YOUCAT Question n. 436 - How should we treat the environment?
(Youcat
answer) We fulfill God’s commission with regard to creation when we care for
the earth, with its biological laws, its variety of species, its natural
beauty, and its dwindling resources, as a living space and preserve it, so that
future generations also can live well on earth.
A deepening through CCC
(CCC 2415)
The seventh commandment enjoins respect for the integrity of creation. Animals,
like plants and inanimate beings, are by nature destined for the common good of
past, present, and future humanity (Cf. Gen 128-31). Use of the mineral,
vegetable, and animal resources of the universe cannot be divorced from respect
for moral imperatives. Man's dominion over inanimate and other living beings
granted by the Creator is not absolute; it is limited by concern for the
quality of life of his neighbor, including generations to come; it requires a
religious respect for the integrity of creation (Cf. CA 37-38).
Reflecting and meditating
(Youcat comment) In the book of Genesis, God says, “Be
fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over
the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing
that moves upon the earth” (Gen 1:28). Having “dominion over the earth” does
not mean having an absolute right to dispose arbitrarily of animate and
inanimate nature, animals, and plants. Because man is created in God’s image,
he should care for God’s creation as a shepherd and steward. For the first book
of the Bible also says, “The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of
Eden to till it and keep it” (Gen 2:15).
(CCC Comment)
(CCC 2416) Animals are God's creatures. He
surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence they bless
him and give him glory (Cf. Mt 6:26; Dan 3:79-81). Thus men owe them kindness.
We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St. Francis of Assisi or
St. Philip Neri treated animals.
No comments:
Post a Comment