The last two posts addressed the problem of “nature deficit disorder” and how participation in outdoor education and nature activities can facilitate an interest and appreciation for God’s creation. A next step from that appreciation is to develop a stewards contemplation for action often called being an “ecologist”. Here is where our faith can provide […]
Tag: Pope John Paul II
“That Mountain which is Christ”
I have written about the spirituality of mountain climbing before, for which Pope John Paul II has a beautiful reflection, posted here. Recently a friend brought to my attention an official Catholic prayer for the blessing of tools for rock climbing, approved by Pope Pius XI. Here the Church recognizes the spiritual dimension of our […]
Science and Faith Foundation
Pope Benedict XVI has launched a new foundation at the Vatican called ‘The Science and Faith Foundation’, which aims to build a philosophical bridge between faith and science. Some may be familiar with the book Creation and Evolution, with a conference by Pope Benedict XVI in which he speaks of the need for natural philosophy […]
Habermas, Ratzinger and the Crisis of Europe – II
In the first part of the post on Habermas, Ratzinger and the Crisis of Europe we ended considering Ratzinger’s call for the recognition of Europe’s deeply religious roots, and Habermas’ ‘religious opening’. Recently there has been some talk of Habermas experimenting some form of conversion, one spanish article heading called “Saint Jurgen Habermas” and Peter […]
Pope Benedict XVI: ‘Environmental Meekness’, Summer Camp and Education
Recently Pope Benedict XVI has mentioned the environment in several of his addresses. Most recently at the Angelus he spoke of Jesus and his message of meekness and humility. The environmental crisis is one of the “wounds of humanity” and the cure is love, which comes from God. To respect the environment we must live and […]
Surfing and the Dalai Lama
I have spoken plenty about how Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI engage the environment in several places, here, here and here for example. What does the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism have to say? Recently Kelly Slater, the world’s best surfer ever, among other celebrities, met with the Dalai Lama and asked […]
“Environmental Pope” on the Way to Sainthood
Pope John Paul II spoke so often about the environment, and also engaged himself personally as a canoer and skier, that he was considered by some as the environmental Pope. Yesterday was his celebrated Beatification, setting him close to the path of sainthood. With John Paul II, the Catholic approach to the environment which he began […]
Are you a blogger? The Vatican would like to see your site!
This is from Rome Reports. For Catholic bloggers, this is a call for action. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk33-w55hVc&w=480&h=390]
The Spirituality of Mountain Climbing
This is a quote from Pope John Paul II on the significance of sports and specifically mountain climbing. The meaning it has for the Christian life and how it can enhance our spiritual growth. The original in Italian can be found here, and the quote in English can be found in the book “A Catholic Perspective: […]
John Paul II and Skiing
Here’s a video that shows why Pope John Paul II is considered by some as a ‘patron’ of environmental issues and the outdoors. It is well known that the Pope loved to be outdoors, and did some of his early apostolate canoeing and hiking as a young priest. I also heard from Vatican insiders that […]