The Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) touched upon a number of ethical questions on »The Church in the Present World«. The Church, which shares »joy and hope, sorrow and anxiety« (CS 1965, 1) with the world, did not remain unconcerned towards the happenings in itself and its relations with the world. Regarding all (new) questions, it was aware that it had not all the ready–made answers which, in the spirit of its fidelity to Christ, His Gospel and God’s Spirit, has always been after, while inviting believers and non-believers to take part in a sincere quest. The Church itself endeavours to do that through the deepening of ethical aspects in many papal documents and those issued by central church institutions (in Rome) and local Churches, above all the continental ones.
All of the important ethical/moral questions have been substantiated and deepened anew, in keeping with the challenges and needs of current developments. This concerns both: the personal and the congregational (social, church) level.
The basic starting point is a man, a unity of the spirit and body, redeemed in Christ, a complete man that shows the way to a full humanization; a man as the way of the Church and society. Man’s dignity and calling are complementary. A Christian is called to perfection and holiness, which he strives for in everyday life and work. Every man (non–believer, believer) is stimulated by God’s Spirit to act ethically and to constantly supplement such activities.
Some questions, considering the development of social life, were treated separately, including responsible regulation of conceptions (Humanae vitae), due respect of human life from its conception to its natural end (Evangelium vitae; bioethical and medical questions), marriage and family as carriers of personal and social development (Familiaris consortio, Letter to Families), development of the (limits) of science and technologies at the service of an integrated development of an individual and the entire society (social circular letters are essential constituent part of the Church’s moral teachings), interhuman and international relations (social, economic, political etc.) as ethical questions, rising tensions in the new globalized society (disparities between cultural, religious and other traditions), which is likely to survive and supplement itself only through understanding and accepting the other ... The Church has constantly encouraged individuals, associations, global and other institutions to seek reasonable as well as responsible answers, while being aware that they are contributing to the common good for man, nations and the world.
Only fleetingly, the Council touched upon urgent questions nowadays, such as ecology, energy crisis, globalization, information society etc., which were addressed by the most recent Church documents. The Council has nevertheless encouraged laypeople (scholars, responsible ones) – while led by the spirit (Spirit) – to look sincerely and responsibly for answers by having their co-discussant and a counsellor in the Gospel.
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