INTERRELATED OPTION FOR THE POOR AND THE EARTH
Keywords:
Laudato Si, Option for the poor, EarthAbstract
The global world which is characterized by postmodern world view is
beset not only with numerous basic socio-economic, religio-cultural
problems but also with ecological problems. If humans continue to
oppress the poor and to destroy the ecosystems, then we will soon run
out of balance of our life on this universe. The earth is ultimately a
common heritage, the fruits of which are for the benefit of all. An Integral
ecological care of the earth invites the human community to view it as
God-centred and be accountable. The option for the poor and the earth
are interrelated. Nature will truly enjoy its second spring only when
humanity has compassion for its own members. A right education in
ecological care and genuine concern for the poor entails a
transformation in ways of thought, behaviour, and lifestyle. Everyone
must recognize her/his obligation to contribute to the restoration of a
healthy environment and humanity.
References
C.T. Kurien, Poverty and Development, New Delhi: Orient Longman Limited, 1996, 123.
Amartya Sen, Poverty and Feminine. An Essay on Entitlement and Deprivation, Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1981, 9-10.
Prakash Louis, “New Paradigms in Social Action: Issues and Perspectives,” in Christian Contribution to Nation Building. A Third Millennium Enquiry” Selvister Ponnumuthan, Chacko Aerath & George Menacherry, ed., Cochin: Documentary Committee of CBCI – KCBC National Celebration of the Jubilee of St Thomas and St
Francis Xavier, 2004, 261.
Kristina Dems, “Loss of Natural Resources: Who Is to Blame?” http://www. brighthub.com/environment/science-environmental/articles/68899.aspx (accessed 25 October, 2015).
Michael Amaladoss, “A Spirituality of Creation,” Vidyajyoti Journal of Theological
Reflection, 79, 8 (August 2015) 565-578.
“What is Environmental Degradation?” http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/ causes-and-effects-of-environmental-degradation.php (accessed 26 October, 2015).
“Pope Francis Calls Destruction of Nature a Modern Sin,” http://ecowatch.com/ 2014/07/07/pope-francis-destruction-nature-modern-sin/ (accessed 26.10.2015).
Francis, Laudato Sí (LS), Encyclical Letter (2015), 84-85.
John Paul II, “Message for the Celebration of the World Day of Peace,” 1 January 1990, http://w2.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/messages/peace/documents/ hf_jp-ii_mes_19891208_xxiii-world-day-for-peace.html (accessed 8 March, 2016).
Francis, Evangelii Gaudium (EG), Apostolic Exhortations (2013), 89.
