The end

ESSAY QUESTION: The question has two main parts:  a) Explain and discuss the deep connections between REVERENCE FOR CREATION (aka ECOLOGICAL JUSTICE) and SOCIAL JUSTICE, especially as brought out by Pope Francis and by the other course readings.  (Another way of putting this is to discuss how Laudato Si and other course readings emphasize the connections among reverence for creation, respect for human dignity, and social justice.)  b) Then expand these connections to include how perspectives from other religious traditions (at least two others) tie into these.  In other words, what insights on ecology and social justice are offered by other religious traditions? 

Laudato Si discusses how environmental problems has been embedded in society which has affected the humanity of individuals. It is important to realize that sharing with everyone is important instead of implementing greed through times of need. Laudato Si discusses that hope is not lost as “human beings, while capable of the worse, are also capable of rising above themselves, choosing again what is good, and making a new start, despite their mental and social conditioning” (#205). This quote entails that even though human’s mistakes, we are still capable of mending those mistakes to make the world a better and safer place for all. By not littering, smoking, extensive use of gas cars, tearing down trees can make the problems slowly fade if majority of individuals actually did that. Humans make up majority of Earth so it entail that we have the biggest role regarding the ecological system. These unjust ecological systems that take away the freedoms of other individuals can be fixed through a change in lifestyle that can be accomplished through recognizing the problems and addressing. Laudato Si emphasizes that the reverence for creation not only includes humans but also in nature through protection of the environment. By bringing awareness and giving voices to those who are struggling based on ecological injustices, we can achieve reverence for creation and respect for ALL human dignity. Laudato Si points out the growing use and advances of media has become an influence on the current social injustices that used to go unheard in the past but not anymore (#47). “What is more, Saint Francis, faithful to Scripture, invites us to see nature as a magnificent book in which God speaks to us and grants us a glimpse of his infinite beauty and goodness” (#12). Although it is true that in order to address environmental challenges, we must identify how it relates to be human and social aspect where the poorest are known to be effective the most as they always are. Injustices to arise as water pollution and lack of fish lead minimal resources to certain individuals ultimately leading to their death (#48). This infused the connection between reverence for creation to societal issues by the identification that to achieve social justice, human beings need to treat nature with respect and value. Through acts of solidarity, communities can cultivate into equal and shared justices by eliminating the power of consumerism. Human dignity is defined by interdependence and reliability through the acts of God because in Gaudium et Spes it was stated, “when God is forgotten, human life loses meaning” (#36). This means that the acts of social injustices keep individuals further from God and the meaning of reverence for ALL creations. “We need to strengthen the conviction that we are one single human family” (#52). This emphasizes that the poor areas that are not able to fight through the environmental challenges should be preferential instead of being inferior to more powerful interests such as consumerism. Laudato Si brings up situations that involve more than social injustice but ecological injustices as well that have become prominent as our environment continues to deteriorate. As humans we must remember to always treat nature with respect because it is also a creation from God.

The perspective from other religious traditions is always important to address in order to include every aspect to ensure that the need for ecological justice is ensured in the society. Baha’I teachings discuss the challenge that comes with protecting the environment in conserving resources from Earth. The teachings of this religious tradition discuss the impact of moderation especially in times of need. The established principles include “Nature reflects the qualities and attributes of God and should, therefore, be greatly respected and cherished, all things are interconnected and flourish according to the law of reciprocity, the oneness of humanity is the fundamental spiritual and social truth shaping our age, nature reflects the qualities and attributes of God” (Baha’I Faith Statement). It is clear that their belief in God strengthens their belief in nature and that each value and belief should address the respect the environment deserves not just humankind. To achieve social justice, Baha’I teachings emphasize that it should not be worshiped but should be valued for it is the creation of God and his will. Baha’I teachings state “the earth is but one country and mankind its citizens” (Baha’i Faith Statement). It is clear that the fruits, animals, plants of God implement love, compassion, and sacrificial actions to better social justices. Reflecting on each religious tradition, it is clear that nature is an important part of interconnectedness of human beings. By taking care of the environment, individuals do not realize they are also taking care of the human beings. The Buddhist believes that anything in this world is a lesson to be taught including nature. “In order to protect the environment, we must protect ourselves. We protect ourselves by opposing selfishness with generosity, ignorance with wisdom, and hatred with loving kindness” (Buddhist Faith Statemtent). The Buddhists believe that nature will be good to us if we respect the environment, just as if we respect other humans, then humans will be good to us. To Buddhists, nature is seen as a teacher, spiritual force, and a way of life. These teachings implement the reverence for all creations, not just human beings but respect for life and nature itself because it is essential to living.

References

Baha'i Faith Statement on the Environment. The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development. (n.d.). https://www.interfaithsustain.com/bahai-faith-statement-on-the-environment/.

Buddhist Faith Statement on the Environment (Full). The Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development. (n.d.). https://www.interfaithsustain.com/buddhist-faith-statement-on-the-environment-full/.

Laudato si': Francis. Laudato si' | Francis. (2015, June 18). https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html.

Vatican II. (1965). The Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World. Gaudium et

Spes. (pp. 126–155).