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Theology & the Environment
As the advancement of science permits humanity to better understand its impact
upon the earth, theologians are increasingly being forced to grapple with important
questions of environmental ethics. What does the Judeo-Christian tradition teach
about humanity's obligation to care for creation? Is human "dominion" responsible
for the ecological crisis? How do the needs of the human person and the integrity
of creation properly intersect? This section will examine the foundations of
creation theology and address the proper place for the human person in the natural
order.
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." The first sentence
of the Bible together with the subsequent creation of man, provide a necessary
foundation for environmental reflection. God made the earth, and gave
to human beings a special place and a role of stewardship in relation
to the rest of creation. This place and this role afford human beings
a unique dignity and responsibility. Environmental stewardship properly
addresses both human responsibility to the environment and the special
place and dignity of human beings within God's creation.
Many Judeo-Christian denominations and organizations have attempted to
provide theological statements pertaining to creation and environmental
stewardship. As you read through theological statements of interest to
you, you may want to consider this
paradigm as you reflect on issues of enviromental stewardship.
In 1967, the American cultural historian Lynn White wrote that Christianity
is uniquely responsible for growing environmental problems. White claimed
that Judeo-Christian religion was the world's most 'anthropocentric' religion,
blaming it for Western technologies' exploitative relationship with nature.
White's, highly controversial article, now a classic, gave rise to a new
dialogue on religious environmentalism which is still affecting discussions
today in churches all over the world.
The Historical Roots of Our Ecologic Crisis
Science Magazine
March 10, 1967
Lynn White, Jr.
[permission pending]
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