Destruction of the Planet, a Sinful Act
Business ethics is narrowed branch of ethics devoted to the economic and organizational activities of societies. The power of these organizations, private enterprises, corporations etc., are such that they surpass in influence and the ability to do things like harm the environment on a scale almost beyond human understanding (think gulf oil spill or Fukushima). Is the environment a value in itself that business and industry should take into consideration?
One of the more popular philosophies today is Christianity, in this case, the branch known as the Roman Catholic Church. And what do they say about the destruction of the environment?
Read the article below for the most recent declaration on the subject.
James Pilant
Pope Francis Makes Biblical Case For Addressing Climate Change: ‘If We Destroy Creation, Creation Will Destroy Us’ | ThinkProgress
Pope Francis made the religious case for tackling climate change on Wednesday, calling on his fellow Christians to become “Custodians of Creation” and issuing a dire warning about the potentially catastrophic effects of global climate change.
Speaking to a massive crowd in Rome, the first Argentinian pope delivered a short address in which he argued that respect for the “beauty of nature and the grandeur of the cosmos” is a Christian value, noting that failure to care for the planet risks apocalyptic consequences.
“Safeguard Creation,” he said. “Because if we destroy Creation, Creation will destroy us! Never forget this!”
The pope centered his environmentalist theology around the biblical creation story in the book of Genesis, where God is said to have created the world, declared it “good,” and charged humanity with its care. Francis also made reference to his namesake, Saint Francis of Assisi, who was a famous lover of animals, and appeared to tie the ongoing environmental crisis to economic concerns — namely, instances where a wealthy minority exploits the planet at the expense of the poor.
“Creation is not a property, which we can rule over at will; or, even less, is the property of only a few: Creation is a gift, it is a wonderful gift that God has given us, so that we care for it and we use it for the benefit of all, always with great respect and gratitude,” Francis said.
Francis also said that humanity’s destruction of the planet is a sinful act, likening it to self-idolatry.
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