De La Salle Lipa

College of Education, Arts, and Sciences

Religious Studies and Philosophy Area
School Year 2020 – 2021
JUSCRE

Module 5

Title: Safeguarding the Environment: Man as Co-creator of God

1. Common Responsibility

The natural environment is a collective good, the patrimony of all humanity and the
responsibility of everyone. If we make something our own, it is only to administer it for the good
of all. If we do not, we burden our consciences with the weight of having denied the existence of
others. Earth is inheritance. For the sustenance of all its members without excluding or favoring
anyone (Francis, 2015).

This reality is one of the core principle why the Church protect only the legitimate right to
private property and if it is observed in the context of social mortgage (Sollicitudo rei socialis).
She believes that No one has the right to accumulate large amounts of private property while
others lack the basic requirements for survival (Laborem Exercens).

Pope Francis (2015) in his encyclical Laudato Si once again reminds all men of goodwill that “it
is not in accord with God’s plan that this gift be used in such a way that its benefits favor only a
few”. He continued by saying that Owning something without administering for the good of all
is denying others of their existence.

Pope Francis (2015) gave various human causes of ecological crisis:

1. technology: creativity and power
2. the globalization of the technocratic paradigm
3. the crisis and effects of modern anthropocentrism

For him common good is the “the sum of those conditions of social life which allow social
groups and their individual members relatively thorough and ready access to their own
fulfilment”. This principle calls man to respect human person with inalienable rights; to uphold
the welfare of society and the development of a variety of intermediate groups; to promote social
peace; and protect stability and security provided by a certain order

Answer this:
What is your takeaway in the topic common responsibility?

Formative Assessment:
1. 10-point lesson exit ticket

Sources:
 De La Salle Lipa
College of Education, Arts, and Sciences
Religious Studies and Philosophy Area
School Year 2020 – 2021
JUSCRE

1. Francis, (2015). Praise Be to You (Laudato Si). Retrieved from:

https://books.google.com.ph/books/about/Praise_be_to_You_Laudato_Si.html?
id=0ZyuCgAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&source=kp_read_button&redir_esc=y#v=one
page&q&f=false
2. Paul, (1965). Gaudium et Spes. Retrieved from:
http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-
ii_cons_19651207_gaudium-et-spes_en.html