Sociology and Catholic Social Teaching

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This collection features essays from prominent scholars at the intersection of Catholic social thought and secular sociology, providing a much-needed alternative to the prevalent relativism and individualism in social scientific analysis. The contributors assert that Catholic social teaching, as articulated in recent papal encyclicals and the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, offers a robust moral framework for tackling today’s urgent social issues. Many of its principles align with findings from social scientific research on human nature and the dynamics of culture and social institutions. Sponsored by the Society of Catholic Social Scientists, the volume includes contributions from sociologists affiliated with both the Society and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences, reflecting Pope John Paul II’s call to utilize contemporary social science to enhance the Church's understanding of modern social challenges. Topics covered include the Church's role in the international arena, evolving cultural norms around deviance, the relationship between Catholicism and mainstream sociology, empirical support for natural law in family dynamics, and the sociology of knowledge from a Catholic viewpoint. Each author shares personal reflections on their integration of sociology and faith. This anthology will appeal to scholars in sociology and Catholic social thought, as well as advanced students in these fields.