Franciscan Ecology Scheme – Part 1

Franciscan Ecology Scheme – Part 1

Franciscan Ecology Scheme – Part 1

Extract from the Philosophical Thesis “Franciscan Ecology”, Chapter I, Section 5, pp. 36-37. By Friar Jonathan García Zenteno, OFM Conv.

In our knowledge schemes, there are various types of ecology, and each one responds to a specific area of nature. But, as far as the house (oikos) is concerned, there are many variants of knowledge that concern us. From this Scheme of Franciscan Ecology, ecological knowledge is understood from the state of relationship that the rational being has with los otros (others), lo otro (the other), uno mismo (oneself) and El Otro (the Other). To clarify these relationships, I explain it, briefly, as follows:

Relationship with los otros (others).

Friar Christopher Dudek led an icebreaker exercise at the Shrine of Saint Anthony during a youth retreat

Referring to my fellow human beings, who were made in the image and likeness of the Supreme Good. This encounter with others is exclusive for-among the human race.

Relationship with lo otro (other).

I am referring to the other entities of the oikos that are found in our habitat, such as irrational animals, plants and other animate or inanimate elements; To mention a few we find: water, minerals, climate, etc.

One the biggest lessons to realize in backpacking, and the spiritual life, is to realize that you are not alone. (From Friar Nick Rokitka’s reflection on being chaplain on a Cor Expeditions Leadership trip in the Desert Canyons of Utah.)

Relationship with uno mismo (oneself).

This point is focused on the knowledge that the rational being has of him/herself, behavior, relationship, interests, procedure, way of functioning in a certain environment, the conception that he/she has of the other entities with whom he/she shares this house (our world), his/her constitutive organization (genetics, reactions, etc.). This point of relationship, starting from oneself, is fundamental to be able to delve into Franciscan Ecology, which is the primary theme of this work.

Relationship with El Otro (The Other).

Note that at this point El Otro (The Other) is written with a capital letter, referring to the Supreme Good. This last point of relationship is analyzed, specifically from the philosophical position, the encounter and interaction that the human being has with the Transcendent. That infinite Being that satisfies every appetite that the human being may have, and the relationship with Him (El Otro) produces an evolution in the rational being that configures him/her to a condition where he/she elevates the different stages of the person, in other words it is the intimate relationship between God and human beings.

Learn more: Panecology-Part 1 &
Panecology-Part 2