Editorial Preface

Praise be to you, my Lord! On Saturday, November 12, 2016, the Society of Theology and Thought, in conjunction with The Catholic University of Korea Institute for Pastoral Research, hosted a public symposium in honour of the publication of Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’. The encyclical takes its title from St. Francis’ famous “Canticle of the Creatures”, which includes this verse: “All praise be yours, my Lord, through our Sister Mother Earth, who sustains us and governs us, and produces various fruits with coloured flowers and herbs”. However, as Pope Francis points out, “this sister now cries out to us” and “groans in travail” (Rom 8:22; LS, 2). Likewise, many citizens of our world are distressed, shocked and indeed groaning in travail. Our planet is not only suffering from the impact of rampant environmental destruction but also from outrageous political situations which have emerged in many places, including Korea and the United States. For instance, President Park Geunhye has become the object of a popular uprising here in Korea. Her recent words ― “I am deeply embarrassed that I have become this kind of president” ― have been parodied unmercifully. Perhaps, God, with a heavy sigh, is beginning to echo the parody by saying, “I am deeply troubled that I have created these humans”. Actually, it quickly becomes evident when one looks at the Book of Genesis that this parody is not so original. On seeing the corruption and violence of his creation, God states with a troubled heart: “I regret that I have made them” (Gn 6:7). As we know from the story, it was humanity’s sin which resulted in the flood and to the actions of Noah.