WITNESS TO THE WORD: SCIENCE, ENVIRONMENT AND RELIGION

UNIT I: UNDERSTANDING THE RELATIONSHIPS OF GOD WITH HUMANITY AND THE

REST OF CREATION

Lesson 2: Man: Crown of God’s Creation

Course Learning Outcomes:

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Course Learning
Outcome/s:
CLO 4. Compose a
reflection and or narrative
regarding one’s realizations
on one’s relationship with
the Word.
CLO 6 Practice responsible
stewardship as an
expression of gratitude for
God’s love.
Lesson Learning Outcomes:
At the end of the lesson, the students are able to:
1.Explain that human beings are created in God’s
image and likeness endowed with intellect and
freewill. (Cognitive)
2.Examine one’s way of living in the concept of
authentic prayer as reflective of one’s being created
as God’s masterpiece. (Affective)
3. Advocate for the preservation of God’s creation in
fulfillment of our role as God’s stewards.
(Psychomotor)

TEACHING-LEARNING ACTIVITIES (TLA)

Part 1. MOTIVATION
Motivational Activities
1.Genesis: Creation of the World(4.5min)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ean_aMNkAgM

2. Interactive Discussions:
- “Man is the crown of God’s Creation”, Do you agree to this statement? Why /Why
not? How do you feel about it?

Part 2: EXPOSITION/ DISCUSSION/ DEEPENING

A. INTRODUCTION: "Man: Crown of God's Creation" is a theological and
philosophical concept that refers to the belief that human beings are the highest and
most valuable of all God's creations. According to this concept, humans are uniquely
created in God's image and possess characteristics that set them apart from other
living beings, such as consciousness, free will, and moral responsibility. This belief
has been a central tenet of many religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and
Islam, and has played an important role in shaping human understanding of our
place in the world.

One of the main challenges facing the concept of humans as the crown of God's
creation is the environmental crisis. Human activities such as deforestation,
pollution, and overconsumption of resources have led to the degradation of the
planet's ecosystems. This has resulted in the extinction of several species, loss of
biodiversity, and a decline in the overall health of the planet. The impact of these
activities has been severe, and it has become clear that humans are not the only
beneficiaries of God's creative work.

B. PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION

1.Man Crown of God’s Creation

The Catholic Church has a rich tradition of teachings on the topic of man as
the crown of God's creation. These teachings are based on the belief that:

1.a. human beings are created in the image and likeness of God, and
that each person has inherent dignity and worth.

= God imbued human beings with a special dignity and worth that sets them
apart from other living beings on Earth. The concept of being created in God's
image and likeness is often interpreted to mean that human beings possess certain
qualities that reflect God's nature, such as intelligence, creativity, and moral
responsibility. It is believed that these qualities are what distinguish humans from
other animals and give them a unique place in the world. Furthermore, the inherent
dignity and worth of each person implies that every individual should be treated
with respect and compassion, regardless of their social status, race, gender,
religion, or any other characteristic. This idea forms the basis of many human rights
declarations and movements, including the United Nations Universal Declaration
of Human Rights. The belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every person also
implies that every person has a purpose and value in life. It means that each
individual has the potential to contribute to society and make a positive impact on
the world. It also means that no one is expendable or replaceable, and that every
life is valuable and worth protecting.
 -"Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness...So God
created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he
created them.” - Genesis 1:26-27)

-"God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male
and female he created them." Man occupies a unique place in creation: (I) he is "in the
image of God"; in his own nature he unites the spiritual and material worlds; he is created
"male and female"; God established him in his friendship. -CCC 355

1.b human life is sacred and that all people have the right to life from
conception until natural death. This teaching is grounded in the belief that
every human being is created by God and is therefore deserving of respect
and protection.

- God created humans in His own image: "So God created mankind in his own
image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." -Genesis
1:27,

- "Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows." - Matthew
10:31

- "You shall not murder"-Exodus 20:13

- “It was you who formed my inmost being part and knit me together in my
mother’s womb. Thank you for this wonders you have done, and my heart……Psalm
139:13-16

-which emphasizes the importance of loving one's neighbor as oneself- Matthew

22:37-40

1.c human beings have a special role to play in God's plan for creation.
As the crown of God's creation, human beings have been entrusted with the
responsibility of caring for and cultivating the earth. This includes both the
natural world and human society.

- caring for the natural world, humans are also called to cultivate human
society. This includes promoting justice, mercy, and compassion, and working to
create a society that reflects God's values.
 - The belief that human beings have a special role to play in God's plan for
creation calls us to be responsible stewards of the natural world and to work
towards a society that reflects God's values of justice, mercy, and compassion. It
reminds us that we have been entrusted with a great responsibility, and that we
are called to use our authority to care for and cultivate the earth.

-"God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in
number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in
the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.” Genesis 1:28

-"Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him
with glory and honor. You have given him dominion over the works of your hands; you
have put all things under his feet." - Psalm 8:5-8

-humans as being "crowned with glory and honor" and given dominion over the
works of God's hands. -Psalm 8

-"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of
you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."- Micah 6:8

“These paragraphs discuss God's plan of creation, in which he created the

universe and all living beings, culminating in the creation of man and woman in his own
image and likeness. It also discusses the relationship between God and creation, and the
responsibility of humans to care for and protect the environment”. -CCC-355-368

"The Earth is God’s gift to us, full of resources and beauty. And yet this gift is
poorly protected and exploited for the benefit of the few, ignoring the plight of the poor and
the fragile. We have come to see ourselves as lords and masters of the Earth, entitled to
plunder her at will" -Laudato Si 2

“He goes on to call for a renewed commitment to caring for creation, which he
describes as "a global problem with grave implications: environmental, social, economic,
political, and for the distribution of goods" -Laudato Si’ 2

1.d human beings have a spiritual dimension that sets them apart from
the rest of creation. Each person has a unique relationship with God and is
called to grow in holiness and virtue. This spiritual dimension is nurtured
through prayer, the sacraments, and a life of moral and ethical living.

- According to this belief, each person has a unique relationship with God and
is called to grow in holiness and virtue.
 - In the Christian tradition, this belief is grounded in the doctrine of the Holy
Trinity, which holds that human beings are created in the image and likeness of
God. This means that each person has a spiritual nature that reflects the divine
nature of God. Additionally, Christians believe that God desires a personal
relationship with each person and that this relationship is nurtured through prayer,
the sacraments, and a life of moral and ethical living.

- Prayer is an essential part of the spiritual life of a Christian. Through prayer,

individuals can deepen their relationship with God and grow in their understanding
of His will for their lives. Christians believe that prayer is a way of communicating
with God and that it can take many forms, including meditation, thanksgiving, and
supplication.

- The sacraments are another important aspect of the spiritual life of a Christian.
These are sacred rituals that were instituted by Christ and are administered by the
Church. They include Baptism, Confirmation, the Eucharist, Reconciliation,
Anointing of the Sick, Holy Orders, and Matrimony. Through the sacraments,
Christians believe that they receive special graces from God that help them to grow
in holiness and virtue.

- Finally, a life of moral and ethical living is an essential aspect of the spiritual
life of a Christian. This means striving to live in accordance with God's will and to
follow His commandments. Christians believe that living a virtuous life helps them
to grow in holiness and to deepen their relationship with God.

In conclusion, the belief that human beings have a spiritual dimension that sets
them apart from the rest of creation reminds us that we are called to grow in holiness
and virtue and to deepen our relationship with God through prayer, the sacraments, and
a life of moral and ethical living. It is a reminder that we are not just physical beings, but
that we have a spiritual nature that requires nurturing and care.

1.e human beings have a social dimension that requires them to live
in community with others. This includes both the family and the broader
society, and requires a commitment to the common good and the promotion
of justice and peace.

- The belief that human beings have a social dimension that requires them
to live in community with others is a fundamental teaching in many religious
traditions, including Christianity. According to this belief, human beings are not
 meant to live in isolation, but are called to live in relationship with others, both in
the family and in the broader society.

- In the Christian tradition, this belief is grounded in the doctrine of the Holy
Trinity, which holds that God is a community of persons, united in love. As human
beings created in the image and likeness of God, we are called to reflect this divine
unity by living in relationship with others.

- The family is the basic unit of human society and is the primary context in
which individuals learn to live in relationship with others. Christians believe that the
family is a gift from God and that it is the foundation for a healthy and just society.
In the family, individuals learn to love, to forgive, and to work together for the
common good.

In addition to the family, human beings are also called to live in relationship with the
broader society. This requires a commitment to the common good and the promotion of
justice and peace. Christians believe that all people have a fundamental dignity and
worth, and that this requires us to work for the good of all, especially the poor and
vulnerable. This commitment to the common good is expressed through acts of charity,
social justice advocacy, and political engagement

Finally, Christians believe that the promotion of justice and peace requires us to
work to transform the structures and systems of society that perpetuate injustice and
inequality. This includes addressing issues such as poverty, discrimination, and
environmental degradation. By working for the common good and promoting justice and
peace, we are able to fulfill our social dimension and live in a way that reflects the unity
and love of the Holy Trinity.

In conclusion, the belief that human beings have a social dimension that requires
them to live in community with others reminds us that we are called to work for the
common good and to promote justice and peace in our families and in the broader society.
It is a reminder that we are not meant to live in isolation, but are called to reflect the divine
unity by living in relationship with others.

"Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper
suitable for him.'"-Genesis 2:18

"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?' Jesus replied: 'Love the
Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first
and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the
Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." -Matthew 22:36-40
 This passage describes the early Christian community and their commitment to living
in community with one another, sharing their possessions and caring for one another's
needs. - Acts 2:42-47

The Catechism describes the family as the "original cell of social life" (CCC 2207) and
emphasizes that "the family is the community in which, from childhood, one can learn moral
values, begin to honor God, and make good use of freedom" -(CCC 2207).

"the human person needs life in society in order to develop in accordance with his nature"
(CCC 1879) and emphasizes the importance of "solidarity among all people" -
(CCC 1939).

"the common good is the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups
or as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily" (CCC 1906).

"society ensures social justice when it provides the conditions that allow associations and
individuals to obtain their due" (CCC 1943) and that "solidarity is manifested in the first place by
the distribution of goods and remuneration for work" (CCC 1948).

D. EXPLANATION OF KEY CONCEPTS such as human dignity, free will, and

moral responsibility

1. Human Dignity: Human dignity refers to the intrinsic worth and value of every
human being. It is the belief that every person has inherent worth and deserves
respect and protection, regardless of their social status, race, religion, or any
other factor. According to Catholic teaching, human dignity is rooted in the fact
that every human being is created in the image and likeness of God. = CCC-
1700; Gaudium et Spes, paragraph 12
2. Free Will: Free will refers to the ability of human beings to make choices and
act freely, without coercion or external influence. According to Catholic
teaching, free will is a gift from God that allows human beings to participate in
their own destiny and choose their own path in life. =CCC-1730; St. Thomas
Aquinas, Summa Theologiae, Question 83.

3. 3.Moral Responsibility: Moral responsibility refers to the obligation that

human beings have to act in accordance with moral and ethical principles,
and to be accountable for their actions. According to Catholic teaching, every
 human being has a moral conscience that guides them in making right choices
and taking responsibility for their actions. =CCC 1777; Pope Francis, Laudato
Si', paragraph 201.

Part 3: INTEGRATION
The Church's teachings on Man as Crown of God's Creation have several important
implications for contemporary society. Here are a few examples:
The Church's teachings emphasize the inherent dignity and worth of every human being,
regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, or any other characteristic. This calls us to
respect and honor the rights of every person, from the moment of conception to natural
death. This has important implications for issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and capital
punishment, which all involve taking human life in some form.

1. Free Will: The Church teaches that every human being has free will, which is a
gift from God that enables us to choose between good and evil. This means that
we have a moral responsibility to make choices that are in line with God's will and
that promote the common good. This has implications for issues such as social
justice, environmental stewardship, and economic policies, which all involve
making choices that impact the well-being of others.

2. The Church teaches that every human being has a moral responsibility to
care for the earth and all of its creatures, since they are all part of God's
creation. This means that we have a duty to protect the environment, to use
natural resources responsibly, and to be good stewards of the earth. This has
implications for issues such as climate change, pollution, and habitat destruction,
which all involve human activity that can harm the environment and other
creatures.

3. The Church teaches that every human being is called to live in communion
with others, since we are all created in God's image and likeness. This means
that we have a responsibility to work for the common good and to promote the well -
being of all people, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized. This has
implications for issues such as poverty, immigration, and social inequality, which
all involve working to promote justice and human dignity for all people.

Overall, the Church's teachings on Man as Crown of God's Creation call us to

recognize the unique and special nature of human beings, to respect the dignity and worth
of every person, and to work for the common good and the well-being of all people and
creatures. These teachings have important implications for a wide range of contemporary
issues and challenges, and can provide a framework for responding to these challenges
in ways that are in line with God's will and that promote the flourishing of all creation.

PART IV ASSESSMENT

1.Why do we say that Human Beings are created in God’s own image and likeness?

2.How can we say that our prayer is authentic and that is reflective of one’s being
created as God’s masterpiece?

3.Do you know of school/community organizations that advocate in the preservation of

the environment? How do you think of them and do you also plan of joining them?
 Wit Sci (Science, Environment and Religion)
Exercise #2: Man: Crown of God’s Creation

Name: _________________________

Program and Year: _______________

Professor: ______________________
Schedule: ______________________
Date: __________________

1. Artistic Activities: Express your thoughts and feelings on the topic: Man, Crown of God’s
Creation through artistic activities such as painting, poetry, or music.
(Rubric for Grading: Content- 25 points Creativity and Artistry-15 points Neatness-10 points Total=50
points)