Adv. Morality Chapter 9

What biblical evidence do we have to show that "humans are God's special creatures"?

God made humans in his likeness and image.

"One cannot use with impunity the different categories of beings, whether living or inanimate - animals, plants, the natural elements - simply as one wishes, according to one's own economic needs." (Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, #34)

God alone has sovereignty over the earth; people are the earth's stewards.

10 coins parable and how it applies to the environment

Rich noble gives 10 coins to servants, when he comes back he praises this who earned money by investing, and punished the servant who buried the money out of fear. Applies to the environment--earth's resources must be used wisely and for the good of all people, future and present.

Why does the Church show concern about the connection between respect for the dignity of people (especially the poor) and respect for the environment?

A society that will easily dispose of God's good earth will also find disposing of people easy as well

What is "indoor pollution?" About how many lives are lost each year in India due to "indoor pollution?"

Results from burning wood, coal, and animal dung as fuel. Kills 500,000 in India each year

Some scientists think rainforests will disappear in fewer than 40 years. What will be the effect of this if it occurs?

almost 50% of the world's species of plants, animals, and microorganisms will be destroyed or threatened.

Explain this quote from the text: "When people are valued, so too is the environment."

we must protect all creatures, which means we must protect the environment.

According to Pope Benedict XVI, what is an "environmental refugee"?

People who are forced to leave their home and possessions behind due to environmental degradation

According to the text, what is "consumerism"? What is sinful about consumerism?

A social and economic worldview that encourages the purchase of goods in ever greater amounts. Opposition to the poverty of spirit and simplicity of life. Consuming resources in an excessive and disordered way.

According to the text, what is solidarity?

work for the common good, to sacrifice for the sake of others, rather than fulfill their own interests

(4) (p. 291) "Caring for God's creation is not just about "cleaning up the environment."...it is about personal conversion...the most significant area(s) in need of conversion is the consumerist mentality." A. Explain what "consumerist mentality" is according to Saint John Paul II. B. What does this mentality do with regard to the earth's resources?

Consumerists mentality encourages the buying of goods in ever greater amounts. Opposition to poverty of spirit and simplicity of life. "have and enjoy" rather than be and to grow. Consumerism contributes to the destruction and degradation of earth's resources.

According to the text, what exactly is a steward?

One who takes care of something as his own, when ultimately it is not.

"Pope Francis spoke about the need to look to the example of St. Joseph" with regard to the environment. Explain that example and how it applies to the environment.

st. Joseph-- foster father of Jesus-- Us-- also protectors go God's creation

John Paul II Rules for Stewardship: "You can use the earth's resouces - including animals, plants, and sources of energy" but what must you also do?

can't do so haphazardly without effort to replenish them and maintain natural balance of resources.

Stewardship of the environment in your Daily Life. The text lists 8 ways to live out good stewardship. List and briefly explain four of them.

1) Save energy. Turn off electrical appliances when not using. Walk when possible. carpool

2)Don't litter. Dispose of garbage in appropriate receptacles. Recycle when possible. When possible, clean up litter by others.

3)Simplify your lifestyle by consuming less. Buy things because you need them, not for their status value.

4) Recycle. Recycle what you can. Avoid buying non-recyclable products when possible. Cut back on disposable products.

Commandment 2: Explain the Christian understanding of "fill the earth and subdue it".

Not meaning to enslave, but to be guardians of creation and develop it's gifts.

Commandment 3: You are called to move beyond the mentality of, "well, if this particular problem doesn't affect me directly right now, then I will not concern myself with it." What is the reason you must do this?

You are united with the present and future of humanity--part of common good--why we should concern ourselves.

Commandment 4: "The Church does not oppose scientific advancements and discoveries." However, what must these advancements take into account?

These advances must not jeopardize the good of creation or the human person.

"Nature is not a sacred or divine reality, removed from human intervention." What exactly does this mean, and how does it affect our development?

Human intervention that modifies some characteristics of living things is not wrong, as long as it respects their place in their particular ecosystem.

Describe two examples of how the 2008 World Youth Day in Sydney reduced their environmental impact.

walking when possible and timers n showers

In the 7th Commandment for the Environment, the text states that "You must share the Good of the World with All. " In this commandment, what example do they use to demonstrate this need?

They use the example that 780 million people lack clean drinking water

Commandment 9: Eating a delicious meal, or wearing nice clothes, or heating your home with natural gas are acts that can be an opportunity of gratitude and praise of the Creator. So then, what does contribute to environmental degradation?

it is the overconsumption of these goods that lead to environmental degradation

(p. 303) In April of 2010, the largest oil spill in U.S. History brought about what two major responses from the Catholic Church?

1.

2.

1) Catholic Charities USA responded to the immediate needs of unemployed workers

2) Catholic Charities USA also brought the people's needs to the attention of Congress, and asked them to help individuals and families affected by the oil spill.

When and where did St. Francis of Assisi live?

Lived in Italy from 1182-1226

What happened when Francis kissed the hand of a leper?

The leper returned his kiss of peace.

Explain the story of St. Francis and the wolf

Tamed a wolf who had been terrorizing a town. Villagers wanted to kill it. Francis spoke to the world and commanded it to not kill any more humans. It obeyed, and soon became a pet that was well fed by the village.

What exactly did St. Francis "receive" at the end of his life?

He received the stigmata, the 5 wounds of christ