In the Catholic Church, there are social teachings that have been passed down through the Church used as a tool to grow the society and to allow its followers to live as a strong member of the Catholic society. The social teaching of rights and responsibilities represents the rights to human life. William Baron defines the social teaching of rights and responsibilities as, “...holding the sacredness of human life as part of any moral vision for a just and good society.” (1999) Each individual has the right to life and the protection of their lives. Living by this standard will lead to a healthy community according to the Catholic Church. Each person should also have the right and access to the needs for a sustainable life. Along with the being of each life being protected, a healthy community can only be met if every individual meets their responsibilities. Fulfilling one’s responsibilities includes the responsibilities for the family and the society, along with individual duties.
This painting known as the Massacre of the Innocents by Daniele Ricciarelli in the Uffizi Gallery is representing how a society did not follow the social teaching of rights and responsibilities, portraying the consequences of the gruesome act. The shows innocent children and babies being forced away from their families and even being murdered. There is a very important issue when facing how rights and responsibilities shapes the view of media within the Catholic Church because the people in the Church have the power to change the view over time. Catholics have a role in the way their societies are shaped and, “...must seek to maintain a distinct evangelical culture identity within a ‘world’ often hostile to gospel values…” (White). White explains that people must understand their societies to be able to spark change and vouch for the lives of others.
The painting of Medusa by Caravaggio was commissioned by Cardinal Francesco Maria Del Monte as a gift for the Duke of Tuscany. The painting on the shield represents the protection of life from the Church as the shield physically protects and the portrait of Medusa with the face of Caravaggio to resemble any other threats being warned off with by the myth of Medusa and her hair made of snakes. The Church believes that protecting the right to life and its responsibilities is of utmost importance.