"Dignitas Infinita": A Christian Proposal for a Pluralist Society

Abstract

Drawing on three pivotal Catholic Church documents, this paper presents a unified Christian proposal for a healthy pluralistic society, emphasizing theological convergences shared with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Dignitas Infinita affirms the infinite, ontological dignity of every human person, rooted in being created and loved by God, distinct from mutable moral dignity. Dignitatis Humanae establishes human dignity as the basis for the inviolable right to religious freedom, obligating individuals and governments to seek and adhere to truth, thus promoting a healthy, confident pluralism. Lastly, Rerum Novarum emphasizes the dignity of workers and offers a moral framework to rise above political divisions. Focusing on virtue and shared identity as God’s children provides a mechanism to foster peace and societal harmony.