DILY CATECHISM: Can a Christian be a radical individualist? No, a Christian can never be a radical individualist, because man is by nature designed for fellowship. Every person has a mother and a father; he receives help from others and is obliged to help others and to develop his talents for the benefit of all. Since man is God’s “image”, in a certain way he reflects God, who in his depths is not alone but triune (and thus life, love, dialogue, and exchange). Finally, love is the central commandment for all Christians; through it we profoundly belong together and are fundamentally dependent on one another. “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Mt 22:39). What is more important, society or the individual? In God’s sight every individual matters in the first place as a person and only then as a social being. Society can never be more important than the individual person. Men may never be means to a societal end. Nevertheless, social institutions such as the State and the family are necessary for the individual; they even correspond to his nature. (YOUCAT questions 321-322. Corresponding CCC section 1877-1882)
Posted on: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 12:28:15 +0000
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