“Behind every form of evil in our society is the loss of a sense of God”
— Pope Francis
Simplified Meaning:
When people forget about or stop believing in a higher power or moral guidance, they might not feel as accountable for their actions. This can lead to bad behavior because there's no fear of being judged or punished later. For example, if a person knows there are no rules or consequences for stealing, they might feel more encouraged to take something that isn't theirs. In some societies, strong beliefs in God or a moral system have helped people stay honest and kind to each other. Losing these beliefs can sometimes make people more likely to do harmful things because they feel less bound by moral or ethical standards. To apply this idea, individuals and communities might work on fostering a sense of shared values and accountability, making sure people know there are reasons to do good and avoid harm, whether those reasons are religious or just based on mutual respect and the well-being of others.