Evangelium Vitae: http://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/encyclicals/documents/hf_jp-ii_enc_25031995_evangelium-vitae.html
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New threats to human life
-currently our world is affected by various threats: the pandemic, climate change, war and violence
-relationships between people and life are changing
-scientific and technological progress affecting the dignity of human being
-these threats are becoming socially acceptable
“the serious demographic, social and family problems which weigh upon many of the world's peoples and which require responsible and effective attention from national and international bodies, are left open to false and deceptive solutions, opposed to the truth and the good of persons and nations”
-conscience itself, is becoming difficult to distinguish between good and evil in what concerns the basic value of human life
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This encyclical can be implemented into a ‘technology’ lesson. It is extremely important to educate our students on safe technological practices. Specifically, with social media affecting our students’ mental health. For example, platforms like Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. I believe when working with secondary students it is important to speak on ‘reality vs online’. Many of our students will feel the need to change, or post certain content to feel a sense of belonging. These platforms can be dangerous to our students’ self-esteem and mental health. In past experiences, students have changed the way they dress, speak, look to feel part of society. Furthermore, with media and celebrities our students have such a vast choice of ‘role models’ that they feel is correct. For example, The Kardashians. Although successful, these celebrities instill a certain ‘lifestyle’ and standard of beauty. As the encyclical states these threats are becoming socially acceptable and are becoming role models to young women and men. I think it is important to educate our students that everything we see on social media is not what it seems. Being comfortable with one’s self and loving ourselves for who we are and what we have is healthy and builds self-love. We can teach our students to use their social media platforms for good. For example climate change issues or to reach out to a less fortunate community.
DEEPENING KNOWLEDGE OF CATHOLIC DOCTRINE
CONNECTING CURRICULUM AND CATECHISM
The catechism acts as a foundation for our curriculum. The curriculum uses the catechism and builds upon the guidelines set out in a more progressive lens. Healthy Relationships is an important part of teaching. Not only do our students build relationships in the classroom but our students should be educated on healthy relationships with peers, friends and community members. As educators, we need to make sure our students are aware of their self-worth. They need to be made aware of the treatment every human deserves. Inappropriate behaviour should not be tolerated not matter who it may be. The curriculum provides more detail and in-depth examples of inappropriate behaviour that is not tolerated including: homophobia, harassment, physical and verbal abuse. Though other examples are: xenophobia and bullying.
The catechism also speaks majorly on our parents (father and mother) however, with society changing and new families surfacing we must include everyone. The fourth commandment speaks on respecting and loving our parents for eternity but also keeping God at the forefront. It does not include members of the LGBTQ++ community, though it is important to educate our students that they should be included and remembered.
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These two documents work together to create a strong understanding of guidelines our students can follow. We must also encourage our students and educators to use these two documents with our relationship with Jesus Christ and God. It is important to use our relationship with Jesus Christ and God to remember that through his teachings and with our faith we can accept, love and be better Catholics. These two documents spoke on various factors however both held Catholic values at the core. They also included our relationship to God as a major factor and vital part in continuing a good and healthy Catholic practice.