Chapter 9. Editor – I would like to include the image here on this slide if possible

Chapter 9Chapter 9

The Goodness of God’s CreationThe Goodness of God’s Creation


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MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVIFOR 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 St. Francis PledgeThe St. Francis PledgeI Pledge to:I Pledge to:

PRAYPRAY and reflect on the duty to care for God’s Creation and and reflect on the duty to care for God’s Creation and

protect the poor and vulnerable.protect the poor and vulnerable.

LEARNLEARN about and educate others on the causes and moral about and educate others on the causes and moral

dimensions of climate change.dimensions of climate change.

ASSESSASSESS how we-as individuals and in our families, parishes and how we-as individuals and in our families, parishes and

other affiliations – contribute to climate change by our own other affiliations – contribute to climate change by our own

energy use, consumption, waste, etc. energy use, consumption, waste, etc.

ACTACT to change our choices and behaviors to to change our choices and behaviors to

reduce the ways we contribute to climate reduce the ways we contribute to climate

change. change.

ADVOCATEADVOCATE for Catholic principles and for Catholic principles and

priorities in climate change discussions and priorities in climate change discussions and

decisions, especially as they impact those decisions, especially as they impact those

who are poor and vulnerable. who are poor and vulnerable.

The Scope of Modern Environmental IssuesThe 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 Environment and Other Social ConcernsThe Environment and Other Social Concerns



To Be a Christian Steward: To Be a Christian Steward: U.S. Bishops' Pastoral Letter on StewardshipU.S. Bishops' Pastoral Letter on Stewardship

The Bible contains a profound message about the stewardship of The Bible contains a profound message about the stewardship of material creation: God created the world, but entrusts it to human material creation: God created the world, but entrusts it to human beings. Caring for and cultivating the world involves the following:beings. Caring for and cultivating the world involves the following:

•Joyful appreciation for the God-given beauty and wonder of natureJoyful appreciation for the God-given beauty and wonder of nature•Protection and preservation of the environment, which would be the Protection and preservation of the environment, which would be the stewardship of ecological concernstewardship of ecological concern•Respect for human life—shielding life from threat and assault, doing Respect for human life—shielding life from threat and assault, doing everything that can be done to enhance this gift and make life flourisheverything that can be done to enhance this gift and make life flourish•Development of this world through noble human effort—physical Development of this world through noble human effort—physical labor, the trades and professions, the arts and sciences. We call such labor, the trades and professions, the arts and sciences. We call such effort "work." Work is a fulfilling human vocationeffort "work." Work is a fulfilling human vocation

Ten Commandments for the EnvironmentTen 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 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)

“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)

“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)


Documents

Chapter 9. Editor – I would like to include the image here on this slide if possible