1.6 Differences in views for the importance of preserving the planet and environment

Question 1

Catholic understanding on the nature of human beings and their relationship with creation, from Genesis.

Answer 1

• Created in imago dei - share certain characteristics with God (e.g. love, wisdom and the capacity for free will and reason) so care for Earth as He did.

Question 2

Catholic attitude towards care for creation. (ABIC)

Answer 2

Answer it
- They have a duty to care for, and protect the environmnet.
- God created earth as gift to mankind so we must respect and preserve this gift for future generations.

Back it up
- “have dominion…over every living thing that moves on the earth” - Genesis 1:28 (given dominion over creation so responsible for it.)
- “put him in the garden… to work it and keep it” - Genesis 2:15 (commanded to take care of the environment).
- Love for other humans should be joined with concern for environment and commitment to resolving societal problems - Laudato Si.
- Parable of Talents - Matthew (pass on “more” to the next generation)
- “Love your neighbour as yourself” - Mark (care for future generation and the world they’ll live in).

Impact
- Educate people in their responsibility.
- Avoid use of plastic.
- Reduce water waste.
- Use public transport.

Counterargument
- Focus on the gift of salvation and eternal life rather than the trying to preserve the fleeting world?

Question 3

Humanists attitude towards the care for creation. (ABIC)

Answer 3

Answer it
- Should take responsibility for environmental problems to foster sustainable existence that supports human welfare and happiness.

Back it up
- Logical sense to care for and protect the environment or humans will become extinct.
- Humans scientifically born with intelligence - we have duty to help improve environment to make world a better place.
- Empathy is humanist principle - extend empathy to future generations.
- Happiness is humanist principle - need to support others to have fulfilling lives both now and in future.

Impact
- Advocate for sustainable lifestyles, policies that minimise environmental impact
- Reduce resource consumption
- Protect biodiversity.

Counterargument
- Some may argue that caring for the world is not the only important thing (e.g. improving human life, reducing crime, spreading faith so others know about it).

Question 4

Jewish attitudes towards care for creation.

Answer 4

Answer it
- Given duty to take control over nature
- Responsible to continue work of creation by making world a better place to live in

Back it up
- Soldiers were told not to destroy trees in war - Torah.

Impact
- Do Tikkun olam by following bal tashchit (don’t waste/destroy the environment, cause stress to living creatures or pollution/harm to trees)
- Celebrate Sukkot by living in Sukkah (reminder of human connection with nature and environment)
- Partake in Tu Bishvat (plant trees).

Counterargument
- Focus on the gift of salvation and eternal life rather than the trying to preserve the fleeting world?