Catholic Anthropology from an Ecological Perspective: Pastoral Study in the Light of the Encyclical Laudato si’

One of the important causes of the ecological crisis is the egoistic mentality of contemporary people and the lack of respect for the natural order and immanent purpose of the creation. In order to shape a new pro-ecological consciousness a new concept of man and his relations with the environment is needed. One of the proposals is Catholic anthropology, whose ecological foundations were indicated by Pope Francis in his Encyclical Laudato si’. It is a proposal to describe man applying religious concepts, but also including the up-to-date knowledge about man and the environment. It is a concept open to dialogue, the aim of which should be the development of a pro-ecological lifestyle for contemporary people. Catholic anthropology postulates to combine “external” ecology with “moral” ecology, which can help modern man not only to have control over nature, but also to become its defender through small, everyday activities. In ecologically oriented anthropology, the created world is treated as a common home, and Pope Francis calls it our sister, with whom we share existence, and a beautiful mother, who takes us in her arms.

Neither Holy nor Well: Persistent Sadness in American Catholic Advice Literature

Statements about sadness in American Catholic advice literature in the 1930s–1950s reveal a mix of emotional experiences, ideals, and strategies. While sadness and grief are recognised as part of ordinary life, deep and persistent sadness is described as incompatible with the hope and cheerfulness expected of a Christian. The recommendations offered show the influence of traditional Catholic anthropology, current medical practice, psychology and a broader cultural emphasis on willpower. The ideas in these texts would have shaped how some readers experienced sadness. For those whose feelings did not match the norm or yield to recommended strategies, the messages may have intensified their interior emotional conflict and complicated their relationships with others. Examining messages about sadness in Catholic advice literature against the backdrop of broader cultural ideas about emotions allows for insight into the emotional experience of early- to mid-twentieth-century American Catholics.