The seven social teachings of the Catholic church are centuries old. They act as guidelines for living a responsible life and creating a just society in the eyes of the church. The seventh and final aspect of Catholic social teaching, Care for God’s Creation, is defined by The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops as showing respect for God the Creator through stewardship of all his creations. This teaching is “a requirement of [the Catholic] faith,” (2005). As Catholics, they are “called to protect people and the planet, living [their] faith in relationship with all of God’s creation,” (2005).
These beliefs about the Care for God’s Creation teaching are exemplified through the images below. The first photo is of the pillars and ceiling of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. This beautiful basilica was designed by Antoni Gaudi in honor of the Holy Family. The interior of the massive church, specifically the ceiling and numerous pillars, are meant to resemble a forest and its canopy because Gaudi felt most connected to the Lord while surrounded by nature. His choice to incorporate nature into Spain’s most famous church helps to illustrate the Catholic ideal of loving and appreciating all of God’s creations, whether they are humans, animals, or plants. The second image is of a shrine to “The Lady of All Peoples” in Capri, Italy. The tiled artwork depicts The Lady of All Peoples standing on top of the world with a cross and an orb of light shining from behind her, in order to reinforce her blessed status. Surrounding the Earth is a flock of sheep which represents the Christian community. At the base of the artwork is the inscription, “With this title she will save the world.” This piece of artwork exemplifies the Catholic social teaching of Care for God’s Creation because the woman is depicted and described as the savior of all people, regardless of race, gender, or creed.
The Catholic social teaching of Care for God’s Creation influences the church’s view of media through its emphasis on all things being creations of God. According to Communio et Progressio (1971), the Catholic Church sees media as “‘gifts of God’ which, in accordance with His providential design, unite men in brotherhood and so help them to cooperate with His plan for their salvation." In doing so, the church deems media as one of God’s creations which, according to the seventh social teaching, must be cared for and appreciated by Catholics. Thus, the Care for God’s Creations teaching encourages Catholics to view media in a positive way because it has been given by God in order to spread His message.
Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching. (2005). Retrieved from http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catholic-social-teaching/seven-themes-of-catholic-social-teaching.cfm
Communio et Progressio. (1971). Retrieved from
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