Chapter 9

The Goodness of Gods Creation

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The Goodness of Gods 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
the exercise
humanCreation
rights,
TheonGoodness
ofofGods
such as the right to life, food, health and development.

The St. Francis Pledge

I Pledge to:
PRAY and reflect on the duty to care for Gods 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 Gods 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 Gods 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 lifeshielding 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 effortphysical
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