I absolutely love these ideas, especially paying attention to beauty and reducing your needs.
Weekly lessons in theology and public life • Since 2011
-
Lesson 1: Civilization of Love
Read MORE: Lesson 1: Civilization of LoveThe term “civilization of love” first caught my attention when I read the conclusion of Pope Leo’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas. Although I knew I had seen it previously, this was the first time I realized it was more than a passing…
-
Lesson 2: Vatican II’s Gaudium et Spes
Read MORE: Lesson 2: Vatican II’s Gaudium et SpesIt’s pretty clear that the concept of the “civilization of love” grew out of the Popes’ desire to answer the call of Gaudium et Spes. That document was groundbreaking in the historic shift that took place at Vatican II. It challenged the…
-
Lesson 3: Pope Paul VI and the Civilization of Love
Read MORE: Lesson 3: Pope Paul VI and the Civilization of LovePope Paul VI introduced the phrase “civilization of love” in a 1970 Pentecost address. His attempt to implement Vatican II’s changes must have been successful, because Pope John Paul indicates it was the preferred term for the church’s social doctrines…
-
Lesson 4: Pope John Paul II and the Civilization of Love
Read MORE: Lesson 4: Pope John Paul II and the Civilization of LoveI decided to trace the development of the “civilization of love” concept after reading Pope Leo’s encyclical. I was intrigued by its potential and surprised I was not aware of its long history. As expected, the development is not always…
-
Lesson 5: Building a Moral Society (Pope Benedict XVI)
Read MORE: Lesson 5: Building a Moral Society (Pope Benedict XVI)Ever since the 1960s, the popes have called on audiences, especially youth, to build a civilization of love. At the time, many Christians grew uncomfortable with American society. Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson warned evangelicals that secular society was trying…
-
Lesson 6: Pope Francis on Social Love, Politics, and the Common Good
Read MORE: Lesson 6: Pope Francis on Social Love, Politics, and the Common GoodMost people see Pope Francis as humble, someone who chose not to live an imperial lifestyle. Those who follow more closely know he was less authoritarian than many of his predecessors about church doctrine. He recognized that the Gospel can…
Recent Comments
Fritz a wonderful lesson – and esp. reading has a flow I found encompassing. If only …….. yes we can…
So forgiveness pre-requires understanding the mistakes of the past? here hear re this opposing this me-first, America-first, white-first, male-first approach>…