The natural world (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Notes
The natural world
Understanding environmental threats
The world we live in today faces serious environmental challenges that affect God's creation. These threats include widespread air pollution, which is damaging the atmosphere and harming both human health and wildlife. Global warming is changing weather patterns across the planet, whilst humanity's growing demand for natural resources is causing many of these resources to become depleted or run out entirely.
Many animal species are now at risk of extinction due to human activities, and the rapid growth of the world's human population is putting increasing pressure on the environment. These problems are making it difficult for the Earth's natural systems to sustain themselves for future generations.
The interconnected nature of environmental problems means that addressing one issue often helps with others. For example, reducing fossil fuel use helps combat both air pollution and global warming simultaneously.
Catholic response to environmental issues
Catholics believe they have a clear responsibility to care for the natural world and avoid wasting its resources. This belief comes from several important Christian teachings:
The Bible contains specific instructions about how humans should treat the world around them. Catholics understand that since the world is a gift from God, they should take care of it rather than exploit it carelessly.
Christian teaching emphasises that humans will face judgement after death, and part of this judgement will be based on how well they treated the Earth during their lifetime. This creates a moral responsibility for environmental care.
God has given humans a special role called stewardship of the Earth. This means Catholics believe they are meant to be caretakers who look after creation for future generations, rather than just using it for their own benefit.
Biblical foundations
Two key passages from Genesis explain the Catholic understanding of humanity's relationship with creation:
"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
"The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."Genesis 2:15
These verses show that whilst humans have authority over creation, this authority comes with the responsibility to care for and protect the natural world.
Practical actions to help the environment
Catholics can demonstrate their commitment to environmental stewardship through various practical actions in their daily lives:
Consumer choices: Catholics can make environmentally-conscious purchasing decisions, such as avoiding products that damage the environment. This includes steering clear of palm oil products that contribute to deforestation and choosing fish from sustainable stocks rather than those that are overfished.
Energy use: Using renewable energy sources instead of fossil fuels helps reduce pollution and conserves natural resources for future generations.
Waste reduction: Recycling materials wherever possible and keeping pollution to a minimum through actions like car sharing demonstrates care for creation.
Prayer and advocacy: Catholics are encouraged to pray for the environment and support environmental campaigns. This includes backing fair trade initiatives that promote sustainable farming practices and supporting environmental charities such as Christian Aid.
Practical Example: Daily Environmental Stewardship
A Catholic family might demonstrate environmental stewardship by:
- Step 1: Switching to renewable energy for their home
- Step 2: Choosing fair trade and sustainably sourced products when shopping
- Step 3: Reducing car journeys through walking, cycling, or car sharing
- Step 4: Incorporating prayers for creation into their daily prayers
- Step 5: Supporting environmental charities through donations or volunteering
These actions reflect the belief that caring for the environment is both a practical necessity and a spiritual duty.
Catholic teaching on the use of animals
Catholic teaching recognises that animals are an important part of God's creation and should be treated with appropriate care and respect. However, the Church's position balances animal welfare with human needs:
Part of creation: Since animals were created by God, the principle of stewardship applies to how humans treat them. This means caring for animals appropriately and not causing unnecessary harm.
Legitimate human use: Catholics believe it is acceptable for animals to be used to meet human needs, including for food, since God created them to serve humanity in this way.
Human priority: Whilst animals deserve care and respect, Catholic teaching maintains that humans are more important because they were made 'in the image of God', giving them a special dignity and responsibility.
Ethical experimentation: Animals may be used in scientific experiments when this benefits and potentially saves human lives. However, this should be done within reasonable limits and should not cause unnecessary suffering.
The official Catechism explains: "God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image. Hence it is legitimate to use animals for food and clothing. They may be domesticated to help man in his work and leisure. Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives." (CCC 2417)
This teaching demonstrates how Catholic thought seeks to balance respect for all of God's creation with recognition of the special role and needs of humanity.
Key Points to Remember:
- Stewardship: Catholics believe God has given humans the responsibility to care for creation, not just use it
- Biblical basis: Genesis teaches both human authority over creation and the duty to care for it
- Environmental action: Catholics should take practical steps like recycling, using renewable energy, and supporting ethical campaigns
- Animal welfare: Animals deserve care as part of God's creation, but can legitimately be used to meet human needs within reasonable limits
- Future responsibility: Environmental care is about preserving God's creation for future generations and will be part of divine judgement