Re: Pope Francis' "Encyclical on Climate Change & Inequality: On Care for Our Common Home"

Dear Self, 

Admittedly late, I finally finished Pope Francis' Encyclical on Climate Change & Inequality. It was encouraging and thought-provoking. 

While I've long been helping people to think of climate change as a human issue intimately tied to inequality, Pope Francis set the issue out in such a way that linked the two topics more naturally and strongly than I have seen them presented before.

It's easy to point to the ways that climate change negatively impacts people. Rising ocean levels. Less predictable weather. More severe weather. And then there is all the harm caused to people by the other ways we damage the environment such as pollution, driving species to extinction, over extraction of resources, mismanaging waste. Pope Francis clearly explained this aspect of the problem. 

But he also explained that if we are pursuing the Christian virtues such as love, generosity, simplicity or humility, which contribute to the thriving of all people, then we cannot help but see the mistreatment of the environment as deeply troubling to the pursuit of justice. Additionally, many of the behaviours that harm the environment, such as over consumption and a growing economy based on cheap, throwaway goods, also contribute to the growth of inequality.

Another fascinating piece of the encyclical is how it shows the importance of creation care to a Christian's life from a Catholic perspective. Since I am not Catholic, the way he stated his reasoning seemed fresh and exhilarating. 

One point is that humans have three fundamental relationships - with God, with neighbour and with the non-human members and parts of creation. In Eden we're shown all of these relationships in healthy harmony. However, after the Fall, each is damaged and changed. The cornerstone of Christianity is the restoration of one's relationship with God. It is commonly taught that this then extends to restore our relationship with other humans. However, it is rarely recommended that our renewed relationship with God should bring healing to our relationship with the earth even though ruling justly over creation was one of God's first commandments to humanity. 

Another is that all creation - even the inanimate parts of it - praise God. Psalm 148 reads "Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, all you shining stars! Praise him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heavens! Let them praise the name of the Lord, for he commanded and they were created."

Similarly is the conviction that, to God, every creature has its own value and significance but that their ultimate purpose is not for us but for God. However, humans play an important part in leading all creation back toward restoration with God.      

And finally, one of the overriding themes of the encyclical is that Christians have a unique role in the effort to care for the earth. 

The reason for this is that climate change is not a scientific problem. Science helps to give us a picture of what is happening and can help to show us the rhythms of nature and the interdependence of ecosystems, but the biggest obstacle to climate change and environmental mistreatment is human behaviour. 

Christianity, at its best, is fundamentally counter cultural in a way that encourages life and transforms hearts. Because of this, Christians ought to be uniquely suited to embody and demonstrate a way of living that both stomps out injustice and contributes to the thriving of our common home.  

It is because of the way Pope Francis weaves these themes together so naturally that the encyclical gains its strength. For Christians, he gives a high responsibility that we are far from achieving. But it is also clear that Christians are rapidly becoming interested in caring for creation at a pace far quicker than they ever have. It is exciting to think about how Christians will influence the conversation and how a concern for all of creation will shape our understanding of our faith. 

Thinking of you,
Yourself

It feels like Easter outside

Dear Self, 

I realized this year how much I love spring. Specifically, the first really warm day.

I remarked to my wife, "It feels like Easter out here!" 

All the snow was melting to reveal all the browns, yellows and greens of the grass. The air was refreshing and smelled damp. The sun was warm and inviting. I could hear birds. I got the feeling everything around me was coming to life. I was full of a combination of contentment, happiness, and excitement and I was eager to spend the whole afternoon outside.

It was such a marked difference from the thin, face-hurting air from weeks prior when everything was shades of white and grey. It felt like living in a whole new world. It felt like Easter. 

The long fast of lent is a wilderness experience much like winter. Then all of a sudden it's broken with a burst of life! And you feel it with all your senses and into the core of your being. And suddenly the sidewalks are full of people enjoying the weather - unable to get enough. And this is Easter - An encounter with such an intense experience of Life that we are left overwhelmed and wanting more. 
  
Sincerely,
Yourself

Anis Mojgani

Dear Self,

Poetry is a strange thing. If your experience is anything like mine (And I suspect it is), then your first encounters with poetry were probably silly limericks in school. They were alright and, if I'm being honest with myself, they still hold a special place in my heart. After that, you probably learned about a lot of classical poetry from folks like Shakespeare and Poe, but while it was clearly very well written and deep with meaning it was still aged and mostly inaccessible to me.

However, I've recently stumbled upon a fellow named Anis Mojgani who has changed my view of poetry completely. While I don't agree with everything that comes out of his mouth (Although the awesomeness of his beard almost convinces me to agree with anything he says), the powerful way in which he uses his words and the honesty with which he speaks is inspiring.

But your favorite part about his work is the common theme that seems to run through it. He is constantly pushing past the things society tells us are important and reminds us that there is more to life. That to satisfy our deepest needs we need more than movies with explosions, alcohol, piles of donuts, copious amounts of sex, expensive cars, gorilla-wrestling-sky-diving adventures (Where you wrestle a gorilla while you sky-dive), or whatever else society dictates will give our lives meaning, and purpose, and completion. And he is constantly making sure to remind his listeners that they have value. And these are conversations that need to happen more often.

So let me share with you.

Shake The Dust:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qDtHdloK44

Come Closer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mJxsTq0ReKM

For Those Who Can Still Ride In Airplanes (Interview in description):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvruwi211fU

Four Stars:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW9h-JbtDwo

Here Am I:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQAC3WXOOWE&feature=related

Why You Bike Even Though You're Convinced it's Moronic

Dear Self,

In the coming days, weeks, and months, you are going to seriously question your ability to make good choices. Shocking, I know. But the unseasonably warm weather, the potentially bitingly cold temperatures, and then the warm, melty spring weather will give you significant doubt as to your decision to travel by bike.

Don't try to tell me otherwise, I know you better than that. However much you may enjoy the outdoors and the physical exercise, you hate getting soaked by road water and you're not a fan of having your toes and fingers freeze.

So when you're doubting your choice to travel by bike, these are the reasons you started and will continue to bike.

1. It is very good for you. Until you get hit by a car. But if that never happens, you'll be in great physical condition.

2. You just saved a bunch of money on your car insurance by switching to biking! You've also saved on gas and vehicle maintenance!

3. You believe it's good for the world. Sure, your switching from driving a vehicle to biking won't do the world any good on it's own. But the only person you have control over is yourself, so that's where you'll start. Although if your views on slavery ever change (Along with slavery laws), you're getting a full time pedicab driver.

4. You don't want to support oil companies, their owners, or Middle Eastern dictators. There are people who deserve your money more. Except for Russell Hantz. He is the only oil company owner you're willing to support.

5. There is something to the idea of getting places on your own effort. The slower pace is also fairly peaceful. Again, with the exception of getting hit by cars - that's not peaceful at all.

So keep on biking! Even though your socks are soggy, some things are more important than your comfort!

With much love,

Yourself