over the rise in gun violence.  It was perhaps prophetic, as the conversation about violence in the media and video games, gun control and mental health treatment have come to the forefront of the political agenda, news stories and radio conversations.  Another recent article after the tragedy in CT connected it with our advent journey: 
We are a people who walk in darkness. In the mire of wanton death and destruction, we scratch and fumble and claw for some glimpse of light. And we have seen a light … small and fierce … beginning to penetrate the gloom. We have seen the people of Newtown wrap their arms around each other in love and solidarity. We have seen the people of this country — people of all races, faiths and walks of life — express their care and support and outrage in the wake of Friday’s tragic events. We have seen an outpouring of love from all across the world. It is a precious ray of hope in this time of deep sadness. But love and goodwill (in and of themselves) are not enough.

We are called to recognize the fact that we have failed each other and to own the horror that our failure has been visited on the innocent among us. We — the grown-up people of this country — need to have the courage to engage in some difficult conversations.

We have heard a call. Terrible and deafening. We have heard a call that must shake us to our bones. We are called to be changed. We are called to recognize the fact that we have failed each other and to own the horror that our failure has been visited on the innocent among us.

Why has this particular event demanded such a direct call to action?  How do you think we, as a society should respond?  What does Catholic Social Teaching compel us to consider?  Where will we go from here?  

Factory Fire

As you have heard and we discussed in class, there was a large fire in a factory in Bangladesh last month that killed 112 of the factory workers.  The working conditions were horrific, with a lack of safety measures in place.  Many of the items produced in the factory were eventually exported to US stores.  Please read this (or any other articles you find on your own research) about the situation and respond with your reaction.  What does this mean for us in the US?  Are we responsible as consumers to know where our products are made, how workers are treated, etc?  Is it the governments responsibility?  Corporations?  Or is it fair that workers at least have jobs in places like Bangladesh and they are grateful to have a wage though we might not call it a 'living' wage? 

Dorothy Day: Saint?

As we have discussed in class, Dorothy Day has been unanimously suggested for candidacy as a Saint in the Catholic Church by the USCCB.  Please read this article about her sainthood and surprising support of her life by the Archbishop of NY.  In your post, please respond to the following questions:  How do you think saints should be determined?  What is essential to be elevated to such a high level of respect and reverence?  How does the Archbishop's support of Day surprise you?  Or does it make sense that he would support her work?  What does it mean to be a Catholic Saint, really?!

Circles of Protection

In July, a group of religious leaders across the spectrum posed questions to the presidential candidates on the topic of poverty.  This group, named the Circle of Protection, argues that we as a nation need programs to protect the poorest and most vulnerable members of our society.  Please read about their position and beliefs and then watch the brief (3 minutes each) video responses from Governor Romney and President Obama.  In your own words, summarize the candidate's statements and explain how they compare to the Church's teaching on justice and charity.  What are the strengths/weaknesses of the candidates statements?

Beyond the Swoosh

Today in class, you heard stories of justice and charity in the New Testament.  Then you heard the work of Jim and Leslie, seeking justice for factory workers based on the themes of Catholic Social Teaching.  Our 20/20 club is also running a drive to secure the rights of workers, especially children, who pick cotton used by Urban Outfitters.  As Catholic Social Teaching challenges us, we are called to put the needs of the most vulnerable in our society at the forefront of our decision making process.  How can we do this in a society where many corporations do not respect the dignity and rights of workers?  Should we boycott all companies that do not pay a 'fair' or 'living wage'?  Will this be effective/is it realistic or possible?  What do you think?  What does your understanding of the Christian faith tell you to do?

Church and Scripture

After reading pages 10-30 on Social Justice and God's plan how does this compare to your experience of Church as communion and a source of salvation?  Respond with a paragraph post!