Definition Essay On Solidarity

Pope Francis said, “The culture of solidarity means seeing others not as rivals or statistics, but brothers and sisters.” Solidarity is a word casually thrown around in theology. My view of solidarity is constantly changing. After interacting with new people and now that I have a deeper insight into theological studies, I found that solidarity is different for every person and everyone’s experience is different. Some may find solidarity when they work with people; others may find solidarity in listening to people’s experiences. I believe solidarity is learning to walk with others inside and outside our community, learning to appreciate each other’s differences and work together to make a change in our world. Oscar Romero was a man who truly

Nolan writes, “In the Old Testament to love your neighbor as yourself is to experience group solidarity. Our kinsperson is to be treated as another ‘self.’ To regard some as sisters and brothers always involves enmity toward others” (Nolan 75). This quote defines a rule we are taught from a young age, we are taught to treat others the way we want to be treated, the Golden Rule. From the first introduction of the Golden Rule and in the present day, the Golden Rule has evolved in both positive and negative ways. In a negative light, when some learn of the Golden Rule it is their only focus. Some may forget about all the other essentials when approaching life and other’s lives. In a positive light we are taught, “Do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you bad” (LK 6:27-28). Although some believe that solidarity is helping the poor in terms of money, solidarity can be walking with those who are poor in spirit or people who need help. No person is perfect; each and every one of makes mistakes and need help Humans have a choice to make, either to watch from a distance or stand up and help the situation. Solidarity is more than what is on the surface, it is about delving into something much

addressed the topic of solidarity from his Jesuit perspective. Hartnett stated, “Solidarity becomes practically synonymous with justice. But unlike the classical term ‘justice’, solidarity has a dynamic and relational connotation that suggests a process unfolding in different moments or stages” (Hartnett 1). These stages are Experience, Understand, Imagine and Create. All these stages together lead to an effective life of solidarity. To experience full solidarity is go through each process, continually repeating the cycle. The first stage of solidarity is Experience, which is seeing faces and beginning to form friendships. In our society, this is what many believe solidarity is in its entirety. The next stage of solidarity is Understand, which is living amongst those who are considered poor. Fr. Hartnett lived in Peru for 30 years and he said that he is never sure if will ever fully understand the life of someone from a different social demographic, but at least one can sympathize. The next step of solidarity is Imagine, which involves communication and sharing. When a person enters a new situation, communication is extremely important to create a successful, welcoming environment or demeanor. The ‘final stage’ of this never-ending cycle is Create. I think Create is extremely important because with the ability to create, we can truly make a difference in the