Transcript The Goodness of God`s Creation

Chapter 9
The Goodness of God’s Creation
The Goodness of God’s Creation
MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI
FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE WORLD DAY OF PEACE
1 JANUARY 2010
Can we remain indifferent before the problems associated with
such realities as climate change, desertification, the
deterioration and loss of productivity in vast agricultural areas,
the pollution of rivers and aquifers, the loss of biodiversity, the increase of
natural catastrophes and the deforestation of equatorial and tropical regions?
Can we disregard the growing phenomenon of “environmental refugees”, people
who are forced by the degradation of their natural habitat to forsake it – and
often their possessions as well – in order to face the dangers and uncertainties of
forced displacement? Can we remain impassive in the face of actual and
potential conflicts involving access to natural resources? All these are issues with
a profound impact on the exercise of human rights, such as the right to life, food,
health and development…. The Church has a responsibility towards creation, and
she considers it her duty to exercise that responsibility in public life, in order to
protect earth, water and air as gifts of God the Creator meant for everyone, and
above all to save mankind from the danger of self-destruction. (nos. 4, 10)
The Goodness of God’s Creation
The St. Francis Pledge
I Pledge to:
PRAY and reflect on the duty to care for God’s Creation and
protect the poor and vulnerable.
LEARN about and educate others on the causes and moral
dimensions of climate change.
ASSESS how we-as individuals and in our families, parishes and
other affiliations – contribute to climate change by our own
energy use, consumption, waste, etc.
ACT to change our choices and behaviors to
reduce the ways we contribute to climate
change.
ADVOCATE for Catholic principles and
priorities in climate change discussions and
decisions, especially as they impact those
who are poor and vulnerable.
The Goodness of God’s Creation
The Scope of Modern Environmental Issues
The Scope of Modern Environmental Issues
The Scope of Modern Environmental Issues
The Scope of Modern Environmental Issues
At the root of the ecological crisis, fundamentally a moral problem, is a profound
disrespect for life … A society that will easily dispose of God’s good earth will also
find disposing of people easy as well. This is why the Church shows so much
concern about the connection between respect for the dignity of people
(especially the poor) and respect for the environment. (p. 293)
The Scope of Modern Environmental Issues
The Scope of Modern Environmental Issues
The Scope of Modern Environmental Issues
The Environment and Other Social Concerns
The Environment and Other Social Concerns
To Be a Christian Steward:
U.S. Bishops' Pastoral Letter on Stewardship
The Bible contains a profound message about the stewardship of
material creation: God created the world, but entrusts it to human
beings. Caring for and cultivating the world involves the following:
• Joyful appreciation for the God-given beauty and wonder of nature
• Protection and preservation of the environment, which would be
the stewardship of ecological concern
• Respect for human life—shielding life from threat and assault,
doing everything that can be done to enhance this gift and make
life flourish
• Development of this world through noble human effort—physical
labor, the trades and professions, the arts and sciences. We call
such effort "work." Work is a fulfilling human vocation
The Environment and Other Social Concerns
Ten Commandments for the Environment
Ten Commandments for the Environment
“Then the righteous will answer him and
say, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry
and feed you, or thirsty and give you
drink? When did we see you a stranger
and welcome you, or naked and clothe
you? When did we see you ill or in prison,
and visit you?‘ And the king will say to
them in reply, 'Amen, I say to you,
whatever you did for one of these least
brothers of mine, you did for me.'”
(Mt 25:37-40)
“The Eucharist commits us to the poor.
To receive in truth the Body and Blood
of Christ given up for us, we must
recognize Christ in the poorest, his
brethren.” (CCC, no. 1397)
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
because he has anointed me to bring glad
tidings to the poor. He has sent me to
proclaim liberty to captives and recovery
of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed
go free, and to proclaim a year acceptable
to the Lord." (Lk 4:18-19)
“A way has to be found to enable
everyone to benefit from the fruits of the
earth, and not simply to close the gap
between the affluent and those who must
be satisfied with the crumbs falling from
the table, but above all to satisfy the
demands of justice, fairness and respect
for every human being.” (Pope Francis,
Address to the Food and Agricultural
Organization, 6/20/13)
Ten Commandments for the Environment
Ten Commandments for the Environment