Inter Mirifica is the Encyclical Letter of Pope Paul VI and was published on December 4, 1963. This Encyclical Letter is concerned about on the media of social communications. God has given man the gift of creative mind in which this new and advance means of communication was discovered. These new means of communication during the 20th century was the radio, television, movies and the press. Now in the 21st century, the most influential medium for social communication is the use of internet or popularly known as social networking sites. These forms of media are very powerful in terms of influencing and forming the character of a person. The nature of these media is to educate and reach out to the whole human society and not only to an individual person. The media of social communications has advantages and disadvantages. Since God has given man the freedom, it is up to us to be responsible in utilizing these forms of media for the common good or our own selfish interest which could lead to the destruction of the whole human society.
As Christians, it is our duty to promote, spread, and preach the Gospel to the whole world. In doing so, the media of social communications are very helpful in doing our duty and we must utilize it in their proper use. It is also our duty to promote and patronize Christian media of social communications such as EWTN TV channel, Radio Veritas, Go Fish, Kerygma and other magazines by Bo Sanchez, and other Christian Catholic radio stations, television channels, magazines, books and newspapers. In this way, we do not only educate and save ourselves but also other people especially the youths.
On the contrary, other people who are in authority in the media of social communication utilize it against the teachings of the Catholic Church by spreading false information, which deprives us from our right to be informed, as long as they have something to report and gain. Media of social communication is a form of art. Unfortunately, some people have a distorted view on the relationship of art and morality. In doing an art, especially on mass media, the artist must follow a certain code of morality. One must not think of his or her own self interest but rather, he or she must have an altruistic outlook. Therefore, the people who bear a great moral responsibility are the artists, newsmen, writers, actors, designers, producers, operators and sellers as well as others who art part in the production of media of social communications.
Therefore, the Church leaders, public servants, teachers and parents must educate the youth specifically on their moral duty; the relationship of art and morality; and their rights as human. If each and every one of us will do his or her moral duty, either Christian or Non-Christian, this current issue on the moral standards of mass media would not be much a problem. We would be living in a peaceful and harmonious society and free from immorality – which leads man to sin and corruption.
Verbum Domini 