Abstract:
This thesis deals with the contribution of Fritz Jahr s bioethical approach towards the ecological focus of Practical Theology. The bibliographical basis originates from the writings of Fritz Jahr published between 1924 and 1948, and references on the environment from various documents of the Catholic Church. The study was made in a context in which the emergencies of the area are presented by the technical-scientific instances, through several studies that confirm the rapid and increasing degradation of ecosystems. The focus is on the Imperative of Fritz Jahr, particularly in aspects of the author s writing that question the ecological reflections in the scope of Practical Theology. The present study is comprised of four chapters. Chapter 1 is on the legacy of Jahr, the Bioethical Imperative and other writings, focused on the relevant aspects of the study in question. Chapter 2 discusses Creation Theology and sustainability. The study is focused on the thinking of the Catholic Church within the global scope, for this reason priority is given to the analysis of documents, speeches and teaching messages of pontifical counsels or scientific studies which are aligned with the official teaching of the Church. Chapter 3 addresses relevant issues in the relationship with the environment: The defense of a space for reflection on ecological issues in Practical Theology, the vision of the human being and ecclesiology of the II Vatican Council and its ramifications. It deals with the community of faith built on the bases of the first Christian communities, also significant for current society. Chapter 4 identifies and analyzes the challenges of Fritz Jahr based on Imperative Bioethics and other writings for the Church, Practical / Pastoral Theology. The survey identifies various documents from the teachings or pontifical instance that address the ecological theme, however, as short insertions and not as an ample and complete treatise. However, the different dimensions of the concept of sustainability: The triple bottom line, economics, social justice and ecology, are part of the Social Doctrine of the Church. It is possible to identify, although still in a very incipient way, the conscience of the interconnections between different forms of life. An important aspect of Fritz Jahr for Practical Theology is the conception of integrated bioethics, i.e. the ethical relationship with all living beings. The specific reflection on the ethical relationship with animals, in the scope of the Catholic Church, has a very modest space without the respective repercussion in the practice of looking after animals. The pedagogical dimension of Fritz Jahr is another relevant theme considering that a change of paradigm, an eco-friendly lifestyle, is made possible through a consistent and permanent education process.
