On January 16, 2023, I was a guest on Fr. Robert McTeigue, S.J.’s program The Catholic Current. We discussed my article What Constitutes the Common Good?… and the proper Catholic understanding of the common good.
From the synopsis:
We welcome Dennis Knapp of the Patheos blog The Latin Right to discuss the common good. Why do so many Catholics take a secularized and collectivist view of the Common Good, and why is that incorrect?
Click here to listen to the program. Feel free to share with friends and family.
The Catholic Definition of the Common Good for Reference
As a refresher, see below for the Catholic definition of the common good taken directly from the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
The common good must meet certain criteria, or three essential elements:
The common good must respect the human person.
In the name of the common good, public authorities are bound to respect the fundamental and inalienable rights of the human person. 1907
It requires the social well-being and development of the group.
in the name of the common good, between various particular interests; but it should make accessible to each what is needed to lead a truly human life: food, clothing, health, work, education and culture, suitable information, the right to establish a family, and so on. 1908
It promotes peace.
authority should ensure by morally acceptable means the security of society and its members. It is the basis of the right to legitimate personal and collective defense. 1909
Furthermore, the catechism sums up the common good in section 1912. It states:
The common good is always oriented towards the progress of persons: “The order of things must be subordinate to the order of persons, and not the other way around.” This order is founded on truth, built up in justice, and animated by love.
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