Stewardship And Science

[CatholicCid]

What is the Church's stance on man's stewardship of the earth and the use of animals and/or animal tissue in all stages of life (embryo, fetal, adult) for scientific research (actual academic research)?

[Thy Geekdom Come]

[quote name='CatholicCid' post='1765950' date='Jan 29 2009, 04:54 PM']What is the Church's stance on man's stewardship of the earth and the use of animals and/or animal tissue in all stages of life (embryo, fetal, adult) for scientific research (actual academic research)?[/quote]

We have a duty to respect the earth and its resources and animals, but we also have been given the gift of these things for the good of mankind, so long as we do not do evil in order to attain a good. The CCC quotes below don't spell out exactly what kind of scientific research is permitted, but it is clear that the research has to serve a valid purpose for improving/saving lives. I would say for instance that cloning animals is immoral, since there doesn't seem to me to be any practical application to that end.

As for movements for recycling and "going green," so long as these are genuine efforts (i.e. not the recycling efforts that produce just as much pollution in the processing, but the good ones that do not pollute), the Church backs them entirely. Pope Benedict XVI has recently spoken on these issues, saying on different occasions that it is important for us to protect the earth, but also that moral issues (he specifically mentioned homosexual behavior) come first.

[b]CCC 2415-2418:[/b]

The seventh commandment enjoins respect for the integrity of creation. Animals, like plants and inanimate beings, are by nature destined for the common good of past, present, and future humanity. Use of the mineral, vegetable, and animal resources of the universe cannot be divorced from respect for moral imperatives. Man's dominion over inanimate and other living beings granted by the Creator is not absolute; it is limited by concern for the quality of life of his neighbor, including generations to come; it requires a religious respect for the integrity of creation.

Animals are God's creatures. He surrounds them with his providential care. By their mere existence they bless him and give him glory. Thus men owe them kindness. We should recall the gentleness with which saints like St. Francis of Assisi or St. Philip Neri treated animals.

God entrusted animals to the stewardship of those whom he created in his own image. Hence it is legitimate to use animals for food and clothing. They may be domesticated to help man in his work and leisure. Medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives.

It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons.

God bless,

Micah