Faith Series, Episode 107

DRE, Ibadan Archdiocese

Human life is believed and taught to be sacred, and that the dignity of the human person is paramount. This teaching is the foundation on which every other principle lies. It is very imperative, that this principle be upheld because of the various dehumanizing treatment and degrading tendencies to which the human person has been historically subjected. Thus, based on the principle of the sacredness of human life and the dignity of the human person, it is believed that everyone is precious, that people or persons are more important than things, and that we must avoid everything that is capable of threatening or having destructive tendencies on the human person. The dignity of man does not come from the work he does, but from the persons they are. Human beings, therefore, are meant to be served by all the institutions, and not to be exploited for any gain. As such, anything that could insult human dignity, such as subhuman living, deportation, slavery, prostitution, the selling of women and children, should be frowned at.

 

THE MEANING OF HUMAN LIFE

The meaning of human life is undermined if we do not take cognizance of the creator, who has given us a purpose that goes further than mere self-gratification. That is why human beings have a purpose in life –to work with the creator because humans have been endowed in him. It shows that humans find their meaning and purpose in the creator. Conversely, if there is no purpose to life, one needs to create it without succumbing to the adversities of life and its confusing moments.

In view of this fact, the individual must make it a point of duty to enhance human life and its existence. It must not be survival of the fittest. That is why any attempt to insert a non-existent purpose into human life would be counter-productive, and its purpose defeated.

 

THE SACREDNESS OF HUMAN LIFE

Human life is so scared by virtue of having been created by God, who has put his spirit in man, making him male and female (Genesis 1:27). God charged humans with the duty to take care of all of creation. Man was given seed bearing plants and all the trees with seed bearing fruits for food (Genesis 1:28-30).

Human life is so sacred: he who sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed, because in the image of God was man created (Genesis 9:6). There lies the sacredness of human life.