The Life and Dignity of the Human Person shapes the Catholic community and the people within in as it values human life and moral vision, influencing positive Catholic views of media if used as an aid to personal and spiritual growth. By observing theological documents, the Catholic faith expects its members to understand the sacredness and dignity in every human life. In other words, Catholic teachings encourage growth and development of human existence in order to attain the fullness of joy. In order to reach the fullness of life, it is important to devote effort into developing oneself in regards to intellectual and spiritual growth and engagement. The value of each human life creates a strong community of Catholic believers, strengthening the religion as a whole.
As seen in the image below, a nun prays alone within the pews at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican City. In order to respect oneself as sacred and worthy, prayer facilitates growth and development. Consistent communication with God refreshes the soul and clears the mind, creating a strong foundation for moral vision for society. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “man is made to live in communion with God in whom he finds happiness (Chapman, 1995, p. 22). Prayer serves as a vehicle to carry out this truth, in order to supply happiness and joy in life found in only in God.
This image below is a close-up image of “The Allegory and Effects of Good and Bad Government” painted by Ambrogio Lorenzetti in 1338 which can be found in the Palazzo Pubblico in Siena. This image focuses on “Venus and the dancers” depicting ten women dancing, hand in hand, forming a serpentine shape. The women represent friendship, love and charisma as they embody joy and happiness. This painting can be interpreted in various ways, however, from a simplistic perspective, these characteristics that the women exude represent the basic rewards of life and dignity of the human person. The painting as a whole contrasts the good and the bad within the city, however, this portion of the painting exemplifies goodness and peace.
There is a fine line between media and the life and dignity of the human person within the Catholic church. Media must be utilized appropriately and for the purpose of personal development and education in order for it to align with the teaching. As technology continues to evolve, the Catholic Church has done its best in incorporating media within its teachings without straying away from tradition, truth and history that the religion is rooted in. The use of media has improved the life of individuals within the church through social communication. Furthermore, “these experiences of social communication enable growth that is in keeping with the nature of the human person, they play a valuable role in advancing integral human development” (Caccamo, 2009, p. 3). The Catholic Church’s maintains a positive view of media in terms of bettering the self and strengthen spiritual growth and religious communication.
In order to maintain a healthy, cohesive and cooperative community, the value and emphasis on individuality and personal development must be prioritized. By valuing human life and the dignity and sacredness associated with it, allows for a stronger community to lead and share the Catholic teachings. At the end of the day, it is up to each individual to submit themselves to God, the ultimate source of fulfillment and joy. To follow this teaching, it is important to not only put God before yourself, but hold yourself to a standard of excellence and sacredness, for you are a creation of God himself. This can be done through prayer, practice and positive interactions with media to expand knowledge, growth and spiritual engagement.
Citations:
Caccamo, J. F. (2009). The Ethics of Branding in the Age of Ubiquitous Media: Insights from Catholic Social Teaching. Journal of Business Ethics, 90(S3), 301-313. doi:10.1007/s10551-010-0423-3
Chapman, G. (1995). Catechism of the Catholic Church: God Comes to Meet Man. London.