Laudato Si: Society Treats Environment As It Treats Human Beings

Image credit: Interestingimages.com

Dr. David Cloutier, a Knott Professor in Catholic Theology at Mount St. Mary's University in Emmitsburg, Maryland, gave an insightful summary of Pope Francis' Encyclical, Laudato Si, on over-consumption, the environment and social justice. His talk was part of a panel discussion on the encyclical at St. Mary's Seminary and University in Baltimore, on Wednesday evening, October 7th.

Clouteir, echoing the Pope's message, discussed human subordination to technology when technology becomes an end in itself, rather than a means to other ends. He also discussed how technology sets patterns for our lives and begins to take on a logic of its own.

One of the themes Cloutier focused on, from a theological perspective, was the interconnectedness of all things and the idea that human beings require harmonious systems for physical and spiritual survival.

Dr. Cloutier
Photo credit: Mount Saint Mary's

From and economic perspective Cloutier pointed out that we live in a culture where self-centeredness has become a virtue and our penchant for inexpensive things (clothing, electronic devices, and cheap food) as well as luxuries (fresh cut flowers out-of-season) and over-consumption creates economies that destroy the lives of the world's poorest populations.

Cloutier said, "A culture that throws away things will also throw away people." He argued that there is a relationship between the way a society treats people and how it treats the environment. "If we put profits above people then we end up putting profits above creation," he said.

He was joined by Carolyn Woo, President of Catholic Relief Services who discussed the need to address the three obstacles that prevent people from actively promoting social justice:

1. Denial: "There is no problem"

2. The Illusion of Separation: "Maybe there is a problem, but it's not MY problem."

3. The Illusion of Helplessness: "Maybe there is a problem, and maybe it is also MY problem, but there is nothing I can do about it."

Carolyn Woo
Catholic Relief Services

The speakers called on those in attendance to become involved in efforts for social responsibility. Websites that they mentioned, where people can find ways to become involved in efforts to promote social justice, included the Catholic Relief Services, Catholic Climate Covenant and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.

Lonnie Ellis, OFS, of Catholic Climate Covenant was the third speaker on the panel. The discussion was moderated by Mark Rohlena, Director, USCCB Committee for Domestic Social Development. The Most Reverend William E. Lori, Archbishop of Baltimore, introduced and participated in the event. Rev. Thomas Hurst, P.S.S., President-Rector at St. Mary's Seminary and University gave the welcome and opening prayer.