Posted on 12/15/2009 12:01:39 PM PST by marshmallow
Vatican City, Dec 15, 2009 / 02:02 pm (CNA).- Pope Benedict XVI made his message for World Day for Peace public on Tuesday morning in preparation for its observation on January 1, 2010. In his message, he calls for global solidarity in action to provide for the world's needs and to protect the environment. However, the Holy Father also stresses that we must be continually aware of the value of people over and above all other living things.
An attitude of "global solidarity" is essential in shaping our efforts to protect creation through a better internationally-coordinated management of the earth's resources, writes the Pontiff, emphasizing that this is important "particularly today, when there is an increasingly clear link between combating environmental degradation and promoting integral human development."
The "real motivation" to protect nature and ensure the future of humanity must be based on the "quest for authentic worldwide solidarity inspired by the values of charity, justice and the common good," he explains.
Reflecting on the specific role of the Church in this battle, Pope Benedict says that its duty is "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."
"Our duties towards the environment flow from our duties towards the person, considered both individually and in relation to others."
To be successful in this venture, we must be "trained in love of neighbor and respect for nature," continues Pope Benedict.
However, he underscores, "A correct understanding of the relationship between man and the environment will not end by 'absolutizing' nature or by considering it more important than the human person."
We must not succumb to the "notions of the environment inspired by eco-centrism and bio-centrism" because these "eliminate the difference of identity and value between the human person and other living things," the Pontiff warns in his message.
Responding to the attitudes of some environmental groups, Pope Benedict cautions against assuming an "egalitarian vision of the 'dignity' of all living creatures," since this mentality causes the "distinctiveness and superior role of human beings" in the world to cease carrying weight.
This attitude, he warns, can "also open the way to a new pantheism tinged with neo-paganism, which would see the source of man's salvation in nature alone, understood in purely naturalistic terms."
The Holy Father concludes his World Day of Peace message by reiterating the theme "if you want to cultivate peace, protect creation" and an affirmation that "the quest for peace by people of good will surely would become easier if all acknowledge the indivisible relationship between God, human beings and the whole of creation."
What do the spiritual malaise(s) variously known as nature-worship, pantheism and/or neo-paganism have to do with how much money the Pope has?
If he had no money, would neo-paganism be right or wrong?
If he was as rich as Al Gore, would neo-paganism be right or wrong?
That “vast wealth” is mostly in real estate and artwork. Annually, the Holy See has a budget less than many big cities. Are you saying that the Pope should sell all that artwork that people have donated for the greater glory of God? After all, Jesus rebuked Judas Iscariot for fussing over the cost of perfume that could have been spent on the poor.
Umm, way to take my whole post out of context. The second sentence in my post has nothing to do with the first. Both were completely different observations.
Some folks live by:
==============================================================
THE RULES
Rule One: "Rome" is the locus of all evil in the universe.
Rule Two: In case of doubt, see Rule One.
All Else is Irrelevant.
==============================================================
Such folks can be counted on to metaphorically vent their spleens (or void their bowels) on any thread in any way related to the Church.
“Nature Must Not be Valued Above Man, Pope Warns”
That one has even to make such a statement shows the shallowness and inanity of some people’s thinking. (Not talking about the pope here, but the people he’s adressing)
1. Isn’t man part of nature? So,if you value nature you must value man.
2. Since man is doing the “valuing” and he’s the only one entity capable of doing so, it’s impossible or nonsensical for him to value anything more than himself, since if he stops existing valuing itself will vanish.
That’s not my rule, but history is on my side regarding the issues I have with Rome.
“First you want to kill me, now you want to kiss me. Blow!” - Ash
Once again my post was read wrong.
In fact, it was written unintelligibly.
Do you have anything worthwhile to say?
I was about to slam you, but I read your clarifications first. Dang, and I had such a good zinger lined up. ;-)
Do you have anything worthwhile to say?
I hope that, in view of the recent revelations of scientific fraud, that the Pope will never again express concern about “climate,” or imply that we have a moral duty to be concerned about it.
The basic principle is practically unarguable: we should all do what we can (like, don’t litter) to keep the earth a suitable living space for all the people and as many plants and animals as is reasonable. However, the scientific issues are far out of the Holy Father’s competence, and he should be very cautious about what “expert advice” he accepts.
It’s so unusual to see someone drop an argument, especially one about the Catholic Church! Thank you for showing good manners and common sense; help yourself to a Guinness, if you imbibe, and a kitten!
What, I wonder, was his first clue. Whatever it was, most Liberals don't have it (a clue).
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