After reading over a third of Social Justice Isn't What You Think It Is, I now realize that this title is actually a great book for this class. Now, (as I steal from the book's title) this book's "greatness" isn't what you think it is. No, it does not embody a literary masterpiece or even present a compelling argument; rather, this book is great because it challenges us to think critically and question our deeply held beliefs concerning Social Justice. It is clear that Novak often jumps to conclusions without providing evidence, but for now, let us focus on the strengths that Novak and his colleagues bring to the table.
First, Novak brings up the powerful idea of "Caritas" - a love that "can move the sun and all the stars." As Novak states, this first and most important principle is the force that ties together the 16 principles of Catholic Social Thought and represents "their inner form." As readers travel through this book and reflect on the five Cs, five Rs, and six Ss, they must keep this boundless love, this "Caritas," in the forefront of the mind. More importantly, Caritas should guide every decision we make. Decisions rooted in the deepest form of love for one another.
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Mother/Saint Teresa of Kolkata once said, “I was once asked why I don't participate in anti-war demonstrations. I said that I will never do that, but as soon as you have a pro-peace rally, I'll be there.” This mindset offers the one example of "Caritas." If we are to live in the solution, solving problems and creating better lives for all, we must harness the greatest gift of all - the gift of love/Caritas. There is too much hatred in the world as it is, we must cultivate love rather that continuing to sew seeds of negativity. That is Caritas. It is not easy, but it is the surest path to justice and