Living in a Life in a Culture of Death

In 1995 John Paul II issued the encyclical Evangelium Vitae, the Gospel of Life.  In it he laid the foundation of teachings of the Church in regards to respect and responsibility for all human life.  Beginning at the beginning with the stories of creation, John Paul built the premise that all life, from conception until natural death, is sacred.  The encyclical moves beyond basic human rights and focuses on the divine component of life; that is we are from God and will return to Him.

It was during the World Youth Day in 1993 where John Paul first described our culture as a culture of death.  "In our present social context, marked by a dramatic struggle between the culture of life and the culture of death, there is need to develop a deep critical sense capable of discerning true values and authentic needs."  John Paul urged all American people to move away from a culture of death into a culture of life.  While the Pope spoke primarily on the propensity towards abortion, euthanasia, and contraception, the respect of human life also moves into the areas of poverty and violence.


When human sexuality is removed from the relationship of conception, and becomes a "bonding" experience, albeit an emotional and physical pleasant one, then we slowly diminish the sacrosanct nature of sexuality, and of procreation.  It becomes much easier to view human life in an objective manner which assigns tasks or values to them.  Hence if a poor woman becomes pregnant, it is easier to talk about abortion since we would not want a child born into poverty.  For teenagers the decision of having playing Xbox or having sex are equal options for an evenings activity.  More so we begin to look the other way in matters of violence and poverty.


In recent weeks the Catholic Church has been portrayed as this archaic beast which seeks to oppress and retain some ancient rite.  But when we look at peoples happiness today, and examine many of the problems we have in our central urban areas, we begin to see the culture of death personified.  An openness to life means the taking responsibility for all human life.  From conception until death we are walking on holy ground in regards to human life.  Persons who raise children are making a sacrifice to be sure, as are those who care for the elderly, or work to alleviate poverty and injustice.  In the end they have a more full experience of love, peace, and joy.


I think that the reason we always imaged mystics and seers on mountaintops is because they have a different perspective that allows them to oversee everything.  In our society today we really need to take a step back an view the world through a culture of life.  As Catholics we really need to be prophetic in challenging the world around us.  We need to make a choice for life from womb to tomb.