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PEACE WITH GOD THE CREATOR,
PEACE WITH ALL OF CREATION
Summary
"Peace with God the Creator, Peace with all of Creation" is a papal document written by Pope John Paul II in 1989 (L'Osservatore Romano - English edition, 18-26 December 1989), which also served as his message for the World Day of Peace in January 1, 1990.
The message acknowledged that "the ecological crisis is a moral issue," that the immoral use of resources is the root cause of all environmental problems. The story of creation is highlighted in the message, which explains man's responsibility (dominion) over other creations of God. And though man has thought of ways to cultivate God's creations, we tend to not use, but abuse it.
The message calls for unity and respect for life and dignity of the human person, as well as to the rest of God's creation.
Outline
We are becoming increasingly aware of the ecological crisis that we face today, and it has become apparent that urgent action is necessary.
These ecological problems have behind them a moral and ethical basis.
In the story of creation, it was clear that man was meant to become stewards and guardians of this earth, but failed to fulfill this responsibility.
The relationship of God and man was renewed by the death and resurrection of Christ.
The root of all these problems is man's refusal to abide by the Creator's plan.
Some damages to the ecosystem may be irreversible and some can still be stopped, if mankind will work together.
Respect for life, and above all for the dignity of the human person, is the ultimate guiding norm for any sound economic, industrial or scientific progress. (Peace with God the Creator, Peace with all of Creation, #7)
All of mankind is entitled to the fruits of the earth, and it is the selfishness and greed of the privileged few that is causing the disproportionate distribution of the earth's natural wealth.
Every nation is both individually and jointly responsible for safeguarding the environment.
It is only through global cooperation that lasting and effective solution will be found.
Poverty, one of the major contributory factors to environmental degradation, is a problem that must also be addressed.
War must be avoided at all costs, because of the destruction it brings not only to human life but to the environment as well.
We must review how we ourselves utilize the earth's natural resources.
There is a need to develop an appreciation of beauty, both natural and man-made, as this will ultimately lead to a better appreciation of our environment.
Peace between man and God's Creation is a responsibility that everyone shares, regardless of faith.
We are all called to be at peace with God, which will invariably lead to being at peace with His Creation, including our fellowmen.
REFERENCES:
Pope John Paul II, (1989) Peace with God the Creator, Peace with all of Creation,
Retrieved April14, 2011 from
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/messages/peace/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_19891208_xxiii-world-day-for-peace_en.html
Pope John Paul II, Retrieved April 14, 2011 from
http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/john_paul_ii/index.htm
© 2011 Anne Marjorie Calupitan
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