II. Conversion and Society
1886
Society is essential to the fulfillment of the human vocation. To attain this
aim, respect must be accorded to the just hierarchy of values, which
"subordinates physical and instinctual dimensions to interior and
spiritual ones:"8
Human society must primarily
be considered something pertaining to the spiritual. Through it, in the bright
light of truth, men should share their knowledge, be able to exercise their
rights and fulfill their obligations, be inspired to seek spiritual values;
mutually derive genuine pleasure from the beautiful, of whatever order it be;
always be readily disposed to pass on to others the best of their own cultural
heritage; and eagerly strive to make their own the spiritual achievements of
others. These benefits not only influence, but at the same time give aim and
scope to all that has bearing on cultural expressions, economic, and social
institutions, political movements and forms, laws, and all other structures by
which society is outwardly established and constantly developed.9
1887
The inversion of means and ends,10 which results in giving the value of
ultimate end to what is only a means for attaining it, or in viewing persons as
mere means to that end, engenders unjust structures which "make Christian
conduct in keeping with the commandments of the divine Law-giver difficult and
almost impossible."11
1888
It is necessary, then, to appeal to the spiritual and moral capacities of the
human person and to the permanent need for his inner conversion, so as to
obtain social changes that will really serve him. the acknowledged priority of
the conversion of heart in no way eliminates but on the contrary imposes the
obligation of bringing the appropriate remedies to institutions and living
conditions when they are an inducement to sin, so that they conform to the
norms of justice and advance the good rather than hinder it.12
1889
Without the help of grace, men would not know how "to discern the often
narrow path between the cowardice which gives in to evil, and the violence
which under the illusion of fighting evil only makes it worse."13
This is the path of charity, that is, of the love of God and of neighbor.
Charity is the greatest social commandment. It respects others and their
rights. It requires the practice of justice, and it alone makes us capable of
it. Charity inspires a life of self-giving: "Whoever seeks to gain his
life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it."14
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