This is the final section of reflection questions on the letter of Pope Francis on the Environment – Laudato Si’

Chapter 6. Final chapter. Ecology education and spirituality.

1. Throughout this encyclical, Francis links concern for the poor with the environment. Why does he do that?
2.  Francis is critical of a consumerist lifestyle (204). Why? What would a new lifestyle look like?
3.  What could be the political and economic impact of a widespread change in lifestyles (2006)
4.  What does Francis see as the role of environmental education in increasing awareness and changing habits(210-211)?
5.  What does Francis mean by an ecological spirituality, and how can it motivate us to a passionate concern for the protection of our world(216)?
6.  Self-improvement on the part of individuals will not by itself remedy the extremely complex situation we face today, according to Francis. What is the role for community networks? Governments?
7.  What are the attitudes that foster a spirit of generous care (220=221)?
8.  Granted all the problems we face, what gives Francis joy and peace (222-227)?
9.  Love must also be civic and political, according to Francis. “Social love moves us to devise larger strategies to halt environmental degradation and to encourage a “culture of care” which permeates all of society. “How can we encourage civic and political love in the  United Stated?
10.  Francis proposes that the natural world is integral to our sacramental and spiritual lives (233-242) How have you experienced this?
11.  How is this encyclical going to change your life?