One of the philosophical questions that academically challenges the biblical-theological perspective of creation is: Are humans the center of all creation? From history down to this modern time, this question is always fresh in a debate, whether ending a scientific invention or supporting a man-made creation: Are humans the center of all creation?
Way back in my philosophy years, one morning on my way to the refectory, I saw a classmate of mine punching a pug in the head and stomach. There were only a few of us who witnessed how he played with the dog. We stopped walking and asked him why he did that. He explained to us by asking questions: Is the pain you have in mind the same as what the dog felt? Is this dog's rights equal to our human rights? Humans are the center of creation, and I think I will do whatever I want with this dog. I punched it, but at least I didn't kill it.
I couldn't debate with him at that time. That classmate was known for his excellence in English and philosophy, while I myself was only known for my best humor and stupidity. He is an attorney now, while I am a proud contributing writer to The Freeman. I am writing this not to attack that friend of mine. That was more than 10 years ago. Sure enough, his focus now is not on the dog anymore but on legal matters. As a business person, I think I am bewitched by seminary fathers to philosophize; therefore, I cannot stop philosophizing, even if I am now in the field of financial matters.
Are humans really the center of all creation? Pope Francis, in his Encyclical letter Laudato Si, criticizes modern anthropocentrism, the idea that human beings alone have intrinsic value. He said, "We are not God. The earth was here before us and it has been given to us... Although it is true that we Christians have at times incorrectly interpreted the Scriptures, nowadays we must forcefully reject the notion that our being created in God’s image and given dominion over the earth justifies absolute domination over other creatures."
How do Catholics remember and respond to Laudato Si this time? We live in a world where almost everything is at the tip of our fingers. Technology has become so powerful that we no longer have time to think and analyze. As long as man's inventions make our lives easier, or as long as we gain more money, people no longer care about the effects of human activities on animals and the environment. We become alien to our own world. Look at the effects of our plastic waste on the air and sea. Look at those companies that keep on producing plastic bags and materials that allow consumers and businesses to depend on them. We no longer care about animals and the environment. We only love nature when we travel to Switzerland, Sweden, or Norway and take photos for social media posting.
Social media, marketing, and advertisements are wiring people's minds to think only of themselves. Many of them are devoted Catholics who equate God with success. Prayers are becoming more about digits, materials, and positions. Bible passages are interpreted as motivations to make more money. The modern generation is teaching us to be more entertained than proactive thinkers. How can we be serious about responding to the call to take care of the other life forms on this planet when a big amount of money becomes our god? Plastics and pollution are no longer major concerns as long as we make good money.
People are becoming entitled to control the world. Truly, many of us no longer care about the truth. We care most about how to be at the top of the world, or how to be number one. We make rules, yet we play them with money. We serve humanity, yet we brainwash them with markets. We pray to God, yet we equate him with success.
No wonder when humanity suffers, plants and animals don't know what that painful feeling is like.