From Coleridge to the Pope: The Call to Care for Creation in 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' and 'Laudato si
-----Chandan Rozario
"The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge and "Laudato si'" by Pope Francis may seem like vastly different works, but upon closer examination, they share a common thread: the call to care for creation. In this article, we will explore how both of these works address the importance of environmental stewardship and the protection of the natural world.
The poem "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" tells the story of a sailor who, through his thoughtless actions, brings destruction upon himself and his crew. The Mariner's killing of an albatross, a symbol of good luck and divine favor, sets off a chain of events that leads to the deaths of his crewmates and his own suffering. Through his experience, the Mariner learns the importance of respecting and caring for all living things, and is ultimately redeemed by his repentance and appreciation for the natural world.
Similarly, "Laudato si'" emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things and the urgent need to care for the environment. Pope Francis writes that "the Earth herself, burdened and laid waste, is among the most abandoned and maltreated of our poor" (LS 2). He calls for a new global dialogue about the environment, in which people of all faiths and backgrounds work together to promote sustainable development and protect the planet for future generations.
Both "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Laudato si'" highlight the importance of taking responsibility for our actions and recognizing the impact they have on the natural world. The Mariner's thoughtless killing of the albatross led to the destruction of his crew and his own suffering, while the exploitation of the environment leads to social and environmental injustice. Pope Francis writes that "the human environment and the natural environment deteriorate together; we cannot adequately combat environmental degradation unless we attend to causes related to human and social degradation" (LS 48).
In conclusion, "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner" and "Laudato si'" may be separated by time and form, but both offer a powerful message about the need to care for creation. The Mariner's journey and Pope Francis' message both emphasize the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of taking responsibility for our actions. By working together to promote environmental stewardship and protect the planet, we can build a more just and sustainable future for all.
