In her penetrating exploration of Catholic Social Teaching, Sr. Mary Consilia O'Brien, O.P., Ph.D., offers the most clear-eyed description ever written on this foundational subject. She explores the Church's authentic teachings on the dignity of the human person as well as man's freedoms and obligations to society. She describes when individual liberties must transcend social control -- and when they must not. Best of all, she explains the final purpose of society, to which all its activities must be oriented.

Skillfully crafted to appeal to both students and adults, each chapter features a probe of the content, leavened by practical examples, excerpts from the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas, quotes from encyclicals, as well as discussion questions and additional study resources. In Christian Social Principles, you'll also learn:

• The Church's teachings on communism, liberalism, and capitalism
• How free will is the source of our obligations to so