"Charity in Truth" : unheeded still

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Pope Benedict’s encyclical, “Charity in Truth” continues to bless me and hopefully, is blessing you as well:

1. … The term “education” refers not only to classroom teaching and vocational training — both of which are important factors in development — but to the complete formation of the person. …there is a problem that should be highlighted: in order to educate, it is necessary to know the nature of the human person, to know who he or she is. relativistic understanding presents serious problems for moral education Yielding to this kind of relativism makes everyone poorer …

An illustration … is offered by the phenomenon of international tourism, … a major factor in economic development and cultural growth … can also become an occasion for exploitation and moral degradation. …international tourism has a negative educational impact both for the tourist and the local populace. The latter are often exposed to immoral or even perverted forms of conduct, as in the case of so-called sex tourism, to which many human beings are sacrificed even at a tender age. It is sad to note that this activity often takes place with the support of local governments, with silence from those in the tourists’ countries of origin, and with the complicity of many of the tour operators. Even in less extreme cases, international tourism often follows a consumerist and hedonistic pattern, as a form of escapism planned in a manner typical of the countries of origin, and therefore not conducive to authentic encounter between persons and cultures. We need, therefore, to develop a different type of tourism that has the ability to promote genuine mutual understanding, …

Until I read this section I had never read about the dangers of international tourism which can be a major factor in economic development and cultural growth, but can also become an occasion for exploitation and moral degradation. The relativistic understanding of human nature is something Pope Benedict had been aware of, and warned against, even before becoming Pope calling it the “Tyranny of Relativism”. This encyclical, written in 2009 seems to have reached fewer ears than needed, for we see how far this “relativism” has spread.

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your Faithful. Kindle in us the Fire of Your Love. Grant us increasing Wisdom! Jesus we trust in You! Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us.