The Pope’s latest encyclical, Laudato Si’ (or “Be Praised”), sparked a theological debate between Catholics, Protestants, and even many non-Christians about the environment, climate change, and the global market economy.
The papal letter isn’t for a quick read over your morning cup-o-joe. The pdf version from the Vatican’s website is 184 pages cover to cover, so we’ve rounded up the best videos and commentary on the web to get you up to speed on the eco-encyclical discussion. Consider this your Laudato Si’ crash course.
Father Barron hits the highlights of Laudato Si’:
Dr. Kevin Roberts shares his top three reactions to the Pope’s encyclical:
Dr. Samuel Gregg on the strengths and weaknesses of the eco-encyclical:
Kevin Emmert at Christianity Today writes on the theology behind Pope Francis’ warning on climate change: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2015/june-web-only/why-pope-is-going-green.html
Father Raymond J. De Souza discusses four groups likely to cheer and challenge the Pope’s latest letter: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/laudato-si-the-cheers-and-the-challenges/
Father Sirico weighs in at the Wall Street Journal on the Pope’s green theology: http://www.wsj.com/articles/the-popes-green-theology-1434668086
NY Times columnist Ross Douthat critiques the Pope’s apocalyptic tone in Laudato Si’: http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/21/opinion/sunday/ross-douthat-pope-francis-call-to-action-goes-beyond-the-environment.html
Kathryn Jean Lopez stresses the good that can come from Laudato Si’s message: http://www.nationalreview.com/article/420100/laudato-si-and-common-good-kathryn-jean-lopez
Though papal encyclicals are one of the most authoritative statements a pope can issue, the positions expressed are not a declaration of Catholic Church doctrine. This leaves a lot of room for debate!
What do you think about Laudato Si’?
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