What is the Social Gospel?

A nun living in the same neighborhood as a begging grandmother, one day asked the grandmother: "Why don't you come to church?" The grandmother said: "Can I go?" The nun answered: "Why not?" The grandmother repeated her question. At that moment the nun seriously wondered whether the grandmother would be welcomed.  Like the nun, many wonder whether the current Catholic Church is really a community that opens the door to the poor.
 
The column Light of the World of the Catholic Times gives the readers something to think about with its first paragraph.
 
Social doctrine is an instrument of religious and moral discernment. Love of God and neighbor is basic, social teaching is concerned with our neighbor and the society in which we live. At the center of the teaching in the church, documents are found concepts and principles: chief among these are justice, human dignity, the common good, the principles of participation, solidarity, subsidiarity, and the option for the poor.
 
Through this, we interpret what is happening in society and suggest the right path for humans and the world. However, it is not limited to theory, but also an action that aims for a better world in God's eyes through love, sharing, and service.
 
Social catechesis compared to the past, and the frequency of education has increased. Nevertheless, opportunities for social education in parishes and parishes are still scarce. Of course, topics such as the Bible and the life of faith are important. However, to bear the fruits of the gospel in society and daily life, we must know the social doctrine.
 
For example, the protection of the ecological environment in the social doctrine is an urgent topic for young people. One needs to be exposed to the social doctrine frequently. Several dioceses of the Korean church have urged the protection of the ecological environment and the restoration of the faith community that has been destroyed due to COVID-19.
 
Amid the growing sense of crisis and anxiety not only in the church but also around the world, we need to overcome the crisis through cooperation, education towards faith, spirituality, and solidarity.

In the midst of this, social doctrine helps us to develop an evangelical perspective on the world and society based on human dignity, the common good, and the love of neighbor. Efforts of the dioceses, institutions, and parishes are required, but all Christians need to be exposed to the social doctrine for a world where we all love each other, live fully human lives, and in peace together as God desires.
 
Christians know that as a starting point for promoting solidarity, humanitarianism, principles of reflection, standards of judgment, and guidelines for action can be obtained in the social doctrine of the Church.
 
Promoting this doctrine is, therefore, a genuine pastoral priority. To enable people to interpret today's reality in the light of this doctrine and to find an appropriate course of action. The teaching and dissemination of the social doctrine is part of the mission of the gospel and Church.