An Education to Counter the Culture of Death
An Education to Counter the Culture of Death

Summary/Abstract: The author discusses the task of education for the lay faithful in their efforts to promote a new culture of life and to challenge the culture of death. Following the lines of argument put forward by Pope John Paul II in the encyclical Evangelium Vitae, the author analyzes the ideological devices used by politicians and professors to make attacks upon life, such as relativism, realism, an appeal to the majority, and an individualist notion of liberty and rights; these ideologies are criticized for their failure to properly understand human nature and the principles of political society. After clearing away the distortions of the truth about human freedom and life, the author briefly discusses some points put forward in the encyclical to appreciate the positive task of education to build a new culture of life and to mobilize the consciences of fellow citizens to defend life. These tasks include rediscovering a contemplative attitude, appreciating the meaning and value of human sexuality and love, and developing a personalist philosophy for education as a whole.

• Details
• Contents