What is the Culture of Death?

Today I wanted to talk a little bit about this term "culture of death" which I included in the title of the blog.  The term was coined by John Paul II and has been used in numerous encyclicals and other documents and speaks that he gave throughout his pontificate.  For JP II the term referred primarily to the anti-life perspective of our culture.  What he was trying to communicate with the term is that a culture which promotes abortion, euthanasia, contraception, divorce, same-sex marriage, radical feminism, etc. is a culture which promotes death as all these things, in one way or another, lead to the death; the death of individuals, families, society. Ultimately they lead to the death of souls; separation from God a.k.a. Hell.

The use of this term and John Paul II's treatment of all these controversial issues was never meant to be a condemnation of anyone.  He used the term to bring attention to legitimate problems in our world and to call people to a new and joy-filled life.  He asks everyone to look into themselves and ask whether they are happy when they embrace these pillars of the culture of death.  And if you are not happy then he calls you to change.

Through his use of the term "culture of death" John Paul II was giving a realistic description of the world we live in.  As Christians we believe in the resurrection and John Paul II reminded us that from a Christian perspective death leads to new life.  He said that from the ashes of the culture of death will rise the culture of life.

For me the culture of death brings great sadness.  I want everyone to live happy and joy-filled lives and I know, from personal experience, that buying into the lies of a secular world will not bring us true happiness.  If we embrace death we may experience pleasure for a time but ultimately it is an empty pleasure and it leads to sorrow and misery.  We slowly start to die to ourselves and become slaves to our passions. I do not wish this for anyone.  I want to help people to live according to their life's purpose.  To be fully alive.  I want them to leave behind the culture of death and work together to build a culture of life where the truth, goodness and beauty fill our hearts and souls with hope and lead us to the fulfillment of all our desires.

Through this blog I want to share with you my life and how I find happiness and hope while living in the culture of death.  Christ descended into Hell before he ascended into Heaven and I believe that our culture will do the same.  As Christians we must follow Christ through the death to the resurrection.  We must be faithful to Christ, even though it is challenging and we will be persecuted.  The darkest hour comes just before the dawn and I believe that the dawn for our culture is not far off.

So in conclusion I'll leave you with one of the mottos of John Paul II; "Be Not Afraid!"