Caring for Our Human Nature

Abstract

The care for creation is an important call for all. Our human bodies form part of this created reality and should be treated with dignity and respect. Pope Benedict XVI underlined the ecology of man. Pope Francis took up this teaching in his pontificate, encouraging us to welcome the gift of our body, and critiquing ideologies which undermine the respect due our bodies. Proponents of the so-called “gender ideology” affirm surgery on the body, which generally involves the removal of healthy functioning tissues and organs, is largely mutilating, and can involve exorbitant costs. The voices of those who have “detransitioned” such as Keira Bell need also to be heard. The Congregation for Catholic Education, in its document “Male and Female He Created Them: Toward a Path of Dialogue on the Question of Gender Theory in Education” warns us against theories that aim to annihilate the concept of “nature,” that is, everything we have been given as a pre-existing foundation of our being and action in the world. Our growing awareness of the importance of the environment and nature can lead us to a greater respect for our own human nature. We are all called to participate in the care for nature and creation, especially of our bodies as part of the created reality.

Non-technical summary

Many voices today remind us to take care of nature and creation. Our bodies are part of this created reality. Proponents of gender ideology do not hesitate to promote surgery which radically alters and even mutilates the body. Our increasing ecological awareness can help us grow more sensitive to the ecology of man and woman, and value the gift of the nature and body given to each one of us.

Short summary

Let us take care of nature and creation, including our own bodies.