A Christian View of Man and Nature

Some days ago I read a very interesting article from Zenit.org: A Christian View of Man and Nature - Ten Commandments for the Environment dated NOV. 12, 2005.

Truly, as the article underlines, "mankind is called to exercise a responsible stewardship over creation. "

This was the appeal made by Legionary Father Paolo Scarafoni when he opened a congress on the theme "Ethics and the Environment," at the European University of Rome last Monday. In his speech Father Scarafoni, rector of the university, explained that this Christian vision of stewardship is based on the idea of the human person as a free and intelligent creature, called to help develop the created world. This is not to be confused with a triumphalistic view of the human condition and actions, which belongs to a scientific and idealistic view of human nature, the priest said. Rather, Catholic ethics is based on the commandment of love, which is conscious of human errors but also confident that people can do good with the help of God's grace.

I post here only the last portion of the article that speaks of an attitude that a christian should consider in order to be true in his vocation as steward.

" Lifestyles should be oriented according to the principles of sobriety, temperance and self-discipline, both at the personal and social levels. People need to escape from the consumer mentality and promote methods of production that respect the created order, as well as satisfying the basic needs of all. This change of lifestyle would be helped by a greater awareness of the interdependence between all the inhabitants of the earth. A spiritual response must be given to environmental questions, inspired by the conviction that creation is a gift that God has placed in the hands of mankind, to be used responsibly and with loving care. People's fundamental orientation toward the created world should be one of gratitude and thankfulness. The world, in fact, leads people back to the mystery of God who has created it and continues to sustain it. If God is forgotten, nature is emptied of its deepest meaning and left impoverished. If, instead, nature is rediscovered in its role as something created, mankind can establish with it a relationship that takes into account its symbolic and mystical dimensions. This would open for mankind a path toward God, creator of the heavens and the earth."

A united world is possible!

Hundreds of solidarity and awareness activities were carried out by youth throughout the world to celebrate the 10th United World Week from October 9 to 16.

I am posting here a an article written by Jay Malaga of Cebu City, Philippines:

What better way to complete a week of events aimed towards generating unity around the world than for young people to spend a night sharing songs, dances, experiences and food?

That, and a conference call linking various cities in the world, all carrying out activities for universal brotherhood, capped the United World Week celebration here in Cebu on October 15. Together with guests from various schools and churches, the Youth for a United World spent their Saturday night with a showcase of talents and a communion of stories all reflecting the glorious work of God. Campus ministry members from one college did a dance interpretation of a religious song. One girl shared how the movement inspired her to help her father sell fish in the market, despite being the only young person among fishermen and their wives.

What a beautiful way, indeed, to finish a week that started with the Cebuano youth “giving their city a hand” through a sticker campaign. Donning white shirts that read “Give our City a [Hand]”, members of the Youth for a United World positioned themselves in various areas of the city and posted stickers on jeepneys that feature short yet encouraging reminders for the riding public to help contribute to a harmonious society. Simple phrases in Cebuano such as “Suportahan nako ang bu-otan nga drayber” and “Ipasa nako ang pliti with a smile” surely brought big smiles to both the drivers’ and passengers’ faces.

All these are manifestations that if we just join hands in responding to the call of our times, even if we come from different nations, races, cultures and religions, a culture of peace and harmony is indeed possible. In fact, it is already a reality in various parts of the globe. The United World Week doesn’t end there. Building unity all over the world is a lifetime commitment. As long as we don’t lose the enthusiasm and openness to share and help, brotherhood will forever “stick” around with us and songs of harmony will constantly echo in our hearts and minds.