388 RESPECT FOR HEALTH

YOUCAT Lesson 388

YOUCAT the catechism for Catholic youth

388  How important is health?

Health is an important value, but not an absolute one.  We should treat our God-given body gratefully and carefully, but not be obsessed with it.  [2288-2291]

Abbey and the mountain by Benabbey.  Thoreau walked 34 miles (55 km) to Mount Wachusett, shown in the distance. ….. 388

Appropriate care for the health of its citizens is one of the fundamental obligations of the State, which must create living conditions in which sufficient food, sanitary housing, and basic medical care are available to all.

  

“Their God is the belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.”  Philippians 3:19

 II. RESPECT FOR THE DIGNITY OF PERSONS

  

[2288-2291]

  

Respect for health

2288 Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the common good. –Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

Concern for the health of its citizens requires that society help in the attainment of living-conditions that allow them to grow and reach maturity: food and clothing, housing, health care, basic education, employment, and social assistance. --CCC

 2289 If morality requires respect for the life of the body, it does not make it an absolute value. It rejects a neo-pagan notion that tends to promote the cult of the body, to sacrifice everything for its sake, to idolize physical perfection and success at sports. By its selective preference of the strong over the weak, such a conception can lead to the perversion of human relationships. --CCC

2290 The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Those incur grave guilt who, by drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others' safety on the road, at sea, or in the air. --CCC

2291 The use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use, except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to practices gravely contrary to the moral law. --CCC