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Chapter, Paragraph
1 I, 1 | and great evil come from the use people make of the media 2 I, 1 | from the use people make of the media of social communication. 3 I, 1 | people choose whether to use the media for good or evil ends, 4 I, 1 | These choices, central to the ethical question, are made 5 I, 1 | especially by those who control the instruments of social communication 6 I, 1 | correspondents, and others. For them, the ethical question is particularly 7 I, 1 | particularly acute: Are the media being used for good 8 I, 2 | 2. The impact of social communication 9 I, 2 | change rapidly is making the media of communication even 10 I, 2 | pervasive and powerful. "The advent of the information 11 I, 2 | powerful. "The advent of the information society is a 12 I, 2 | Approach To Culture, 9); and the twentieth century's dazzling 13 I, 2 | new century will bring.~The range and diversity of media 14 I, 2 | communication transmitted over the airwaves, over cable and 15 I, 2 | cable and satellite, via the Internet. The contents of 16 I, 2 | satellite, via the Internet. The contents of this vast outpouring 17 I, 2 | Not even those who shun the media can avoid contact 18 I, 3 | Along with these reasons, the Church has reasons of her 19 I, 3 | for being interested in the means of social communication. 20 I, 3 | communication. Viewed in the light of faith, the history 21 I, 3 | Viewed in the light of faith, the history of human communication 22 I, 3 | 11:4-8), to Pentecost and the gift of tongues (cf. Acts 23 I, 3 | communication restored by the power of the Spirit sent 24 I, 3 | restored by the power of the Spirit sent by the Son. 25 I, 3 | power of the Spirit sent by the Son. Sent forth into the 26 I, 3 | the Son. Sent forth into the world to announce the good 27 I, 3 | into the world to announce the good news (cf. Mt 28:19- 28 I, 3 | Mt 28:19-20; Mk 16:15), the Church has the mission of 29 I, 3 | Mk 16:15), the Church has the mission of proclaiming the 30 I, 3 | the mission of proclaiming the Gospel until the end of 31 I, 3 | proclaiming the Gospel until the end of time. Today, she 32 I, 3 | 134, Aetatis Novae, 11).~The Church also knows herself 33 I, 3 | rooted in and mirroring the intimate communion of the 34 I, 3 | the intimate communion of the Trinity" (Aetatis Novae, 35 I, 3 | 10; cf. Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Some 36 I, 3 | Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, Some Aspects of the 37 I, 3 | the Faith, Some Aspects of the Church Understood as Communion). 38 I, 3 | communication is grounded in the communication among Father, 39 I, 3 | reaches out to humankind: The Son is the Word, eternally " 40 I, 3 | to humankind: The Son is the Word, eternally "spoken" 41 I, 3 | Word, eternally "spoken" by the Father; and in and through 42 I, 3 | of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last 43 I, 3 | Communication in and by the Church finds its starting 44 I, 3 | finds its starting point in the communion of love among 45 I, 3 | communion of love among the divine Persons and their 46 I, 4 | 4. The Church's approach to the 47 I, 4 | The Church's approach to the means of social communication 48 I, 4 | of God and true signs of the times (cf. Inter Mirifica, 49 I, 4 | These purposes underlie the present document.~We say 50 I, 4 | document.~We say again: The media do nothing by themselves; 51 I, 4 | them. In reflecting upon the means of social communication, 52 I, 4 | communication, we must face honestly the "most essential" question 53 I, 4 | whether, as a result of it, the human person "is becoming 54 I, 4 | spiritually, more aware of the dignity of his humanity, 55 I, 4 | open to others, especially the neediest and the weakest, 56 I, 4 | especially the neediest and the weakest, and readier to 57 I, 4 | take it for granted that the vast majority of people 58 I, 4 | individuals who want to do the right thing. Public officials, 59 I, 4 | desire to respect and promote the public interest as they 60 I, 4 | use their talents to serve the human family, and are troubled 61 I, 4 | family, and are troubled by the growing economic and ideological 62 I, 4 | present in many sectors of the media.~The contents of the 63 I, 4 | many sectors of the media.~The contents of the countless 64 I, 4 | the media.~The contents of the countless choices made by 65 I, 4 | these people concerning the media are different from 66 I, 4 | individual to individual, but the choices all have ethical 67 I, 4 | those choosing need to "know the principles of the moral 68 I, 4 | know the principles of the moral order and apply them 69 I, 5 | 5. The Church brings several things 70 I, 5 | important corrective to "the ‘atheistic' solution, which 71 I, 5 | basic dimensions, namely the spiritual one, and to permissive 72 I, 5 | offers itself in service to the media. For example, "the 73 I, 5 | the media. For example, "the Church's culture of wisdom 74 I, 5 | culture of wisdom can save the media culture of information 75 I, 5 | John Paul II, Message for the 33rd World Communications 76 I, 5 | Communications Day, 1999).~The Church also brings something 77 I, 5 | brings something else to the conversation. Her special 78 I, 5 | human affairs, including the world of social communication, 79 I, 5 | precisely her vision of the dignity of the person revealed 80 I, 5 | vision of the dignity of the person revealed in all its 81 I, 5 | revealed in all its fullness in the mystery of the Incarnate 82 I, 5 | fullness in the mystery of the Incarnate Word" (Centesimus 83 I, 5 | Centesimus Annus, 47) In the words of the Second Vatican 84 I, 5 | Annus, 47) In the words of the Second Vatican Council, " 85 I, 5 | Vatican Council, "Christ the Lord, Christ the new Adam, 86 I, 5 | Christ the Lord, Christ the new Adam, in the very revelation 87 I, 5 | Christ the new Adam, in the very revelation of the mystery 88 I, 5 | in the very revelation of the mystery of the Father and 89 I, 5 | revelation of the mystery of the Father and of his love, 90 II | COMMUNICATION~THAT SERVES THE HUMAN PERSON~ 91 II, 6 | 6. Following the Council's Pastoral Constitution 92 II, 6 | Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, 93 II, 6 | Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Gaudium et 94 II, 6 | et Spes (cf. nos. 30-31), the Pastoral Instruction on 95 II, 6 | Progressio makes it clear that the media are called to serve 96 II, 6 | their dignity, enter into the thoughts and feelings of 97 II, 6 | others' freedom, and in the capacity for dialogue.~Social 98 II, 7 | 7. Economic. The market is not a norm of 99 II, 7 | economics can be abused; but the market can serve the person ( 100 II, 7 | but the market can serve the person (cf. Centesimus Annus, 101 II, 7 | encourages improvements in the quality of existing goods 102 II, 7 | existing goods and services and the development of new ones, 103 II, 7 | competition that serves the public interest, and enables 104 II, 7 | choices by telling them about the availability and features 105 II, 7 | could not function without the media. Remove them, and 106 II, 8 | citizen participation in the political process. The media 107 II, 8 | in the political process. The media draw people together 108 II, 8 | draw people together for the pursuit of shared purposes 109 II, 8 | quickly and directly with the public about urgent matters. 110 II, 8 | accountability, turning the spotlight on incompetence, 111 II, 9 | 9. Cultural. The means of social communication 112 II, 9 | presentations of classic works and the fruits of scholarship, but 113 II, 9 | everyday problems, raise the spirits of the sick, shut-ins, 114 II, 9 | problems, raise the spirits of the sick, shut-ins, and the 115 II, 9 | the sick, shut-ins, and the elderly, and relieve the 116 II, 9 | the elderly, and relieve the tedium of life.~Media also 117 II, 9 | Communicators, like artists, serve the common good by preserving 118 II, 9 | preserving and enriching the cultural heritage of nations 119 II, 10| 10. Educational. The media are important tools 120 II, 10| Preschoolers being introduced to the rudiments of reading and 121 II, 10| many classrooms. And beyond the classroom walls, the instruments 122 II, 10| beyond the classroom walls, the instruments of communication, 123 II, 10| communication, including the Internet, conquer barriers 124 II, 10| areas, cloistered religious, the home-bound, prisoners, and 125 II, 11| greatly enriched through the media. They carry news and 126 II, 11| example, huge audiences around the world view and, in a sense, 127 II, 11| participate in important events in the life of the Church regularly 128 II, 11| important events in the life of the Church regularly telecast 129 II, 11| satellite from Rome. And, over the years, media have brought 130 II, 11| years, media have brought the words and images of the 131 II, 11| the words and images of the Holy Father's pastoral visits 132 II, 12| religious - as well as others, the media can be used to build 133 II, 12| community is "more than the expression of ideas and 134 II, 12| expression of ideas and the indication of emotion. At 135 II, 12| most profound level, it is the giving of self in love" ( 136 II, 12| Communication like this seeks the well being and fulfillment 137 II, 12| community members in respect to the common good of all. But 138 II, 12| Therefore it is imperative for the parties to social communication 139 II, 12| and submit themselves to the truth about what is good. 140 II, 12| what is good. This is how the media can meet their obligation 141 II, 12| obligation to "witness to the truth about life, about 142 II, 12| about human dignity, about the true meaning of our freedom 143 II, 12| John Paul II, Message for the 33rd World Communications 144 III | COMMUNICATION~THAT VIOLATES~THE GOOD OF THE PERSON~ 145 III | THAT VIOLATES~THE GOOD OF THE PERSON~ 146 III, 13| 13. The media also can be used to 147 III, 13| block community and injure the integral good of persons: 148 III, 13| and important, including the good news of the Gospel, 149 III, 13| including the good news of the Gospel, and concentrates 150 III, 13| Gospel, and concentrates on the fashionable or faddish.~ 151 III, 13| Abuses exist in each of the areas just mentioned.~ 152 III, 14| 14. Economic. The media sometimes are used 153 III, 14| it "considers profit and the law of the market as its 154 III, 14| considers profit and the law of the market as its only parameters, 155 III, 14| its only parameters, to the detriment of the dignity 156 III, 14| parameters, to the detriment of the dignity of and the respect 157 III, 14| detriment of the dignity of and the respect due to individuals 158 III, 14| benefit all are exploited for the advantage of the few.~The 159 III, 14| exploited for the advantage of the few.~The process of globalization " 160 III, 14| the advantage of the few.~The process of globalization " 161 III, 14| further and further behind in the struggle for development. 162 III, 14| pockets of privation in the midst of plenty are seedbeds 163 III, 14| conflict. This underlines the need for "effective international 164 III, 14| will oversee and direct the economy to the common good" ( 165 III, 14| and direct the economy to the common good" (Centesimus 166 III, 14| structures and policies and the allocation of technology 167 III, 14| media often contribute to the injustices and imbalances 168 III, 14| necessary to break down the barriers and monopolies 169 III, 14| leave so many countries on the margins of development, 170 III, 14| individuals and nations with the basic conditions which will 171 III, 15| systematically distort and suppress the truth by propaganda and " 172 III, 15| and suspicions that set the stage for conflict.~Even 173 III, 15| manipulate public opinion through the media instead of fostering 174 III, 15| informed participation in the political process. The conventions 175 III, 15| in the political process. The conventions of democracy 176 III, 15| fundamental rights, including the right to life (cf. Pope 177 III, 15| Vitae, 70).~Often, too, the media popularize the ethical 178 III, 15| too, the media popularize the ethical relativism and utilitarianism 179 III, 15| death. They participate in the contemporary "conspiracy 180 III, 16| Critics frequently decry the superficiality and bad taste 181 III, 16| It is no excuse to say the media reflect popular standards; 182 III, 16| uplift, not degrade, them.~The problem takes various forms. 183 III, 16| irresponsible to ignore or dismiss the fact that "pornography and 184 III, 16| anti-social behaviour and weaken the moral fibre of society itself" ( 185 III, 16| Pornography and Violence in the Communications Media: A 186 III, 16| Pastoral Response, 10).~On the international level, cultural 187 III, 16| domination imposed through the means of social communication 188 III, 16| face extinction; meanwhile the values of affluent, secularized 189 III, 16| societies increasingly supplant the traditional values of societies 190 III, 16| communication should not be at the expense of the less powerful. 191 III, 16| not be at the expense of the less powerful. Today "even 192 III, 16| less powerful. Today "even the least-widespread cultures 193 III, 16| but they also suffer from the pressures of a powerful 194 III, 16| from developed nations to the developing and the poor - 195 III, 16| nations to the developing and the poor - raises serious ethical 196 III, 16| ethical questions. Have the rich nothing to learn from 197 III, 16| rich nothing to learn from the poor? Are the powerful deaf 198 III, 16| learn from the poor? Are the powerful deaf to the voices 199 III, 16| Are the powerful deaf to the voices of the weak?~ 200 III, 16| powerful deaf to the voices of the weak?~ 201 III, 17| trashy presentations. Among the causes of this abuse of 202 III, 17| of indoctrination, with the aim of controlling what 203 III, 17| them access to information the authorities do not want 204 III, 17| harness their energies in the service of ideology.~ 205 III, 18| 18. Religious. In the relationship between the 206 III, 18| the relationship between the means of social communication 207 III, 18| temptations on both sides.~On the side of the media, these 208 III, 18| both sides.~On the side of the media, these include ignoring 209 III, 18| promoting religious fads at the expense of traditional faith; 210 III, 18| imprison transcendence within the confines of rationalism 211 III, 18| Today's media often mirror the post-modern state of a human 212 III, 18| human spirit "locked within the confines of its own immanence 213 III, 18| reference of any kind to the transcendent" (Fides et 214 III, 18| transcendent" (Fides et Ratio, 81).~The temptations on the side 215 III, 18| 81).~The temptations on the side of religion include 216 III, 18| against truth; downplaying the Gospel's demand for conversion, 217 III, 19| 19. In short, the media can be used for good 218 III, 19| that communication through the media is not a utilitarian 219 III, 19| a vehicle for ideology. The media can at times reduce 220 III, 19| destroy community. It is the task of communication to 221 III, 19| isolate and exploit them. The means of social communication, 222 III, 19| John Paul II, Message for the 32nd World Communications 223 IV, 20| equity, and accountability in the use of public resources 224 IV, 20| of public resources and the performance of roles of 225 IV, 20| on radio broadcasts, on the printed page and the Internet, 226 IV, 20| on the printed page and the Internet, but with a great 227 IV, 20| great deal else besides. The ethical dimension relates 228 IV, 20| dimension relates not just to the content of communication ( 229 IV, 20| content of communication (the message) and the process 230 IV, 20| communication (the message) and the process of communication ( 231 IV, 20| process of communication (how the communicating is done) but 232 IV, 20| questions of policy bearing upon the distribution of sophisticated 233 IV, 20| societies with market economies, the largest ethical question 234 IV, 20| profit against service to the public interest understood 235 IV, 20| inclusive conception of the common good.~Even to reasonable 236 IV, 20| offer what follows with the hope of encouraging such 237 IV, 21| structural and systemic issues - the fundamental ethical principle 238 IV, 21| ethical principle is this: The human person and the human 239 IV, 21| this: The human person and the human community are the 240 IV, 21| the human community are the end and measure of the use 241 IV, 21| are the end and measure of the use of the media of social 242 IV, 21| and measure of the use of the media of social communication; 243 IV, 21| by persons to persons for the integral development of 244 IV, 21| also requires attention to the "inner dimension" (Sollicitudo 245 IV, 21| 46). Everyone deserves the opportunity to grow and 246 IV, 21| and flourish in respect to the full range of physical, 247 IV, 22| principle is complementary to the first: The good of persons 248 IV, 22| complementary to the first: The good of persons cannot be 249 IV, 22| cannot be realized apart from the common good of the communities 250 IV, 22| from the common good of the communities to which they 251 IV, 22| understood in inclusive terms, as the sum total of worthy shared 252 IV, 22| commit themselves and which the community exists to serve.~ 253 IV, 22| communication rightly looks to the needs and interests of particular 254 IV, 22| another - for example, in the name of class conflict, 255 IV, 22| supremacy, ethnic cleansing, and the like. The virtue of solidarity, " 256 IV, 22| cleansing, and the like. The virtue of solidarity, "a 257 IV, 22| determination to commit oneself to the common good" (Sollicitudo 258 IV, 22| policy makers must serve the real needs and interests 259 IV, 22| pressing need for equity at the international level, where 260 IV, 22| international level, where the maldistribution of material 261 IV, 22| wealthy countries, "where the constant transformation 262 IV, 22| constant transformation of the methods of production and 263 IV, 22| who fail to keep up with the times can easily be marginalized" ( 264 IV, 22| decisions not only about the messages and processes of 265 IV, 22| about systemic issues and the allocation of resources. 266 IV, 22| allocation of resources. The decision makers have a serious 267 IV, 22| moral duty to recognize the needs and interests of those 268 IV, 22| particularly vulnerable - the poor, the elderly and unborn, 269 IV, 22| vulnerable - the poor, the elderly and unborn, children 270 IV, 22| unborn, children and youth, the oppressed and marginalized, 271 IV, 22| marginalized, women and minorities, the sick and disabled - as well 272 IV, 22| groups. Today especially, the international community 273 IV, 22| nations and regions where what the means of social communication 274 IV, 22| to do - bears a share of the blame for the perpetuation 275 IV, 22| a share of the blame for the perpetuation of evils like 276 IV, 22| interreligious conflicts, and the suppression of indigenous 277 IV, 23| continue to believe that "the solution to problems arising 278 IV, 23| connection that, although the legal and political frameworks 279 IV, 23| changing strikingly for the better, elsewhere government 280 IV, 23| exclusion" (Aetatis Novae, 5).~The presumption should always 281 IV, 23| obscenity and pornography, the morbid depiction of violence - 282 IV, 24| operated for profit.~In the interests of public participation, 283 IV, 24| forms of communication with the sensitivity that human dignity 284 IV, 24| are sometimes said to be the best indicators of public 285 IV, 24| public sentiment - in fact, the only ones necessary for 286 IV, 24| only ones necessary for the law of the market to operate. 287 IV, 24| necessary for the law of the market to operate. No doubt 288 IV, 24| market to operate. No doubt the market's voice can be heard 289 IV, 24| should not be left only to the market and to economic factors - 290 IV, 24| counted on to safeguard either the public interest as a whole 291 IV, 24| a whole or, especially, the legitimate interests of 292 IV, 24| objection may be answered by the concept of the "niche", 293 IV, 24| answered by the concept of the "niche", according to which 294 IV, 24| to particular audiences. The approach is legitimate, 295 IV, 24| fostering solidarity and peace. The Internet in particular raises 296 IV, 24| raises concerns about some of the "radically new consequences 297 IV, 24| consequences it brings: a loss of the intrinsic value of items 298 IV, 25| Professional communicators are not the only ones with ethical duties. 299 IV, 25| conscientious about theirs.~The first duty of recipients 300 IV, 25| schools and formation programs the Church should provide media 301 IV, 25| institutes of consecrated life, the following words have a broader 302 IV, 25| A community, aware of the influence of the media, 303 IV, 25| aware of the influence of the media, should learn to use 304 IV, 25| and community growth, with the evangelical clarity and 305 IV, 25| Christ (cf. Gal 4:17-23). The media propose, and often 306 IV, 25| in constant contrast with the Gospel. In this connection, 307 IV, 25| many areas one hears of the desire for deeper formation 308 IV, 25| formation in receiving and using the media, both critically and 309 IV, 25| how to evaluate and use the media, by forming their 310 IV, 25| must learn and practice the skills of discerning viewers 311 IV, 25| prudent use of media in the home. According to their 312 IV, 25| regarding media, resisting the easy path of uncritical 313 IV, 25| groups to study and discuss the problems and opportunities 314 IV, 26| promoting media education, the institutions, agencies, 315 IV, 26| agencies, and programs of the Church have other important 316 IV, 26| communication. First and foremost, the Church's practice of communication 317 IV, 26| be exemplary, reflecting the highest standards of truthfulness, 318 IV, 26| and norms. Beyond that, the Church's own media should 319 IV, 26| committed to communicating the fullness of the truth about 320 IV, 26| communicating the fullness of the truth about the meaning 321 IV, 26| fullness of the truth about the meaning of human life and 322 IV, 26| revealed word and expressed by the teaching of the Magisterium. 323 IV, 26| expressed by the teaching of the Magisterium. Pastors should 324 IV, 26| encourage use of media to spread the Gospel (cf. Code of Canon 325 IV, 26| 1).~Those who represent the Church must be honest and 326 IV, 26| journalists. Even though the questions they ask are " 327 IV, 26| in no way correspond to the message we have to get across", 328 IV, 26| Approach to Culture, 34). For the Church to speak credibly 329 IV, 26| like other citizens, have the right of free expression, 330 IV, 26| free expression, including the right of access to the media 331 IV, 26| including the right of access to the media for this purpose. 332 IV, 26| media for this purpose. The right of expression includes 333 IV, 26| expressing opinions about the good of the Church, with 334 IV, 26| opinions about the good of the Church, with due regard 335 IV, 26| Church, with due regard for the integrity of faith and morals, 336 IV, 26| and morals, respect for the pastors, and consideration 337 IV, 26| pastors, and consideration for the common good and the dignity 338 IV, 26| for the common good and the dignity of persons (cf. 339 IV, 26| has a right to speak for the Church, or imply he or she 340 IV, 26| should not be presented as the Church's teaching (cf. Canon 341 IV, 26| teaching (cf. Canon 227).~The Church would be well served 342 IV, 26| personnel generally. Provided the media are "neutral, open 343 IV, 26| and it is important that the latter be "well-trained 344 IV, 26| internal communication in the Church. A two-way flow of 345 IV, 26| expression sensitive to the well being of the community 346 IV, 26| sensitive to the well being of the community and to the role 347 IV, 26| of the community and to the role of the Magisterium 348 IV, 26| community and to the role of the Magisterium in fostering 349 IV, 26| important expressions of "the fundamental right of dialogue 350 IV, 26| dialogue and information within the Church" (Aetatis Novae, 351 IV, 26| Communio et Progressio, 20).~The right of expression must 352 IV, 26| deference to revealed truth and the Church's teaching, and with 353 IV, 26| communities and institutions, the Church sometimes needs - 354 IV, 26| But this should not be for the sake of manipulation and 355 IV, 26| manipulation and control. Within the communion of faith, "holders 356 IV, 26| dedicated to promoting the interests of their brethren, 357 IV, 26| so that all who belong to the People of God, and are consequently 358 IV, 26| communication is one of the ways of realizing this vision.~ 359 V, 27| 27. As the third millennium of the 360 V, 27| the third millennium of the Christian era begins, humankind 361 V, 27| creating a global network for the instantaneous transmission 362 V, 27| entertainment, politics, the arts, religion, and every 363 V, 27| happening in real time on the other side of the planet. 364 V, 27| time on the other side of the planet. People can tap directly 365 V, 27| quantities of data beyond the reach of many scholars and 366 V, 27| and virtue, or plunge to the depths of human degradation, 367 V, 27| interactivity increases, the distinction between communicators 368 V, 27| research is needed into the impact, and especially the 369 V, 27| the impact, and especially the ethical implications, of 370 V, 28| despite their immense power, the means of communication are, 371 V, 28| both good and evil uses. The choice is ours. The media 372 V, 28| uses. The choice is ours. The media do not call for a 373 V, 28| new ethic; they call for the application of established 374 V, 28| role to play. Ethics in the media is not the business 375 V, 28| Ethics in the media is not the business only of specialists, 376 V, 28| moral philosophy; rather, the reflection and dialogue 377 V, 29| will they be committed to the common good? Or will they 378 V, 29| inward-looking, committed to the benefit of particular groups - 379 V, 29| peoples, while respecting the cultural traditions of each; 380 V, 29| will it be a tool to enrich the rich and empower the powerful? 381 V, 29| enrich the rich and empower the powerful? We have to choose.~ 382 V, 29| powerful? We have to choose.~The means of communication also 383 V, 29| inescapable question: Will the audience of the future be 384 V, 29| question: Will the audience of the future be a multitude of 385 V, 29| audiences of one? While the new technology can enhance 386 V, 29| global community, might the ‘web' of the future turn 387 V, 29| community, might the ‘web' of the future turn out to be a 388 V, 29| in a world like that?~In the best of circumstances, human 389 V, 29| does no harm and serves the best interests of all. In 390 V, 29| best interests of all. In the world of media, moreover, 391 V, 29| world of media, moreover, the inherent difficulties of 392 V, 29| magnified by ideology, by the desire for profit and political 393 V, 29| s media vastly increase the outreach of social communication - 394 V, 29| speed; they do not make the reaching out of mind to 395 V, 30| 30. As we have said, the special contributions which 396 V, 30| special contributions which the Church brings to the discussion 397 V, 30| which the Church brings to the discussion of these matters 398 V, 30| whose members are joined by the virtue of solidarity in 399 V, 30| solidarity in pursuit of the common good of all. The 400 V, 30| the common good of all. The need for these two visions 401 V, 30| time when we are faced with the patent inadequacy of perspectives 402 V, 30| of perspectives in which the ephemeral is affirmed as 403 V, 30| affirmed as a value and the possibility of discovering 404 V, 30| possibility of discovering the real meaning of life is 405 V, 30| stumble through life to the very edge of the abyss without 406 V, 30| life to the very edge of the abyss without knowing where 407 V, 30| Fides et Ratio, 6).~In the face of this crisis, the 408 V, 30| the face of this crisis, the Church stands forth as an " 409 V, 30| her religious mission to the various fields" of human 410 V, 30| Progressio, 13). She may not keep the truth about the human person 411 V, 30| not keep the truth about the human person and the human 412 V, 30| about the human person and the human community to herself; 413 V, 30| that people can say no to the truth - and to her.~Attempting 414 V, 30| high ethical standards in the use of the means of social 415 V, 30| standards in the use of the means of social communication, 416 V, 30| of social communication, the Church seeks dialogue and 417 V, 30| duty to protect and promote the common good of the political 418 V, 30| promote the common good of the political community; with 419 V, 30| with men and women from the world of culture and the 420 V, 30| the world of culture and the arts; with scholars and 421 V, 30| teachers engaged in forming the communicators and audiences 422 V, 30| communicators and audiences of the future; with members of 423 V, 30| desire that media be used for the glory of God and the service 424 V, 30| for the glory of God and the service of the human race ( 425 V, 30| of God and the service of the human race (cf. Pontifical 426 V, 31| activity. "With loving regard, the divine Artist passes on 427 V, 31| divine Artist passes on to the human artist" - and, we 428 V, 31| and, we might say, to the communicator as well - " 429 V, 31| Letter to Artists, 1).~The Christian communicator in 430 V, 31| vocation: to speak out against the false gods and idols of 431 V, 31| false gods and idols of the day - materialism, hedonism, 432 V, 31| narrow nationalism, and the rest - holding up for all 433 V, 31| human dignity and rights, the preferential option for 434 V, 31| preferential option for the poor, the universal destination 435 V, 31| preferential option for the poor, the universal destination of 436 V, 31| natural death; and seeking the more perfect realization 437 V, 31| more perfect realization of the Kingdom in this world while 438 V, 31| remaining aware that, at the end of time, Jesus will 439 V, 31| things and return them to the Father (cf. 1 Cor 15:24).~ 440 V, 32| In these last days" God the Father "has spoken to us 441 V, 32| communicates to us now and always the Father's love and the ultimate 442 V, 32| always the Father's love and the ultimate meaning of our 443 V, 32| Christ revealed himself as the perfect communicator. Through 444 V, 32| not only in words but in the whole manner of his life. 445 V, 32| that is to say, from out of the press of his people. He 446 V, 32| his people. He preached the divine message without fear 447 V, 32| thought. And he spoke out of the predicament of their time" ( 448 V, 32| 32). He told them about the Father and at the same time 449 V, 32| about the Father and at the same time referred them 450 V, 32| himself, explaining, "I am the way, and the truth, and 451 V, 32| explaining, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life" (Jn 452 V, 32| way, and the truth, and the life" (Jn 14:6) and "he 453 V, 32| who has seen me has seen the Father" (Jn 14:9). He did 454 V, 32| For his "food" was to do the will of the Father who sent 455 V, 32| food" was to do the will of the Father who sent him (Jn 456 V, 32| Often Jesus' teaching took the form of parables and vivid 457 V, 32| identity and manifesting the power of God (cf. Evangelii 458 V, 32| attention and help them receive the message, without coercion 459 V, 32| a moral act: "For out of the abundance of the heart the 460 V, 32| out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. 461 V, 32| the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man 462 V, 32| heart the mouth speaks. The good man out of his good 463 V, 32| treasure brings forth good, and the evil man out of his evil 464 V, 32| forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment men will 465 V, 32| sternly against scandalizing the "little ones", and warned 466 V, 32| and he were thrown into the sea" (Mk 9:42; cf. Mt 18: 467 V, 33| 33. Jesus is the model and the standard of 468 V, 33| Jesus is the model and the standard of our communicating. 469 V, 33| recipients or in any other role, the conclusion is clear: "Therefore, 470 V, 33| falsehood, let every one speak the truth with his neighbor, 471 V, 33| good for edifying, as fits the occasion, that it may impart 472 V, 33| Eph 4:25,29). Serving the human person, building up 473 V, 33| justice and love, and speaking the truth about human life and 474 V, 33| are, and will remain at the heart of ethics in the media.~ 475 V, 33| at the heart of ethics in the media.~Vatican City, June