Protection, Respect, Stewardship

A discussion on the extent and roots of the environmental problem in light of Pope Benedict XVI’s teachings

A presentation by Msgr. Lorenzo ALBACETE, Theologian, Author, Columnist, and Dr. Pablo MARTINEZ DE ANGUITA D'HUART, Professor of Rural Development, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid

Presented by Crossroads Cultural Center and the American Bible Society

Certainly the relationship between humankind and the natural environment is one of the great questions of our age. It is also one of the most controversial, and not just because of competing political and economic interests. Even if one stops at the level of basic knowledge of the environmental situation (without even attempting to discuss political solutions), one is often faced with conflicting claims. In turn, these claims are based on complex scientific models whose real value cannot be easily assessed by the layperson, but which seem easily exposed to the dangers of ideological manipulation. One is left under the impression that, in fact, the environment is today a major area of ideological conflict, except that the conflicting ideologies are never spelled out clearly, but often hide behind the mantle of 'science'. If this is the case, it is not enough to look for better scientific information and more effective policies. The first necessity is for greater clarity about what the fundamental terms of the environmental question are. What is "nature?" Why do we care about it? What is the place of human beings in the natural world? These questions are not idle philosophical problems because the answers we give are bound to shape both our science and our politics towards the environment. So much so that in practice everybody has a position on these questions, but often tacitly and implicitly.

Professor Pablo Martínez de Anguita's work shows a remarkable combination of great passion for the natural world and truly rigorous scholarship. For this reason it is a great opportunity for us to learn from him how to look more humanly and more intelligently at the environmental question.

About this Event

Date: Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Time: 7pm
Location: The American Bible Society Auditorium
1865 Broadway at 61st Street, New York

About the Speakers

Msgr. Lorenzo Albacete
Theologian, Author, Columnist

Pablo Martínez de Anguita
Professor of Rural Development, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid

Invitation

Download the Invitation here

Transcript

Read the transcript
Dr. Martinez's Powerpoint

Report

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Photos - click on image below