How does police brutality connect to the catholic social teaching? what priniciples does it correspond with? what does the church believe about this issue?Police Brutality ties with the principles of Solidarity, Human Dignity, and Subsidarity and Role of Government. The meaning of solidarity is that we are responsible for one another and we have a commitment to the common good, "Brother's keeper". Police Officers are responsible to do their jobs and keep everyone safe, without harming a person on purpose. The definition of human dignity is that all humans deserve respect because they are created in the image of God. Because of dignity we have certain rights endowed to us; those rights necessary for a decent standard of living. All citizens desrve the right to be protected and respected by police officers. If a person is caught committing a crime, their punishment should be based off of human dignity. Subsidarity and the Role of Government states that the government exists to promote common good and to protect what individuals can't do on their own. Police officers are there to do the tasks mentioned above. "Therefore, a Christian involved in law enforcement or police work is doing a good and godly thing. The police officer who enforces the just law of the land should consider himself or herself God’s servant and, toward the lawbreaker, an agent of God’s wrath sent to keep the peace. One of the most important jobs of every police officer is the restraint of evil in society—a dangerous career, a noble calling, and a profession congruent with a biblical desire for justice and righteousness" (What Does the Bible Say about Law Enforcement / the Police).The church believes police officers are there to protect all and enforce the common good. However, they must take into consideration others' feelings and how they would want to be treated. Work Cited
"What Does the Bible Say about Law Enforcement / the Police?"GotQuestions.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2015. |