Today’s world seems to be dominated by the quest for profit as the primary consideration. Greed for money has replaced God for many people. The common good seems to be disregarded.

The result is increasing social inequality, leading to an unjust society and environmental degradation. Indeed, unless mitigated, climate change (for which there is overwhelming scientific evidence) is a threat to humanity’s future with the risk of an environmental catastrophe.

Is humanity on the road to hell?

Christian values are in the best interest of society because they promote respect for human dignity, a just society and the common good. Yet, in today’s increasingly materialistic society they seem to be given increasingly less importance.

Freedom and the common good should be the guiding principles. However, freedom is not absolute but is relative to choosing good and rejecting evil. This is essentially the sacrament of baptism.

French philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau sees freedom as the opportunity to do the right thing. If we deviate from the principle of the common good, we do so at our risk.

Disregard for the common good may put the future of humanity at risk.