The Concept of Human Dignity in the Document 'Dignitas infinita' in the Light of Key Statements from Genesis, Psalm 8, the Book of Job and Deuteronomy
This article examines the foundational concept of human dignity in the 2024 document Dignitas infinita in the light of selected Old Testament texts (Genesis, Psalm 8, Job and Deuteronomy). It argues that the document’s fourfold understanding of dignity – ontological, moral, social and existential – finds firm grounding in Old Testament tradition. Genesis establishes ontological dignity as the inalienable value of the human person. Psalm 8 emphasizes its relational and functional character. Job highlights the resilience of dignity in suffering and Deuteronomy provides the normative framework for its protection. The study confirms that dignity is both a gift and a task. It endures independently of circumstance, yet requires social and legal safeguards in order to be lived and protected.
Authors
- Jindřich Šrajer
Publication Details
- Journal
- Studia theologica
- Published
- 2026-10-28
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.5507/sth.2026.027
- Primary Topic
- Catholicism and Religious Studies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00