Laudato Si,praise be to you

                                     Laudato Si (  Praise be to You)

#38

The ecosystems of the tropical forests  possess an an enormously complex biodiversity …A delicate balance has to be maintained when speaking about these places, for we cannot overlook huge global economic interests which, under the guise of protecting them,can undermine sovereignty of individual nations.

39

The replacement of virgin forest with plantations of trees usually mono cultures, is rarely adequately analyzed.yet this can seriously compromise a biodiversity which the new species  being introduced does not accommodate.

(Destruction of mangroves and coral reefs affect the lives of various marine species.41

This is due to pollution in the sea”as the result of the deforestation,agricultural mono cultures, industrial waste  and destructive fishing methods…”

42

Because all creatures are connected , each must be cherished with love and respect, for all of us as living creatures are dependent on one another.

52

We need to strengthen the conviction that we are one sigle human family.there are no frontiers or barriers, political or social , behind which we can hide

53

Never have we so hurt and mistreated our common home as we have in the last two hundred years.

61

We need only take a look at the facts to see that our common home is falling into serious disrepair.

Creation

Gen,1:28- Dominion over the earth

Does not mean unbridled exploitation.

67

The biblical texts are to be rad in their context, with an appropriate hermeneutic, recognizing that they tel us  to ‘ till and keep” the garden of the world.Tilling  refers to cultivating, ploughing or working while keeping means  caring,protecting and preserving.This implies a relationship of mutual responsibility between human beings and nature.

68

The bible has no place for tyrannical anthropocentrism unconcerned for other creatures.

70Everything is is interconnected and that genuine care for our own lives and our relationships with nature is inseparable from fraternity , justice and faithfulness to others.

The Mystery of the Universe

76

In the Judaeo-Chrsitian tradition, the word"creation” has a broader meaning than nature, for it has to do with God’s loving plan in which every creature has its own value and significance.

Nature is usually seen as a system which can be studied, understood and controlled, whereas creation can only be understood as a gift from the outstretched hand of the Father of all.

77

Creation is of the order of love.God;s love is the fundamental moving force  in all created things…. Every creature is the object of the Father’s tenderness.