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Catholic Perspectives on Creatures
Renewing
the Earth: An Invitation to Reflection and Action
on Environment in Light of Catholic Social Teaching
A Pastoral Statement of the United States Catholic
Conference
November 14, 1991
(Excerpt)
III.B. Respect for Life
Respect for nature and respect for human life
are inextricably related. "Respect for life,
and above all for the dignity of the human person,"
Pope John Paul II has written, extends also to
the rest of creation ("The Ecological Crisis: A
Common Responsibility" [also known as “Peace
with God the Creator, Peace with All Creation], no. 7). Other species, ecosystems, and even
distinctive landscapes give glory to God. The
covenant given to Noah was a promise to all the
earth.
See, I am establishing my covenant with you
and your descendants after you and with every
living creature that was with you: all the birds,
and the various tame and wild animals that were
with you and came out of the ark (Gn 9:9-10).
The diversity of life manifests God's glory.
Every creature shares a bit of the divine beauty.
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Because the
divine goodness could not be represented by one
creature alone, Aquinas tells us, God "produced
many and diverse creatures, so that what was wanting
to one in representation of the divine goodness
might be supplied by another . . . hence the whole
universe together participates in the divine goodness
more perfectly, and represents it better than
any single creature whatever" (Summa Theologica,
Prima Pars, question 48, ad 2). The wonderful
variety of the natural world is, therefore, part
of the divine plan and, as such, invites our respect.
Accordingly, it is appropriate that we treat other
creatures and the natural world not just as means
to human fulfillment but also as God's creatures,
possessing an independent value, worthy of our
respect and care.
By preserving natural environments, by protecting
endangered species, by laboring to make human
environments compatible with local ecology, by
employing appropriate technology, and by carefully
evaluating technological innovations as we adopt
them, we exhibit respect for creation and reverence
for the Creator.
Read the complete statement.
For additional information on Catholic perspectives
on living creatures:
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