OPTION FOR THE POOR

By Group 5:
Castino, Jefonae Jet
Daulo, Marianne Claire
Gurrea, Ryan Kerr
Gaudicos, Ellah
Estrada, Jhasmaine
Definition
One of the major developments in Catholic social teaching in the 20th century
has been the preferential option for the poor. The option for the poor is simply the idea
that, as reflected in canon law, The Christian faithful are also obliged to promote social
justice and, mindful of the precept of the Lord, to assist the poor. It indicates an
obligation, on the part of those who would call themselves Christian, first and foremost
to care for the poor and vulnerable.
Application (short story/video presentation narrative)
https://youtu.be/EcL2iUfef9c
Critique as to the Limitations and Possibilities
The most controversial term in the phrase "preferential option for the poor" is
"preferential." In liberal moral theories, preferences are identified with the idiosyncratic
desires which individuals seek to maximize. In our context, however, "preference"
connotes a priority scheme in which the claims of the poor are given some kind of
precedence over the claims of other people. Gregory Baum illustrates this function
when he writes that, "when confronted by a conflict between rich and poor (or powerful
and powerless, or masters and slaves), then the Gospel demands... that [one] side with
the oppressed."
Preferential option violates agape, and particularly love of enemies, when it depicts the
nonpoor as "class enemies" who must be overcome rather than loved.
Advocates of the preferential option would appear to be guilty of unjustified partiality in
all three of these areas:
1. Of cognitive impartiality by reason of the "hermeneutical privilege of the poor.
2. Of moral impartiality by affirming that the poor are the "privileged" objects of
neighbor-love.

3. Of religious impartiality by claiming that God loves the poor "more than" others.
Background

A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a
society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition
recalls the story of the Last Judgment (Mt 25:31-46) and instructs us to put the
needs of the poor and vulnerable first.

Sirach 4:1-10
Do not delay giving to those in need.

Isaiah 58:5-7
True worship is to work for justice and care for the poor and oppressed.

Matthew 25:34-40
What you do for the least among you, you do for Jesus.

In teaching us charity, the Gospel instructs us in the preferential respect due to

the poor and the special situation they have in society: the more fortunate should
renounce some of their rights so as to place their goods more generously at the
service of others. A Call to Action (Octogesima Adveniens. . . ), #23

"He who has the goods of this world and sees his brother in need and closes his
heart to him, how does the love of God abide in him? Everyone knows that the
Fathers of the Church laid down the duty of the rich toward the poor in no
uncertain terms. As St. Ambrose put it: You are not making a gift of what is yours
to the poor man, but you are giving him back what is his. You have been
appropriating things that are meant to be for the common use of everyone. The
earth belongs to everyone, not to the rich. On the Development
of Peoples (PopulorumProgressio... ),#23