In his various documents, especially in the encyclical Laudato Si’ (2015), Pope Francis highlighted that one of the threats in the present-day context was the growing ‘throwaway mentality’ of the people. It is said to be detrimental to the environment, for it has the tendency to value consumerism, profiteering, and individualism, and promotes the disposal of all things deemed no longer useful. However, throwaway mentality or throwaway culture is also manifesting in human dealings, such as the growing preference for live-in relationships or cohabitation, wherein one can easily dump a partner if found, later, that they are not compatible with each other. Using Cardinal Cardijn’s “see-judge-act” method in theological reflection, this research paper attempts to articulate the teachings of Pope Francis on throwaway culture. The “see” part of the paper dwells on the younger generations’ growing acceptance of cohabitation in forming a family. The “Judge” part focuses on Pope Francis’s teachings on the danger of throwaway culture in human relationships. Other Church teachings related to the topic are also explored. For the “Action” part, the researcher makes sense of the risks of a throwaway mentality, leading to the insights, recommendations, and conclusion underscoring that live-in relationships are indicative of a throwaway mentality and can be detrimental to the strengthening of the institution of marriage and family.

Authors:
Joselito Gutierrez, University of Santo Tomas, Philippines

About the Presenter(s)
Joselito G. Gutierrez, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Institute of Religion, University of Santo Tomas, Manila. He is also a Research Associate in the UST Center for Theology, Religious Studies, and Ethics. His research interests include fatherhood, parenting, gerontology, pastoral theology, and marriage and family, among others. Dr. Gutierrez has presented research papers at various conferences and published several articles in prestigious international journals.

Connect on ResearchGate
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joselito-Gutierrez

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