Unit 4 AOS 2 Flashcards
describe the interactions of religion and society in general terms
- dynamic interplay
- mutually interactive, sometimes positively, sometimes negatively
- contribute to each others characteristics
- religions can provide alternate ways of viewing life as well as moral codes, a vision for society, and social structure of society
- can work cooperatively against each other/be diametrically opposed
- religions can contribute to social cohesion
- religions can contribute to social transformation
- they can both support, challenge and restrict each other
- ideally, respect should be the foundation of the relationship between religion and society
explain the challenge
The challenge: the ecological crisis and the issue of climate change has had a global impact.
- Laudato Si speaks of an “integral ecology” (def in another flash card)
- It is both an internal and external challenge.
- It is an existential threat
- Since the industrial revolution…
science/physical impacts
-climate change
-rising sea levels
-pollution
- loss of biodiversity
- increase in natural disasters
social impacts
- rising health issues (rising skin cancer rates in aus)
- insecure food and housing
- climate refugees
- rich stealing this from the poor/the poor being most impacted
should use quotes from Laudato Si chapter 1 as well as catholic social teachings
why is it an ethical challenge?
what is an ethical challenge?
- A challenge to the traditional account of the nature of good and evil, of right and wrong, and how one can know the difference.
- It can challenge the relationships between humans, nature and God as well as the notion of good itself
how does the challenge fulfill this?
- the principles of catholic social teaching arent being upheld, resulting in global inequality (common good, preferential option for the poor, stewardship of creation)
- catholics are complicit in causing the crisis/destroying the environment rather than stewardship and have a moral imperative to respond
- it is part of the christocentric mission to respond- love one another and care for one another, especially the poor who are disproportionately effected, as Jesus showed
- to disrespect creation is to disrespect gods gift of creation and is an ecological sin (as per the synod of Catholic Bishops in the Amazon 2020, where Pope Francis proposed that ecological sin be added to the CCT)
why is it a theological challenge?
what is a theological challenge?
- A challenge to the majority account of faith and belief that is adhered to in the tradition.
-It challenges how the religion adresses the ultimate exsistential concerns of adherents
challenges the interpretation of theology, stewardship vs dominion
- also challenges the inaction of theology and beliefs
how does the challenge fulfull this?
- interpretation of stewardship vs dominion.
- interpretation of gift vs inherent value
- principle of Catholic social teaching to care for all life
describe how the various aspects of the religious tradition have been involved in this crisis
Formed the challenge:
- misinterpretation of the texts
- beliefs not being followed
- social structure not being supported/taking urgent enough action
How have aspects formed the stance?
- text interpretations supporting the stance
- pope and bishops taking the stance
- beliefs support taking action- categories of belief
How have aspects informed the response?
- organisations and dioces and parishes taking action as part of social structure
- texts Laudato Si was created as part of the response, alongside other speeches and information released by the church
- beliefs support the response and inform it (state specific beliefs)
what is the stance of the CCT on the challenge?
what is a stance?
A principled perspective taken to respond to a challenge to a religious tradition. They influence the response of the religious tradition to the challenge to achieve a resolution to the challenge, whilst also aiming to maintain its integrity, identity, authority, authenticity and adherents
what is the stance?
negative to the challenge of the ecological crisis and issue of global warming, and is therefore for action against climate change
what is the basis/reasoning for the stance?
- scripture references and how this informs
How has the stance developed or changed overtime
QUOTES NOT NEEDED
John Paul II summary
John Paul II began speaking on the challenge of climate change, stating that:
- creation is a common good
- solidarity in taking action needs to be achieved
- introduced the idea of it being a moral and physical issue
- that the challenge infringes on the rights of the poor and disadvantaged
- moved away from the idea of dominion to stewardship
how it changed with Benedict XVI
- increased in urgency
- started discussing the social impacts such as “climate refugees” and more rights of all humans
- largely agreed on topics
how it is now with Francis I
- moved away from anthropocentric view
- introduced the idea that creation also has a piece of the divine because it was created by God and has inherent value
- pushed for education
- highly critical of consumeristic lifestyle
- more urgent
how has the stance and response made a difference on the challenge
- increased awareness and moral framework
- interfaith and interdisciplinary dialogue
- advocacy and political influence
- increased engagement by religious communities
- educational initiatives
- support for environmental movements
- increased corporate responsibility
- public awareness and media coverage
however, whilst Laudato Si has has a notable impact on teh challange, addressing teh challange remiains a complex and multifaceted challenge. LS has contributed to a broader awareness of the moral and ethical aspects of the environmental crisis, but effective solutiosn require collective efforts from goverments, businesses, civil society, and individuals worldwide
how has the stance and response affected the cct
galvanised and called forth new organisations and vocations to take action against climate change
Catholics Earthcare 2015
- raising awareness and publicing Laudato Si and the challenge
- formed 4 step action plan for individuals
- suggesting the voice to parliament as a means for climate justice
- advertising climate friendly ways of living
new ecunemical initiatives
Laudato Si Movement 2015
- formation of ecological strategic goals
- promotion and advocacy surrounding Laudato Si
- circulation of media to galvanise young people
has caused some disagreement within the church
increased dialoque between traditions
caused drastic change and increased climate action
how has the stance and response effect the wider society
Pope Francis opened and contributed to evolving dialogue and invited all people to work together to make a solution, as the encyclical has been addressed to “all people of good will” (LS 1 #62)
- increased support for climate change and a large platform has influenced. The pope is a large moral authority
- caused more change and galvanised the greater society
- Prompted a solution
leading by example
- The Vatican has nearly eliminated single use plastics, recycles most of its trash and makes its own compost for gardens. In September 2008, Pope Benedict XVI oversaw the installation of 2400 solar panels on top of the papal audience hall in the Vatican city
influence on
- United Nations Summit 2015 (released to coincide with)
- Paris Agreement 2015
- 11th session of the Kyoto Protocol
sense of urgency that prompted setting stronger carbon emission targets
the climate action taken by catholics who were galvanised also aids the health of the earth and therefore affects everyone. They also influence their own areas such as workplaces, neighbourhoods and leadership
what is the response of the CCT
Laudato Si released in 2015 as a textual response
and the influence it has had
Catholics for climate
Catholic Earthcare
World Day for Peace messages
list the 4 main beliefs in the category of belief: the nature and purpose of human life
- humans are created in the image and likeness of God
- humans are created from, by and for love
- humans are created to spend an eternity with God in heaven
- humans are created to establish the reign of God on earth
list the 4 main beliefs in the category of belief: the relationship between humans and the UR
- humans are created in the image and likeness of God and bear the mark of the divine.
- God, the creator has a plan for humanity. Every person is called to keep the covenant by freely loving God and living in the right relationships with one another and creation.
- God desires to be in a relationship with humanity.
- Humans are called to love God
garden of eden quote
“The Lord God took man and put him in the Garden of Eden to till it and keep it” Gen 2:15
stewardship vs dominion quote CHECK
“Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. And have dominion over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground” Gen 1:28
