KNOWLEDGE 0F GOD AND THE WITNESS 0F CHARITY

49 The greatest way the faithful can help the atheistic world for doming b God is by the witness of a life which agrees with the message of Christ's love and of a living and mature faith that is manifested by works of justice and charity (cf. GS, 21).

However, the right use of human reason may not be neglected; for, as the Church holds and teaches, from created things this reason can come to a knowledge of God as the beginning and the end of ail things (cf. First Vatican Council, Dogm. Const. Dei Filius, Dz.-Sch., 3004-3005, 3026). This knowledge of God not only does no harm to human dignity, but rather gives it a basis and strength.

Though the eternal salvation of men is the objective of the Church, nevertheless faith in the living God cames with it the urgent duly of collaborating in the solution of human questions (cf. 1 John 4, 20-21). In this area the faithful must give witness by their works 10 the value of the Lord’s message.