Over the past several decades, lots of Catholics have come to a deeper appreciation of God’s good gift of creation. Additionally, many recognize that the care of creation is fundamentally connected to other Christian commitments – especially the protection of human life, defense of human dignity and particular care for the poor.
“The naïve assumption that the natural world is there to be possessed and used by humans for their advantage and in an unlimited manner cannot be accepted.” Thomas Berry, The Great Work, pg. 61
“The day will come when, after harnessing space, the winds, the tides, and gravitation, we shall harness for God the energies of love. And on that day, for the second time in the history of the world, we shall have discovered fire.” Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Toward the Future, pg. 86-87
“I don’t want to flee, nor do I want to abandon the battle of these farmers who live without any protection in the forest. They have the sacrosanct right to aspire to a better life on land where they can live and work with dignity while respecting the environment.” Sr. Dorothy Stang, SNDdeN
Further Reading:
- “The Meadow Across the Creek” (Thomas Berry, Thomas Berry Foundation)
- Awakening to Our Role in The Great Work (Stephanie Kaza, Thomas Berry Foundation)
- Sr. Dorothy Stang, Martyr of the Amazon (John Dear, National Catholic Reporter)
- Top Ten Takeaways from 'Laudato Si'' (James Martin, S.J., America)
