Wartość życia ludzkiego z perspektywy encykliki „Evangelium vitae”

Abstract

John Paul II has besought us that human life be respected in all stages of its development. His appeal stems out, above all, from the fundamental value of that life. Sacredness and sanctity of human life may never be reduced to the quality of life, understood in a materialistic and utilitarian way. Referring himself to the message of the encyclical Evangelium vitae, the author depicts the value of human life in the light of that Gospel of life, whose essence and centre is the person, the life and the saving work of Jesus Christ. This, however, does not mean that the natural level should be abandoned, for man is able to recognize the essential value of human life in the light of reason. Accordingly, the author emphasizes first the significance of an integral concept of human life for the reading out of the value of human life. While stressing the spiritual and corporeal unity of man, we defend ourselves on the one hand against the error of biologism in its approach to human life, and on the other, we may duly read out the place of corporeality within human life. It is true that the Gospel of life shows the value of life, first of all, in relation to Christ, but it has its origin in the act of creation. For the creation of man unveils the special value of human life in relation to other creatures. This special character of human life is all the more recognized by people within the framework of the Covenant. It is Jesus Christ who makes the most complete perspective for the reading out of the value of human life. Incarnation and resurrection, the whole work of salvation, unveil the ultimate perspective of human life in the gift of “eternal life, and in no way do they belittle the earthly stage of human life. Just the opposite, man already here participates in a “new life,” that is in the life of God alone. Sacredness and sanctity of human life is then most profoundly justified in the Gospel of life. To know and to recognize the value of life is to be called upon to its development and protection, therefore the commandment, “you shalt not kill” is grounded exactly in the recognition of the value of human life.