A Christian

Perspective on

Creation

OVERVIEW

One's attitude toward creation says a great deal about how one lives. For Christians, the

universe is created by God and is holy, while humankind – made in God's image – is charged

with the responsibility of caring for all creation. Justice demands that we examine our behavior

with respect to the environment. The environmental crisis presents an "exceptional call to

conversion." Using the tool of the Pastoral Circle, catechists and their students can reflect on

environ-mental issues and come to moral decisions that will make a difference in the ongoing

process of creation enabling us to be co-creators with God.

OB JECTIVES

1. To explore the biblical views of the created world, humankind's place in it, and God's attitude toward creation.

2. To recognize the moral dimensions entailed in forming a right attitude toward creation.

3. To acquire some teaching techniques that promote an awareness of the gift that is creation and of ourselves as creatures made in God's image.

AIMS

1. The participants will be able to appreciate the importance of having a balanced and proper relationship with the material world.

2. The participants will be able to connect attitudes toward creation with their implications for social justice.

3. The participants will be able to incorporate principles of Christian justice with respect to creation into their lesson planning process.

Working with the Catechism

The following will examine creation and our response to creation as it relates to the Catechism of the Catholic Church.

From the Catechism

"Creation has its own goodness and proper perfection, but it did not spring forth complete from the hands of the Creator. The universe was created 'in a state of journeying' (in statu viae) toward an ultimate perfection yet to be attained, to which God has destined it" (#302).

Read the Catechism

Read #279-#421.

Discuss the Catechism

1. What is our responsibility to the ongoing creative

action?

2. How does your response influence your perspective on catechesis?