Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home - Pope Francis' Encyclical on Ecology & Climate Change | Spiritual Reading & Environmental Activism Resource

A call to contemplate the beauty of creation, and our responsibility for our planet, our common home.In this book, Pope Francis questions the current global capitalist model based on consumption. He speaks to the right of all people (and especially those in the global south) to have clean drinking water, and the dignity of work.On destruction of the environment, he draws a comparison to destruction of human interconnectedness. The health of both are related, and have declined. He asks us to hear "the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor".The word "dominion" has been appropriated by those who use it to dominate, control, and destroy nature. He corrects this interpretation - rather our "dominion" is our charge to "till and keep" the earth - care for it, sustain it, share it.Of course he speaks with moral authority on aspirational behavior. His critique of the globalized world and of capitalism is relevant, but I don't see us tearing down this order. Also his critique of technocracy. Which is another given in today's world, and I don't see it ending.Individual action, global policy choices, a change of heart to protect each other and our common home - he asks much of us. I look forward to his Part 2 of Laudato Si coming out in October.