The reason I brought up socialism and Marxism is because that is the most common misconception that people have about Christianity— especially that Catholicism embraces Marxism and hates Capitalism. Take Michael Moore, for instance, and his propaganda.
The Pope is concerned with the souls of man and morality. It is immoral to pollute the earth and injure animals and create a land that would not sustain future generations. Since the earth is essential for the survival of man, how could that be out of his bailiwick? Although man has dominion over the earth, the Pope’s point is that with that we also have an obligation and responsibility. There actually is nothing controversial about the Pope’s views in a sane world with rational people.
True, specifics can be disputed, and, indeed, the search for Truth in ongoing and never ending. There are absolutes, though, underscored by Natural Law, that are fundamental to the Catholic Church that can never change.
Science, though, is always changing and I am sure that the Pope understands the science behind cloning, abortions, ecology, euthanasia, etc., all which have moral aspects which the Church can not ignore. To base a Catholic opinion on the reigning science of the day will happen since all Catholics unable to study or understand prevailing science will need guidance on the morality of the situations. I am sure the Pope understands the human fallibility and the immorality of man who use “science” to try and control people’s productivity, manipulate human emotions, and endeavor to enslave and destroy man’s soul.
I just have found the Pope’s thinking to be profound and clear and I have never disagreed with anything he has written so far (not that I have read everything). He certainly has put many years into critical thinking, time that I will never have nor will I have the inclination to do. Most people do not have the time nor resources to reflect on life and God the way the Pope has had.
Since Classical education has been dumped by most educational institutions, most people with their post modern German thinking are not even worth listening to—their moral relativism goes against Natural Law and God’s Laws and the Constitution of this country.
Perhaps I'm being too political, but I think the Vatican has missed the boat on the AGW issue. Had the Pope (and his predecessor) remained clearly noncommittal, then there'd be a real chance to hold up AGW as a classic example of the "Arrogance of Man without God"...perhaps translated to "Arrogant Godless Wonders" once it hit the street. If timed right, such a missive would have a huge impact - especially since the "Arrogance" in this case centers around a group that's forsaken scientific integrity for political influence.
Imagine: a missive that condemns arrogance-in-a-labcoat and sticks up for proper scientific procedure. That's the chance that the Vatican has missed, in my opinion.
May I say, next time post to me, not to the audience? I HAVE had a classical education. I’m just beginning to learn (all that is wrong with) modern so-called analytical philosophy this year.
The point that I will make again is that the Pope is absolutely authoritative in his own bailiwick, and filial piety encourages me to pay attention and respect to what he says outside his area of responsibility. But I am NOT obliged to agree with, say, his determination about the War on Terror.