The Church’s teaching on the proper dominion and stewardship of Creation can enlighten the current debates about environmentalism and human obligation. The Church’s wisdom is derived from sacred Scripture and the voice of conscience enlightened by God’s law
The Catholic approach to the environment is based on the two commandments of Jesus Christ: To love God above all things and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Love of God requires respect for God's gifts and for Creation. Love of neighbor requires justice, which prohibits the selfish destruction of the environment without regard for those in need today or for the needs of future generations.
We are instructed to cultivate and care for God's Creation but we are also called to “fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1 & 2). This illustrates the moral obligation: We should use the earth’s resources to further human flourishing and we should care for the environment to ensure that posterity can flourish as well.
Pope Benedict challenges us to have balance in environmental matters because much of the current debate elevates the earth to the status of God, not as a means to serve God and serve man. He says, “Such notions end up abolishing the distinctiveness and superior role of human beings. They also open the way to a new pantheism…which would see the source of man’s salvation in nature alone.” (World Day of Peace 2010).
Do you take time to enjoy God’s creation? Do you treat the environment with respect for the future generation? Are there things you could be doing to reduce excess consumption?