Larry Chapp, Ph.D | Living in a Sacramental Cosmos
Feb 14, 2024
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Dr. Larry Chapp, retired professor of theology, talks about the mission of his Catholic Worker Farm with Dr. Matthew Ramage. They discuss the church's ecological vision, humans as priests of creation, the spiritual connection between humans and animals, evil and suffering in God's plan, kenosis, desire, and the transformative power of belief in a sacramental cosmos.
Blaming humans for environmental issues is flawed; focus on changing disaffection from nature.
Catholicism emphasizes interconnectedness with nature, rejecting concept of human exile and prioritizing environmental care.
Deep dives
The Importance of Viewing Humans as Integrated into the Natural World
It is crucial to shift away from the belief that humans are the problem in the environmental ecology. The idea that human beings need to be depopulated is based on a flawed perspective. Throughout history, there have been environmental challenges much larger than human presence. Rather than blaming humans, it is important to recognize that our disaffection from the natural world and environmental pollution stem from a specific technological paradigm. Our choices and spiritual engagement can change this paradigm, allowing for an integrated approach to ecology that encompasses political, economic, and cultural aspects.
The Understanding of Humans' Role in Creation
The Catholic perspective rejects the notion that humans are separate from nature. The incarnation of Christ emphasizes that humans are not interlopers but are deeply connected to creation. Our salvation is tied to a corporate element, and our role as intercessors allows us to suffer vicariously for the world. We must embrace our connection to the natural world and reject the idea of humanity's exile. By integrating this perspective into our spirituality, we can appreciate the importance of caring for the environment and recognize that it is our home.
The Rejection of a Simplistic View on Environmental Issues
When approaching environmental issues, it is crucial to move away from simplistic perspectives that ignore the complexity of the problems. The belief that humans are the sole cause of environmental destruction ignores historical challenges such as natural disasters and changes in climate. Instead of focusing on depopulation or blaming humans, the Catholic perspective calls for integral ecology. This approach considers the interplay of the natural, moral, political, economic, and cultural dimensions, understanding that our disaffection from the natural world is a result of specific choices and paradigms.
The Significance of the Eschatological Horizon
Catholicism offers a different perspective on environmental care due to the eschatological horizon. The belief in the transformation and transfiguration of the world gives us reason to invest in this world. We understand that everything we experience in this life is not going to be annihilated but will be transformed and lifted up higher. This belief counters the secular view of consuming and using resources without concern for future generations. The Catholic perspective emphasizes the interconnectedness of the present and future, urging us to actively care for the environment with a faith-filled understanding of its ultimate destiny.
Dr. Larry Chapp is a retired professor of theology, and a specialist in the theology of Hans Urs von Balthasar. He taught for twenty years at De Sales University in Pennsylvania. He and his wife now own and manage a Dorothy Day Catholic Worker Farm. In this episode he is joined by Benedictine College Theologian Dr. Matthew Ramage. Listen in as they discuss the mission of the farm, the ecological vision of the Church, and the mystery of suffering in the cosmos. Benedictine College is transforming culture in America, one conversation at a time. From our studios in Atchison, Kansas these are The Benedictine Dialogues. To enjoy the free series "Faith and Science: Creation" visit media.benedictine.edu/faith-and-science
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