Religious Research

Religious Research

From Charity to Poverty Alleviation: The Catholic Church’s Transition from Individual Morality to Social Issues from the Perspective of Social Catholicism

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
jamshid mirzaei 1
Gholamreza Ghaffary 2
Sara Mazinani Shariati 3
1 PhD, Sociology (Social Issues), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
10.22034/jrr.2025.442475.2163
Abstract
Poverty and destitution have been undeniable realities in societies throughout history. In addition, the social and ethical teachings of major world religions, particularly the Abrahamic faiths, have consistently emphasized the importance of aiding the poor, incorporating religious exhortations and moral guidance to support those in need. As Shariati (2013, 84) states, “The economic ethics of all Abrahamic religions are built upon combating poverty and are intertwined with values such as benevolence, cooperation, and solidarity.” In fact, “the common approach across all religions to poverty reduction is assisting the needy—charity and religion go hand in hand” (Ranganathan and Henley 2008). This article, employing a socio-historical perspective, analyzes the causes, factors, and conditions that led to a fundamental transformation in the Catholic Church’s theoretical and practical approach to poverty and the poor.
Keywords
Social Catholicism
Church
religious charity
almsgiving
social justice
social issues
poverty alleviation

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