"Pope considering adding ‘sin against ecology’ to Church’s catechism"

[MiserereMeiDei]

Why does the prospect of responsible stewardship to the earth spawn so much moral outrage?

Probably because of the bucket-loads of unwarranted condescension from it’s heralds. But that’s only a guess.

Not to worry, folks. I promise that sorting your recycling, planting a tree, and shopping with reusable bags won’t turn you into Che Guevara. Or even Joe Biden.

Oh. Well. All concerns assuaged. I suppose the thread should have ended there.

 

[EndTimes]

Well, if this does come to pass, we’re obligated to submit ourselves to this new rule in obedience. That is how Church authority works. It is not an invitation to Cafeteria Catholicism.

What’s going to be very interesting is the wording of whatever may come out of this.

Not everything put out there is required belief…

 

[blackforest]

Not everything put out there is required belief…

Nobody is required to believe everything. Catholics are bound by the Magisterium.

The church may tell us what we are to work towards - heal the sick, feed the hungry, care for the Earth - but she may not properly tell us how to achieve those ends.

Much like Scripture itself, right? How do you suggest avoiding sins against the environment?

 

[EndTimes]

Much like Scripture itself, right? How do you suggest avoiding sins against the environment?

By reminding all that Sin specifically concerns against Man and God… and never “Nature”.
PS - The pope is thinking about adding something to the CCC…
If he does, the wording shall be scrutinized

 

[blackforest]

By reminding all that Sin specifically concerns against Man and God… and never “Nature”.

It’s a lovely idea but not really a way to prevent environmental degradation, as we are commanded to do in the Laudato Si encyclical and CCC 339.

The pope is thinking about adding something to the CCC…
If he does, the wording shall be scrutinized

Isn’t it always?

 

[Ender]

Much like Scripture itself, right? How do you suggest avoiding sins against the environment?

Well, scripture tells us to help the poor, but says nothing applicable in determining where to set the minimum wage. We “sin” against the environment by doing things we believe to be harmful, not by doing things other people believe are harmful.

 

[blackforest]

No examples, then?

 

[EndTimes]

It’s a lovely idea but not really a way to prevent environmental degradation, as we are commanded to do in the Laudato Si encyclical and CCC 339.

Lovely … yet Laudato Si has not specifically claimed Sins against Nature…

The release of Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment, Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home, was accompanied by a stream of analysis by Catholic media. James Martin, SJ, responded with a video of the “Top 10 Things You Need to Know about Pope Francis’ Laudato Si’.”

James Martin, S.J… A very interesting person - to say the least… wouldn’t you say?

 

[JanR]

Sins against God and Man are also sins against nature, as their consequences can directly or indirectly affect the natural world (of which WE are a part, within this realm).

 

[EndTimes]

Sins against God and Man are also sins against nature, as their consequences can directly or indirectly affect the natural world (of which WE are a part, within this realm).

IF the pope actually makes any inclusion into the CCC on Sinning against Ecology/Earth ITSELF,
only then shall we have specifics to discuss…

 

[JanR]

Nature has already been adversely affected by our reckless disregard for ecological systems. Look at our oceans. Badly polluted with garbage, and aquatic life suffering the consequences.

One of the consequences of original sin was that we put ourselves at odds with nature, and the whole earth became subject to decay and suffers under it.

As I’ve noted, there doesn’t need to be added sin against ecology. That already exists, and has happened many times over, in lots of different ways.

 

[EndTimes]

One of the consequences of original sin was that we put ourselves at odds with nature, and the whole earth became subject to decay and suffers under it.

As I’ve noted, there doesn’t need to be added sin against ecology. That already exists, and has happened many times over, in lots of different ways.

All of Creation - for that matter… Consider this from the CCC

Just as Man is primary amongst Life,
Life supersedes inanimate objects - such as Earth -
which supercedes manmade sub-parameters such as ecology

Respect for the integrity of creation

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.195 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.196

2416 Animals are God’s creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory.197 Thus men owe them kindness. We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals.

2417 God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image.198 Hence it is legitimate to use animals for food and clothing. They may be domesticated to help man in his work and leisure. Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives.

2418 It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons.

 

[Alphard]

If this was coming in different circumstance, and were not worded so ambiguously, we could discuss about it if it was or not in accordance with Sacred Scripture or Tradition. Since it comes during ecologic histerya times, and after all the incidents and some scandals like p.mama idol of this pontificate, all of this is very suspicious.
Instead of trying to change things in the name of “progress” ( toward what?) , it is much better to stop and reflect carefully when and whete we departed from God laws, and return to Him.