Sustainability of the Human Family for the Realization of World Peace

Uche Emoefe EKIUGBO; Philip Osarobu ISANBOR

Uche Emoefe EKIUGBO Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology,
Philip Osarobu ISANBOR University of Jos, Nigeria

Keywords: Integral Human Development, World Day of Peace, Benedict XVI, Human Family, Human Rights

Abstract

Over the times, the thrust concerns of integral humanism have been driven within and along the values of the human family. For so many ecclesiological thinkers and theologians like John Paul II and Benedict XVI, the sustainability of the universe depends on the values place on the human family. Such social philosophy recognised that the human family is a common home for common and authentic development. It is a platform that places humanity as an end, not a means for the content of progress and advancement. After-all, humanity is conceived as the measure of all things. Humanity determines what should be called development. With such social and developmental conviction, humanities are expected to take more seriously the respects, promotion and protection of their families as the cradle of civilization and as a community of peace. Here, the paper philosophically revisits Benedict XVI’s 2008 Message for the World Day of Peace, by assessing its ethics of living for the realization of integral human development. Only through the valuation of the family can true peace, since the foundation of the human family is in God. The paper is also concerned about the trends of human civilization and development that should commonly adopted, along the dictates of natural law, in order to safeguard the human family from the effects of misguided and erotic world policies and programmes, that may even lead it into extinction in possible future, if human freedom and powers of legislations and innovations are not properly checkmated.

Author Biographies

Uche Emoefe EKIUGBO, Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology,

Department of Social Studies Education, College of Arts and Social Science Education,

Philip Osarobu ISANBOR, University of Jos, Nigeria

Department of Philosophy, St. Albert Institute, Fayit, Kagoma, Kaduna State, Nigeria

References

Aigbodioh, J. A. (2016). Is social order the creation of natural instinct, or of reason? Reflection on Godwin Sogolo’s Critique of sociobiology. In O. A. Oyeshile and F. Offor (eds). Ethics, governance and social order in Nigeria. (pp. 231-242). Ibadan: Zenith Books.
Akubeze, A. O. (2015). You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free (Jn 8: 32). 2015 Lenten Pastoral Message. As Published in Veritas, Vol. 1, No. 38.
Barga, T. (2015). Family catechesis towards sustainability and development of the Christian home. Nigerian Journal of Religion and Society, Vol. 5, pp. 15-36.
Benedict XVI (2009). Caritas in veritate. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
Benedict XVI (2008). Message for the world day of peace. The human family: a community of peace. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
Benedict XVI (2013). Message for the world day of peace. Blessed are the peacemakers. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) (2015). Good families make good nations. Being a Communiqué of the First Plenary Meeting of CBCN at the Daughters of Divine Love Retreat and Conference Centre, Abuja, February 20-26.
De Soras, A. (1963). International morality. New York: Hawthorn Books.
Ede, S-W. O. (2010). The Pauline concept of truth: epistemological insights for the philosophy of St. Paul. Enwisdomization Journal, Vol. 4, No. 3, pp. 71-89.
Ehusani, G. O. (1991). An Afro-Christian vision “Ozovehe”: toward a more humanized world. New York: University Press of America.
Ezehi, J. (2006). An introduction to Catholic social teachings. Uromi: Catholic Chess.
Izumwa, M. O. (2009). Philosophical humanism: inspiration for authentic development in Africa. West African Journal of Philosophical Studies, Vol. 12, pp. 13-31.
John Paul II (1991). Centesinus annus, Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
John Paul II (1994a). Letter to families, Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
John Paul II (1994b). Message for the world day of peace. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
John Paul II (1998). Fides et ratio. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
Kamai, P. H. (2015). Sex, gender and marriage in context: a biblical and theological appraisal of the issues in contemporary debate. Jos Studies, 23, pp. 1-21.
Oloidi, E. O. (2018). Philosophy and Catholic priestly formation. In M. A. Izibili, et al. (eds). Studies in philosophy and society. (pp. 78-93). Kagoma: Albertine Institute.
Omoregbe, J. I. (2011). Ethics and aesthetics. In F. N. Ndubuisi (ed). Philosophy, logic and philosophy of science.. Lagos: Department of Philosophy, University of Lagos.
Oredipe, P. K. (2002). The Interrelation of faith and reason in the search for truth: an appraisal of John Paul II’s Fides et Ratio. PhD Thesis, Pontifical University of Holy Cross, Rome.
Oredipe, P. K. (2013). “Be not afraid”: faith as the authentic basis of integral humanism. West African Journal of Philosophical Studies, Vol. 15, pp. 61-91.
Paul, VI (1975). Message for the world day of peace. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace (2005). Compendium of the social doctrine of the church. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
Vanier, J. (2008). Finding peace. Mumbai: Better Yourself Books.
Vasumu, A. I., Iwu, C., & Ugwu, M. E. (2013). Mission and discipleship: a call for self-emptying. NACATH Journal of Theology, Vol. 22, pp. 60-73.
Vatican II Council (1965). Gaudium et spes. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.