Pope on Climate & Capitalism (with a lousy bibliography)

People have made a big deal about the Pope’s new encyclical on climate. Papal writings are generally a big deal, of course, given that there are about 1.2 billion Roman Catholics in the world. But this one is seen as being significant because of its focus on climate and on the poor. And note also that it is being called a “call for swift action.”

But notice, if you will, that while this encyclical is scholarly in style — lots of footnotes, etc. — the Pope doesn’t seem to cite a single source that isn’t from deep inside the Catholic tradition. No citations to climate change scientists. No citations to moral philosophers. No citations to social scientists who study the impact of climate change on the poor. In other words, while the encyclical demonstrates that the Pope cares deeply, it doesn’t indicate that he’s willing to learn deeply about the issue he’s discussing. >>>

LINK: Pope Francis, in Sweeping Encyclical, Calls for Swift Action on Climate Change (New York Times)

Pope Francis on Thursday called for a radical transformation of politics, economics and individual lifestyles to confront environmental degradation and climate change, blending a biting critique of consumerism and irresponsible development with a plea for swift and unified global action…..

Here’s the Encyclical itself, in PDF format: ENCYCLICAL LETTER — LAUDATO SI’ — OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS, ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME

What do you think?

Brought to you by: