Sem. Nathaniel G.

Mingo Social Teaching Class

2nd Year Philosophy Rev. Fr. Ricky Joe Noble
SUMMARY
The Gospel of Life (Evangelium Vitae)
Pope John Paul II

THE ENCYCLICAL LETTER ON ABORTION, EUTHANASIA, AND THE DEATH

PENALTY IN TODAYS WORLD

The Gospel of Life is an encyclical the promulgation of which Pope John Paul II did
on the Feast of the Annunciation of the 25th of March, in 1995. The encyclical calls for a
complete sweep of teaching on the part of the Church in respect to the sanctity of life and the
dignity of the human person. Sanctity, on the other hand, can be a very powerful argument in
believing in the preservation and reverence of human life from the point of conception through to
that of a natural death. Human dignity echoes the supremacy of human rights, principles of social
justice, and the reverence of life as core values with which a true and faithful disciple of Christ
identifies. It equally calls for human persons and associations in their totality to be sent out to
reject all kinds of violence done unto a human being and messengers of a culture of life. In this
encyclical, we will discuss the prevailing themes, issues covered by the Gospel of Life, and the
relevance of the teaching when put into perspective with the contextual approach in presenting
moral and social issues.
While the Gospel of Life, on the other hand, is established with a very short note like the
introductory one that purports to set the premise to major contentions in this encyclical the Pope
insists on the protection of life as a human absolute character from varieties of dangers and
threats that infringe on it in the contemporary world. He further adds that deep need is an
invitation to renew a commitment to safeguard and promote the cultures of life that distinguish
itself from the universal culture of death, evidencing itself clearly today in his society. The
encyclical deals with one of its prime propositions, worth and dignity of every human life from
conception to natural death.
In response, Pope John Paul II reaffirms the standing of non-negotiable church teachings on the
dignity of life and reflecting the affirmation on sanctity that is, each human is created in the
image and the likeness of God. Therefore, an inborn dignity has to be protected and covered for
the unborn, old, sick, disabled people, and all other vulnerable groups. Specifically, the
encyclical deals with some of the specific problems that are linked to the culture of life such as
abortion, euthanasia, and death penalties. According to Pope John Paul II the head of the Roman
catholic church, in his own words does not mince but describes these of practices as serious
insults not only to human dignity but also to fundamental human rights.
He insists on the fact that there is an acute need in legal and social activity that would defend the
poorest members of society. And by that, he means to follow an idea of life under which every
human being should be valued and defended regardless of its conditions.
Besides meeting the gospel message on life of morals and matters of social lives head on, the
Gospel of Life reflects on some of the cultural and philosophical tendencies that progressive
societies tend to develop as institutions with culture of deaths at their heart. Some of these that
pope John Paul II also picks on the list are self-centeredness, radical individualism and handling
of life and, for their part, people are to commit themselves anew to building a culture of
encounter, unity, love and selflessness that respects the innate dignity of every person.
It tries to indicate the role of the Church and individual Christians in promoting the culture of
life. Pope John Paul II insists that new evangelization should proclaim clearly, faithfully, and
compassionately the Gospel of Life. He reinstates the imperative for the faithful to imbricate
themselves in social and political contestation, to protect, fight for, and contribute to sustaining
the sanctity of life while practically keeping in mind the brokenness of life.
Therefore, the Gospel of Life should be one of the most touching, and appropriate documents, in
the attempt to reflect over the most scary or difficult moral and social issues. Its doctrines in
regard to the respect for life, dignity of human beings, and the culture of life as whole are
extremely broad in relevance and remain of great instruction. Its calls to action fully mirror the
very efforts that persevere toward the building of a more just, compassionate, and inclusive
world. This kind of encyclical issues an invitation to all persons of goodwill a reflection worth
operating the value of every human life and labor, with courage, full of strength in building that
culture, which stands for and defends this sacred gift.