THE SOCIAL ETHICS OF THE CHURCH AND HUMAN RIGHTS

Abstract

This article addresses the complex relationship between Human Rights and the theoretical perspective of Christianity, with an emphasis on the Roman Catholic bias. It seeks to analyze how Christian culture contributed to the construction and development of the idea of humanity, as well as the rights that derive from it, shedding light on the historical and contemporary influence of this religious tradition. Initially, Human Rights will be discussed from the perspective of their meaning and universalizing character, reflecting on their origins and the way they are conceived as principles that transcend cultural and temporal boundaries. Next, the participation of the Catholic Church in the discourse of these rights will be investigated, especially in the context of the liberal movements that marked modernity. This analysis highlights the challenges faced by the Church in its effort to dialogue with such movements, considering the tensions between secular and religious values. Throughout the text, it seeks to demonstrate how Christianity, while offering ethical and philosophical bases for the development of Human Rights, also faces difficulties in reconciling its doctrine with the demands of a pluralistic society. It is argued that while the Catholic Church has played a significant role in promoting values such as dignity and equality, its dialogue with liberal movements is marked by ideological tensions that reveal deep divergences. In this way, the article proposes a critical reflection on the relationship between faith and universal rights, exploring how the Christian tradition influences, but is also challenged, by the social and cultural transformations that shape contemporary debates on Human Rights.