The mass media can and must promote justice and solidarity according to an organic and correct vision of human development, by reporting events accurately and truthfully, analyzing situations and problems completely, and providing a form for different opinions. An authentically ethical approach to using the powerful communication media must be situated within the context of a mature exercise of freedom and responsibility, founded upon the supreme criteria of truth and justice.

 

The Holy Mother Church continues to hold on to the truth of our faith mainly founded on the infallibility of the Gospel. It comprises the account of what Christ did and said during his earthly life. However, the Church which Christ Himself founded is tested by the vicissitude of time yet it remains steadfast and solid in the profession of faith. On the contrary, the rise of modernity of the present era could be considered as a threat to morality and noble Christian teachings. The influence of mass media in the life which animates the society of today seems to traverse the road contrary to the teaching of the Gospel. The perspective of initiating the powerful instrument of mass media communication today should always see to it that it is grounded on the two supreme criteria of truth and justice.

Moreover, God has given man freedom which means He could not impose His will whatsoever on man, because of this, there is inevitable occurrence of abusing the proper and correct way of using the freedom gratuitously given by God to man. God respects the freedom of man. Nonetheless, the greater responsibility now is entrusted to man- how he could practice the freedom bestowed by God properly and in accordance to his innate goodness caused by the source, origin of all goodness who is no other than God. On the contrary, because of the evil tendency in man which oftentimes appears in a seemingly good manner; pleasing to the eyes the human intellect could not resist tending into it because it caters the function what is supposed to be. Man should utilize all the effort to be more reflective in deciphering the real good and not the apparent one. Consequently, the self-realization of authentic attainment of freedom is mainly rooted on the personal conviction of doing good and the avoidance of what is evil. God has provided man the necessary graces in order to combat against the assault of the tempter. Man in return should cling on to God because apart from the His presence he could be led astray and possible into corruption of sins. Sin enters if man disobeys the most holy will of God. It is considered as a kind of rebellion. Furthermore, the awe-inspiring effect and grandeur of modern invention employs greater responsibility and Christian maturity that should animate the implementation of modern facilities that would create a havoc of change and influenced a transitional outlook in life due to the fact that in this world: “nothing remains constants”. One could not step twice on the same river. Therefore, I would say that in front of this reality Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior conquer the monotony of seemingly fast-paced changing world. He is still remain faithful to His promises of love, hope and salvation starting today, yesterday and forever. The Holy Mother as a mother who is concern for the spiritual growth and cultivation of her children in faith appeal to all of us to be more committed to the witnessing of the economy of faith which should be manifested and concretized in the ordinariness of our life-situation. All of us by virtue of the sacrament of baptism are called to be the vindicator of Christ’s efficacious and indispensable mission of spreading out the message of the Gospel amidst the noise of the world; one should dare and take courage to listen to his voice.                   

 

 

Communication in its general sense plays a decisive role in the domain of Church’s apostolic dimension. The Holy Mother Church is also interpreting the signs of the time to blend with the harmony of this fast-paced changing world as regards its modern invention of the highly technological contribution in the history of man’s quest of transcendence such as the emergence of the Internet. Thus, in the past era man really maximize his effort and strive hard in searching for the truth which emanated from the realm of knowledge restored in the human mind. He relied on his capacity to think and synthesize all his learning so as to build up a solid foundation of principles in life based on his acquired theoretical gauge of knowledge. He squeezes up his brain so as to actualize his essential feature of rationality inherent in his being. On the contrary, this existential truth about man undergoes a rapid change because of the impact of modernity which makes everything relatively accessible in anyway and anytime possible. The nature of the human mind to transcend beyond the border of impossibility ceases to be. It is considered now less what is before and is not now. There is a negation involve because of the massive effect of the internet to the life-situation of the people around the globe. It provides now an instant spoon-feeding of facts, data, and information etc. There is an immediate access on them in a more advance manner, though in a sense I am not saying that it is bad to engage and be amazed with what the human person can do; a derivative product of his genius mind. Nonetheless, it is not my point but on the effect on this invention to the human person. It triggers his realization not to think anymore and reflect just be contented to what the internet would present. If this would be the case, then we should think twice we are on the wrong stand. The efficacy of this man’s modern invention should not serve as an end in itself rather should be a stepping stone for man’s realization that he is not in control of everything though he has the capacity to “make all things new”. There is the debilitating effect to the human person because it will make man a passive entity in such a way there is no anymore the panoramic view of what is really essential medium in widening the horizon of knowledge. In line with this, the Church is conceived communication as essentially communication of the Good News of Jesus Christ. It is the proclamation of the Gospel as a prophetic, liberating word to the men and women of our times; it is testimony, in the face of radical secularization, to divine truth and to the transcendent destiny of the human person.

Furthermore, as a kind of remedy just a brotherly advise to the youth of today who are the sophisticated user of the internet not to be so much engross to the internet because it will alienate their capacity to think critically. We should always aim for excellence because it is but proper to us as a special creature of God. We should give glory and praise to Him by our intellectual capacity to be with Him and serve Him the best way possible. BE AN EFFECTIVE BEACON OF LIGHT TO THOSE MIND OBLITERATED BY THE VEIL OF IGNORANCE AND CADUCITY OF COMPREHENSION. Be an agent of change starting from ordinary things we are ought and must to do because that is what we are as a human being in view of our transcendent destiny. In the end of our life we will be facing our God and will be asked by Him; what did you do to your least brothers and sisters using the talents entrusted to us?          

 

           In the Biblical account of Genesis pertaining to the event of creation. It portrays God as all-powerful creator of man who creates in His own image and likeness. Man seemingly assimilated the attributes of God except divinity. Man imbibed the nature less than of a God yet participated in His esse or perfection. Thus, in a strict sense God considered man as His “special masterpiece”- God’s blessed fruit of creation. Man is a distinct and unique entity compared to other living beings. Man is not a product of evolution as the natural selection theory of Charles Darwin would attests it but absolutely the wonders of God’s creation not created by chance but was part of the salvific plan of God for the entire humanity. In like manner, man is elevated on the higher rank of creatures as a dignified being next to the celestial and immaterial beings. The dignity of man is his innate property; inviolable rights which is proper to man should not be compromised, utmost respect should be given unconditionally, equal rights should be upheld and sacredness of man should prevail up to the fullest extent possible.

 

            Moreover, the Holy Mother Church is constantly appealing to the good conscience of those persons responsible in proliferating the different dialectical approach in various field of advertising to act according to the sound doctrine and conferred by the norms of morality so as not to violate the interior freedom as regards man’s capacity to enhance his critical thinking ability and made up his mind to whatever real goods due him. I , mean according to the stand of the Church: “there is a imperative requirement” that advertising “respect the human person, his right duty to make a responsible choice, his interior freedom;  all these goods would be violated if man’s lower inclinations were to be exploited, or his capacity to reflect and decide compromised.” Perhaps the challenge now left an indelible mark to Christian’s identity to act properly being guided by the doctrine of the faith and be aware of the damage which would cause to the being of the human person.  To end up this simple reflection of  mine, it is but proper to always remember man by nature is good and this goodness comes from God-the Supreme Good. So let us do good and shun away from the occasion of doing evil (the maxim of an ethical and Godly way of life which the believers of Christ is called to be)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

              

Elements for the training of children, young people and adult in the interpretation of the values expressed through the cinema.

 

Technological advancement has reached its efficacy on the power of interpreting signs and symbol insofar as the images of the reality correspond to the unfolding of events in the physical world is at the fronline. Thus, the stirring effects of the different innovative style and skills presented by the film industry shown the portrayal of humanity. Nonetheless, though it has a tremendous bearing effect on the individual and occupied a special place in society at large, the Church spoke in a kind manner of reminding the elder, viz. the parents, educator and those persons who have the prowess with this kind of mass media function to be subtle and vigilant enough in choosing films suited for the innocent minds. The Church has proposed that there should be a rationalization of approach patterned after the sound doctrine of Catholic faith.

However, I would like to focus my reflection on the part of this social teaching of the Church mainly on the part 2 of didactic elements for a constructive interpretation of the content of the motion picture medium. In this part the author herself, Prof. Luciana Della Fornace gave an inkling of indications and guidelines formulated in a form of evaluation questionnaire how to react on the content of the different movies and television program so that afterward it should be answered properly by the viewers depending to various levels of age. Thus, through this kind of exercise it will enhance human capacity of critical thinking not just become a passive entity which tend to be driven easily or manipulated by what is being presented in the movie which at times half-hazardly done. Indeed, it is quite a handy task which requires most especially the inner disposition of availability and arduous effort that should be undertaken by the responsible educators and parents in facilitating of venturing a choice of movie or television program suitable for their children’s moral upliftment. This kind of worthwhile endeavor aims to instill in the mind and heart of the children Christian values which would lead to a deeper understanding of what authentic Christian means. Heroic virtues should crystallize in molding good and holy persons of the future which every follower of Christ called to be.  Consequently, if and only if this kind of practical suggestion is heed rightfully and be putted into practice by those persons with whom this paper addressed to, then there is the greater possibility of eliminating gradually the tendency of the so called “culture of violence”. I say it again there is a culture of violence  which haunts the consciousness and behavior of the misguided children at home or even worst some adults who are fond of watching brutality and licentiousness in the movie and any other form of highly technological gadgets. In like manner, this kind of sudden reality emanates from behavioral disorder which threatens the healthy personality distorting the good outlook in life. It ruined the good established relationship with others. Therefore, to suppress this kind of debilitating effect to the temporal well-being of man the astute advice of concern for the “contemporary elders” by the Church should be embraced with prompt dispatch and discipline should prevail. The medicine might be bitter to take yet it heals the sickness of man.                 

Is man by nature evil?

 

            This kind of questioning has been grappled by the great philosophers of all ages and it has been refuted upon one argumentation after the other by the different school of thoughts yet it remains unsettled up to the present era. If the answer is yes, then he ceases to be man because of the participated essence shared with God and what is God- the ‘summum bonum’. In like manner, the other side of the coin prove it wrong, if the answer is no, then why man has the natural tendency of desire for personal profit; espousing a life of greediness. Consequently, I would like to venture the stand of the two Chinese philosophers, namely Hsun Tzu and Meng Tzu (Mencius) in defining human nature. Hsun Tzu, a polemic philosopher said that man’s nature is evil, goodness is the result of conscious activity-education. This proposition has supported by his argument that the nature of man is born with fondness profit. On the other hand, this anti-thesis of Hsun Tzu is diametrically opposed to Meng Tzu because he believed that man is intrinsically good which preserves by education. However, I opted to choose the stand of that two famous philosophers of China to shed light the question of yesteryears, in order to solve the dilemma between the two opposing forces in reflecting the innate nature which embodies man. Thus, I did it so in line with the statements I have chosen to be my point of reflection which said:

                        Profit, not service, tends to become the most important measured of success. Profit motives and advertisers’ interests exert undue influence on media content: popularity is preferred over quality, and the lowest common denominator prevails. Advertisers move beyond their legitimate role of identifying genuine needs and responding to them and driven by profit motives strive to create artificial needs and patterns of consumption.         

 

            On the contrary, I was always destructed by the fact of business set-up, profit is a driving force and the language of transaction. Why is it people opted to be more individualistic without minding the plight of the poor and worst even that some of them take advantage on the weakness of  the lowly in the society. Why it so? It elicits therefore, two fundamental questions such as: 1) does excessive possession would lead one to its ultimate end? 2) Is it really the ultimate means to attain the meaning and purpose of one’s life? With this queries I concluded my reflection, leaving to my reader the confrontation of this reality. Take this into heart and think of a possible solution to lessen at least this kind of tendency inside the realm of society. I dare to say, people who has this ‘bad faith’…MEND YOUR WAYS!!! Be Altruistic.

 

 

       Is it morally justifiable if some men or women engage themselves in a perverse pornographic act just for fun? Or some can’t do otherwise because of poverty?

 

            Well, I think these two questions draw out an answer from philosophical enterprise of what man is in view of his nature and theological perspective in relation to the Creator. Philosophically speaking, man is a rational animal according to Aristotle. Thus, man as rational being has the capacity to reason out and the will to choose what is good for him which these essential attributes sum up the partial nature proper to man. On the other side of the coin, man is also an animal that is why he/she has desires, passions and cravings yet his/her animality should not overpower his/her inferential feature because if it happen then, man ceases to be man because he/she is not internalizing the perfection of reason endowed on him/her. Then, another point of consideration of defining man’s nature is in view of theological undertone which attests that “God created us in His own image and likeness” and we became adopted co-heirs of the kingdom of God as His beloved children through Jesus Christ. Consequently, as baptized children of God we are all responsible to safeguard our very identity in choosing what is good and avoid what is bad which displeases the will of God. However, pornography and violence causes a serious assault to the inviolable dignity of the human person because man as the center of creation is not anymore respected and valued. He is reduced into an anonymous object of misuse for the purpose of gratifying concupiscence in terms of pornographic exposure of the sensitive parts of the human body and as children of God we should be a lover of peace, solidarity among our distant brothers in faith because God is the source of peace. Respect and love would break the barriers of indifference, hatred and violence instead of settling down conflicts using the “iron fist”. The principle of lex taliones, is in contrary to the two noble teachings of Christ, viz. the love of God and neighbor. If we really love God though we can’t see Him, then this would serve us as an impetus in embracing our neighbor wholeheartedly and without reserve because who profess that he/she loves God but doesn’t love his/her neighbor is a liar. 

            As a student-seminarian, preparing myself to become a religious priest if God wills it so someday, I need to be more orthodox in manner as regards in abhorring the dehumanizing effect of pornography and violence wherein nowadays many of my co-youth fell down on this trap of pornographic promiscuity which bring them self-gratification of their inordinate desire. I need also to imbibe the attitude of being a media literate so as to avoid falling on the misguided use of media communications based on personal profit and bad libertarian arguments. I should make difference and dare to say ‘no’ when it seems everybody love to patronize by disseminating and watching pornographic movies, because if I will not have the sense of self-discipline I’ll grow on my human dimension in seeing sexuality with a healthy orientation and without malice in dealing with opposite sex.   Therefore, it is indeed true that pornography and violence has a dehumanizing effects because sadistic violence debase sexuality, corrode human relationship, exploit individuals- especially women and young people, undermine marriage and family life, foster anti-social behavior and weaken moral fibre of society itself (Pornography and Violence in the Communications Media: A Pastoral Response, 1989), no. 10.      

 

            Social communications tend to multiply contacts within society and to deepen social consciousness. As a result, the individual is bound more closely to his fellow men and can play his part in the unfolding of history as if led by the hand of God. In Christian faith, the unity and brotherhood of man are the chief aims of all communication and these find their source and model in the central mystery of the eternal communion between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit who live a single divine life.

                                                                                          - Communio et Progressio # 8 -

 

 

            The imperative assertion of the above-mentioned statement based on the Apostolic Decree Communio et Progressio would lead the people of God in mending their ways in order to comply with the demand of Ecclesial authority for the attainment of the proper end as regards the indispensable function of the mass media in the 21^st century animated by Christian spirit of unity so as to gain the temporal well-being and common good of each individual and its society. As the saying would attests that, “divided we fall, united we stand” so same is through with our relationship with our brothers and sisters in faith. The influence of the social communication within the sphere of society at large should motivate people to build up society founded on solidarity and love with one another; a love which will break the barrier of human hostility, indifference, self-centeredness, hatred, avarice, and all kinds of evil attributes assimilated by man through the course of human history and continues battle against the infernal enemy who at present doubling his time and effort to take away people from God- the source of all goodness.   

 

            However, each people has its own share of responsibility in realizing the vision of attaining the ideal society rooted on love. Thus, corporate responsibility is involved within the premise of the society and this “ideal society” could be possibly tenable if and only if people from all walks of life will join hands together in promoting important cardinal virtue which is love. Love should be the reason or the stepping stone towards a brighter future ahead of us. Indeed, social consciousness tend to multiply contacts within society and deepen social consciousness, this reality should lead people into a more active and harmonious relationship to every members in the society. Using the technological advance should pave the way of a more smooth exchange of authentic news and resolutions applied to whatever recent phenomenal problem the society and people is experiencing. The tremendous effect of social communication should its good “ripple effect” so that truth and goodness will overpower evil tendency in man to abuse the use of mass media at the expense of other innocent people who are easily manipulated and misguided because of so many traps the mass media are offering. Everything should be bonded on unity and Christian brotherhood.    

 

 

 

I would like to begin my simple reflection with this statement taken from the guidelines for the training of the future priests which says, “Human communication, a gift from God”.

            In my opinion, this particular statement carries a theological undertone because in our subject Sacramentology, it discusses about the sacramental principle which speaks of a chasm between man and God. There is a separation between a Creator who resides in realm beyond time and space and His creature who longs to be in contact with the Divine. Yet the truth of our faith would attest that God willed to reveal himself through a medium.

 

            The prophets of old times became the “mouthpiece of God” who used to communicate His will to the Israelites and when the incarnated word assumed human nature who is Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the law and the prophet came to be. The barrier is broken. He Himself opened the possibility of communication between God and man. He is the mediator of man to the Father in the Holy Spirit. However, pondering upon the mystery of God’s revelation to man I could not help but be amazed by the will of God to unravel Himself to His sinful creature. I mean he could have remained hidden and undisturbed in His celestial abode enjoying the magnificent and everlasting glory. And yet, because of His overflowing goodness and unconditional love to man He chose to communicate; to have an intimacy with man within the deep recesses of his soul, where he penetrates and dwells.

 

            On the contrary, it seems that the essential purpose of social communication nowadays has taken its effect on the periphery of man’s hubris. The indications mentioned in the guidelines for the future priests are enriching and challenging. I realized that I have a great responsibility to properly use the tools of mass without overlooking the very purpose of their utilization; and that is to become effective and successful in spreading the Word of God for the salvation of souls. I need to be knowledgeable enough and have a personal conviction in my decision-making as well as be critical so that I may not be misled by the glitters and seemingly good advantages of the mass media in the present world.

 

            I am thankful that I have been given this wonderful opportunity to have first-hand experience in studying the theory of mass media in the vantage point of the Church teaching.  Eventually I could put these lessons into practice for my self improvement while traversing the road less traveled. I do believe that if I will take all the indications and principles in the guideline to heart, it will help me further deepen my understanding of the proper use and purpose of mass media for the building up of God’s kingdom here on earth. I could reach out to other people who are so engrossed with the fleeting experience and inordinate pleasure which mass media could offer. In this case, I could lessen the rotten potatoes from the basket so that others may be spared from the destructive effect of commercialism. I pray that through the guidelines set by the Church I may continue taking the right path into becoming a good and responsible follower of Christ, my role-model of perfect discipleship; He who has paved the way between His Father and the humanity He came to save with His words and deeds, and ultimately His LIFE.

 

 

 

 

 

The above-mentioned statement became the point of my realization after reading the seven pages article. Is it so because the message is very loud & clear as regards proper function and goal in utilizing the influential effect of mass media as a means of social communication which should be animated by Christian spirit and norms of morality. On the contrary, there are some abuses and extreme happening in the here and now situation in the realm of mass media such as cultural poverty promoted by the shallow-mindedness of some television personalities who hosted game show, censorship in the film industry is not observed, in most of the advertisement every product couldn’t be of help to the consumer without portraying a sensational model preferably sexy and beautiful lady, sacraments at times are being trivialize for instance some people opted to watch the celebration of the Holy Mass via television instead of fulfilling a day of obligation in attending the Mass in the Church. As usual this sudden twist of what is proper and moral emanates from the self-vested interest of phenomenal commercialism. Certain restrictions are not followed just to gain personal profit for some businesses reason. It is indeed, through the way of life and action wherein authentic Christian follower could easily be identified. Nonetheless, some of them who hold the authority do the other way around. Thus, I do believe that all the principles and directives pertaining to the proper way of handling this modern invention with all due respect are undermined by the faithful. It is therefore my responsibility to once again orient them about what they should ought to be starting from my fellow youth as usual I’ll begin on the generation where I belong as of now. So be it!