<\/p>\n
What is Ecology in Catholic Social Teaching?<\/span><\/h1>\n <\/p>\n
by CAPP-USA<\/span><\/h5>\n <\/p>\n
\n![\"What](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/vitor-pinto-mdwmxPT5lvI-unsplash-e1603812309695.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
What is ecology in Catholic social teaching?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The Church Speaks of 'Integral' Ecology<\/span><\/h2>\n
Ecology means the relationships between living things and their environment. When the Church speaks of ecology, she is referencing the relationship between us and our physical<\/em>\u00a0environment and our\u00a0human<\/em>\u00a0environment.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cWe are faced\u2026with one complex crisis<\/strong> which is both social and environmental.\u201d (Pope Francis, 139)<\/a>
<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nBoth our 'common home' AND our human family are under threat. \u201cOur\u00a0duties towards the\u00a0environment\u00a0are\u00a0linked\u00a0to our duties towards<\/strong>\u00a0the<\/strong>\u00a0human person<\/strong>\u201d. (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n\u201cIf an appreciation of the value\u00a0of the human person and of human life\u00a0is lacking, we will also lose interest in\u2026the earth\u00a0itself.\u201d\u00a0(Pope St. John Paul II, 13)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nWhat is the Human Environment?<\/span><\/h2>\n
We all know what we mean by the physical or natural environment. The Earth, our \u201ccommon home\u201d, is a precious gift of God. But the human environment is not given the same level of attention despite experiencing its \u201cmore serious destruction\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Our human environment consists of \u201cthe moral structure with which [man] has been endowed.\u201d (Pope Francis, 115)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThe Church is not only committed to promoting the protection of land, water and air\u2026above all she\u2026works\u2026to protect mankind from self-destruction<\/strong>.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nThe Need for a Human Ecology<\/span><\/h2>\n
Most of us are reminded daily by the media of climate change and the need to care for nature. But environmental issues go much deeper than rising temperatures and natural disasters: <\/span><\/span>\u201cWe are called not only to respect the natural environment but also\u2026our human family\u201d. (Pope Francis)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\nOur \u201cill-considered exploitation of nature\u201d (Octogesima Adveniens, 21)<\/a> is a symptom of \u201crampant individualism<\/strong>,\u201d and \u201cconnected with today\u2019s self-centered culture of instant<\/strong>\u00a0gratification<\/strong>.\u201d (Pope Francis, 162)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nWhat this means is that every time the Church calls us to \u201crespect the will of the Creator\u201d (Pope St. John Paul II, 4)<\/a> and to \"to protect our common home\u201d (Pope Francis, 13)<\/a> the Church is calling us to \u201cstruggle with these deeper issues\u201d. (Pope Francis, 160)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThe deterioration of nature is in fact closely connected to the culture.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a> \u201cWhen \u2018human ecology\u2019 is respected within society, environmental ecology also benefits.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\nThe call for an \u201cecology of the human person<\/strong>\u201d involves issues of the social structure in which we live. These structures can either help or hinder our living in accordance with the truth, and it is here that Catholic social teaching begins to integrate issues of life:<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cI readily encourage efforts to promote a greater sense of ecological responsibility which\u2026would\u00a0safeguard an authentic \u2018human ecology\u2019\u00a0and thus forcefully reaffirm the inviolability of human life<\/strong> at every stage and in every condition,\u00a0the dignity of the person\u00a0and\u00a0the unique mission of the family\u201d. (Pope Benedict XVI, 12)<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nUniting Concern for the Physical and Human Environment<\/span><\/h2>\n
Pope Francis has made the urgent need for an integral ecology crystal clear. \u201cThere can be no renewal of our relationship with nature without a renewal of humanity itself.\u201d (Pope Francis, 118)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThe analysis of environmental problems\u00a0cannot be\u00a0separated\u00a0from\u2026\u00a0how individuals\u00a0relate\u00a0to themselves.\u201d\u00a0(Pope Francis, 141)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201c[T]he book of nature is one and indivisible<\/strong>: it takes in not only the environment but also life, sexuality, marriage, the family, social relations: in a word, integral human development.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cWe need to see that what is at\u00a0stake\u00a0is our own\u00a0dignity\u201d\u00a0and<\/em>, \u201cleaving an\u00a0inhabitable\u00a0planet\u00a0to future generations\u201d.\u00a0(Pope Francis, 160)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\nAn Integral Ecology is the Answer<\/span><\/h2>\n
\u201cTaking up this challenge\u00a0seriously\u00a0has much to do with an\u00a0ethical\u00a0and\u00a0cultural\u00a0decline\u00a0which has\u00a0accompanied\u00a0the deterioration of the\u00a0environment.\u201d\u00a0(Pope Francis, 162)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThe decisive issue\u00a0is\u00a0the overall moral tenor of society.\u201d\u00a0(Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThere can be no ecology without an adequate anthropology.\u201d (Pope Francis, 118)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cMan too is God\u2019s gift to man. He must therefore respect the natural and moral structure with which he has been endowed.\u201d (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n\u201cIf these issues are\u00a0courageously\u00a0faced, we are led inexorably to ask other pointed questions:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n- What is the purpose of our life in this world?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
- Why are we here?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
- What is the goal of our work and all our efforts?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
- What need does the earth have of us?<\/strong>\u201d\u00a0(Pope Francis, 160)<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span><\/span>
Catholic Social Teaching and Care for Nature<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Church and Conservation<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Importance of Our Physical Environment<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nOur Human Environment is Endangered<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nConsumerism and the Environment<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Top Environment Quotes from the Church<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nTop Nature Quotes from the Church<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nPope Francis on the Environment<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nTop Laudato Si Quotes on Environment<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWomen Nurturing Sustainable Development<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBack to Articles<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"Three](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Three-Principles.png\")
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThree Key Principles<\/a><\/h2>Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles -\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Human-Dignity.png\")
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHuman Dignity<\/a><\/h2>This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Solidarity.png\")
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSolidarity<\/a><\/h2>Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/capp-usa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Subsidiarity.png\")
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<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
What is ecology in Catholic social teaching?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The Church Speaks of 'Integral' Ecology<\/span><\/h2>\n
Ecology means the relationships between living things and their environment. When the Church speaks of ecology, she is referencing the relationship between us and our physical<\/em>\u00a0environment and our\u00a0human<\/em>\u00a0environment.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cWe are faced\u2026with one complex crisis<\/strong> which is both social and environmental.\u201d (Pope Francis, 139)<\/a>
<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nBoth our 'common home' AND our human family are under threat. \u201cOur\u00a0duties towards the\u00a0environment\u00a0are\u00a0linked\u00a0to our duties towards<\/strong>\u00a0the<\/strong>\u00a0human person<\/strong>\u201d. (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n\u201cIf an appreciation of the value\u00a0of the human person and of human life\u00a0is lacking, we will also lose interest in\u2026the earth\u00a0itself.\u201d\u00a0(Pope St. John Paul II, 13)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nWhat is the Human Environment?<\/span><\/h2>\n
We all know what we mean by the physical or natural environment. The Earth, our \u201ccommon home\u201d, is a precious gift of God. But the human environment is not given the same level of attention despite experiencing its \u201cmore serious destruction\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Our human environment consists of \u201cthe moral structure with which [man] has been endowed.\u201d (Pope Francis, 115)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThe Church is not only committed to promoting the protection of land, water and air\u2026above all she\u2026works\u2026to protect mankind from self-destruction<\/strong>.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nThe Need for a Human Ecology<\/span><\/h2>\n
Most of us are reminded daily by the media of climate change and the need to care for nature. But environmental issues go much deeper than rising temperatures and natural disasters: <\/span><\/span>\u201cWe are called not only to respect the natural environment but also\u2026our human family\u201d. (Pope Francis)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\nOur \u201cill-considered exploitation of nature\u201d (Octogesima Adveniens, 21)<\/a> is a symptom of \u201crampant individualism<\/strong>,\u201d and \u201cconnected with today\u2019s self-centered culture of instant<\/strong>\u00a0gratification<\/strong>.\u201d (Pope Francis, 162)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nWhat this means is that every time the Church calls us to \u201crespect the will of the Creator\u201d (Pope St. John Paul II, 4)<\/a> and to \"to protect our common home\u201d (Pope Francis, 13)<\/a> the Church is calling us to \u201cstruggle with these deeper issues\u201d. (Pope Francis, 160)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThe deterioration of nature is in fact closely connected to the culture.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a> \u201cWhen \u2018human ecology\u2019 is respected within society, environmental ecology also benefits.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\nThe call for an \u201cecology of the human person<\/strong>\u201d involves issues of the social structure in which we live. These structures can either help or hinder our living in accordance with the truth, and it is here that Catholic social teaching begins to integrate issues of life:<\/span><\/p>\n\u201cI readily encourage efforts to promote a greater sense of ecological responsibility which\u2026would\u00a0safeguard an authentic \u2018human ecology\u2019\u00a0and thus forcefully reaffirm the inviolability of human life<\/strong> at every stage and in every condition,\u00a0the dignity of the person\u00a0and\u00a0the unique mission of the family\u201d. (Pope Benedict XVI, 12)<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nUniting Concern for the Physical and Human Environment<\/span><\/h2>\n
Pope Francis has made the urgent need for an integral ecology crystal clear. \u201cThere can be no renewal of our relationship with nature without a renewal of humanity itself.\u201d (Pope Francis, 118)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThe analysis of environmental problems\u00a0cannot be\u00a0separated\u00a0from\u2026\u00a0how individuals\u00a0relate\u00a0to themselves.\u201d\u00a0(Pope Francis, 141)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n\u201c[T]he book of nature is one and indivisible<\/strong>: it takes in not only the environment but also life, sexuality, marriage, the family, social relations: in a word, integral human development.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cWe need to see that what is at\u00a0stake\u00a0is our own\u00a0dignity\u201d\u00a0and<\/em>, \u201cleaving an\u00a0inhabitable\u00a0planet\u00a0to future generations\u201d.\u00a0(Pope Francis, 160)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\nAn Integral Ecology is the Answer<\/span><\/h2>\n
\u201cTaking up this challenge\u00a0seriously\u00a0has much to do with an\u00a0ethical\u00a0and\u00a0cultural\u00a0decline\u00a0which has\u00a0accompanied\u00a0the deterioration of the\u00a0environment.\u201d\u00a0(Pope Francis, 162)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThe decisive issue\u00a0is\u00a0the overall moral tenor of society.\u201d\u00a0(Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n\u201cThere can be no ecology without an adequate anthropology.\u201d (Pope Francis, 118)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\u201cMan too is God\u2019s gift to man. He must therefore respect the natural and moral structure with which he has been endowed.\u201d (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n\u201cIf these issues are\u00a0courageously\u00a0faced, we are led inexorably to ask other pointed questions:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n- What is the purpose of our life in this world?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
- Why are we here?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
- What is the goal of our work and all our efforts?<\/strong><\/span><\/li>\n
- What need does the earth have of us?<\/strong>\u201d\u00a0(Pope Francis, 160)<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/span><\/span>
Catholic Social Teaching and Care for Nature<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Church and Conservation<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Importance of Our Physical Environment<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nOur Human Environment is Endangered<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nConsumerism and the Environment<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nThe Top Environment Quotes from the Church<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nTop Nature Quotes from the Church<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nPope Francis on the Environment<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\nTop Laudato Si Quotes on Environment<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWomen Nurturing Sustainable Development<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\tBack to Articles<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThree Key Principles<\/a><\/h2>Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles -\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHuman Dignity<\/a><\/h2>This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSolidarity<\/a><\/h2>Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
Ecology means the relationships between living things and their environment. When the Church speaks of ecology, she is referencing the relationship between us and our physical<\/em>\u00a0environment and our\u00a0human<\/em>\u00a0environment.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n
\u201cWe are faced\u2026with one complex crisis<\/strong> which is both social and environmental.\u201d (Pope Francis, 139)<\/a> Both our 'common home' AND our human family are under threat. \u201cOur\u00a0duties towards the\u00a0environment\u00a0are\u00a0linked\u00a0to our duties towards<\/strong>\u00a0the<\/strong>\u00a0human person<\/strong>\u201d. (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIf an appreciation of the value\u00a0of the human person and of human life\u00a0is lacking, we will also lose interest in\u2026the earth\u00a0itself.\u201d\u00a0(Pope St. John Paul II, 13)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Our human environment consists of \u201cthe moral structure with which [man] has been endowed.\u201d (Pope Francis, 115)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe Church is not only committed to promoting the protection of land, water and air\u2026above all she\u2026works\u2026to protect mankind from self-destruction<\/strong>.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Our \u201cill-considered exploitation of nature\u201d (Octogesima Adveniens, 21)<\/a> is a symptom of \u201crampant individualism<\/strong>,\u201d and \u201cconnected with today\u2019s self-centered culture of instant<\/strong>\u00a0gratification<\/strong>.\u201d (Pope Francis, 162)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n What this means is that every time the Church calls us to \u201crespect the will of the Creator\u201d (Pope St. John Paul II, 4)<\/a> and to \"to protect our common home\u201d (Pope Francis, 13)<\/a> the Church is calling us to \u201cstruggle with these deeper issues\u201d. (Pope Francis, 160)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe deterioration of nature is in fact closely connected to the culture.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a> \u201cWhen \u2018human ecology\u2019 is respected within society, environmental ecology also benefits.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n The call for an \u201cecology of the human person<\/strong>\u201d involves issues of the social structure in which we live. These structures can either help or hinder our living in accordance with the truth, and it is here that Catholic social teaching begins to integrate issues of life:<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI readily encourage efforts to promote a greater sense of ecological responsibility which\u2026would\u00a0safeguard an authentic \u2018human ecology\u2019\u00a0and thus forcefully reaffirm the inviolability of human life<\/strong> at every stage and in every condition,\u00a0the dignity of the person\u00a0and\u00a0the unique mission of the family\u201d. (Pope Benedict XVI, 12)<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe analysis of environmental problems\u00a0cannot be\u00a0separated\u00a0from\u2026\u00a0how individuals\u00a0relate\u00a0to themselves.\u201d\u00a0(Pope Francis, 141)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n \u201c[T]he book of nature is one and indivisible<\/strong>: it takes in not only the environment but also life, sexuality, marriage, the family, social relations: in a word, integral human development.\u201d (Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWe need to see that what is at\u00a0stake\u00a0is our own\u00a0dignity\u201d\u00a0and<\/em>, \u201cleaving an\u00a0inhabitable\u00a0planet\u00a0to future generations\u201d.\u00a0(Pope Francis, 160)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe decisive issue\u00a0is\u00a0the overall moral tenor of society.\u201d\u00a0(Pope Benedict XVI, 51)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThere can be no ecology without an adequate anthropology.\u201d (Pope Francis, 118)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMan too is God\u2019s gift to man. He must therefore respect the natural and moral structure with which he has been endowed.\u201d (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cIf these issues are\u00a0courageously\u00a0faced, we are led inexorably to ask other pointed questions:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/span> The Church and Conservation<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The Importance of Our Physical Environment<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Our Human Environment is Endangered<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Consumerism and the Environment<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n The Top Environment Quotes from the Church<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Top Nature Quotes from the Church<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Pope Francis on the Environment<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Top Laudato Si Quotes on Environment<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Women Nurturing Sustainable Development<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div> Catholic social teaching is built on three foundational principles -\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity<\/strong>,\u00a0Solidarity\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0Subsidiarity.\u00a0<\/strong>Human Dignity, embodied in a correct understanding of the human person, is the greatest. The others flow from it. Good governments and good economic systems find ways of fostering the three principles.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t This means a correct understanding of the human person and of each person\u2019s unique value. All Catholic social teaching flows from this: the inherent dignity of every person that comes from being made in God\u2019s image.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t Solidarity is not \u201ca feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a> Love of God and love of neighbor are, in fact, linked and form one, single commandment.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
<\/span><\/span><\/p>\nWhat is the Human Environment?<\/span><\/h2>\n
We all know what we mean by the physical or natural environment. The Earth, our \u201ccommon home\u201d, is a precious gift of God. But the human environment is not given the same level of attention despite experiencing its \u201cmore serious destruction\u201d. (Pope St. John Paul II, 38)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nThe Need for a Human Ecology<\/span><\/h2>\n
Most of us are reminded daily by the media of climate change and the need to care for nature. But environmental issues go much deeper than rising temperatures and natural disasters: <\/span><\/span>\u201cWe are called not only to respect the natural environment but also\u2026our human family\u201d. (Pope Francis)<\/a> <\/span><\/p>\nUniting Concern for the Physical and Human Environment<\/span><\/h2>\n
Pope Francis has made the urgent need for an integral ecology crystal clear. \u201cThere can be no renewal of our relationship with nature without a renewal of humanity itself.\u201d (Pope Francis, 118)<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\nAn Integral Ecology is the Answer<\/span><\/h2>\n
\u201cTaking up this challenge\u00a0seriously\u00a0has much to do with an\u00a0ethical\u00a0and\u00a0cultural\u00a0decline\u00a0which has\u00a0accompanied\u00a0the deterioration of the\u00a0environment.\u201d\u00a0(Pope Francis, 162)<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n
Catholic Social Teaching and Care for Nature<\/a> <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThree Key Principles<\/a><\/h2>
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tHuman Dignity<\/a><\/h2>
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSolidarity<\/a><\/h2>
<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t