Christianity and ecology
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Christianity and ecology is a broad field that encompasses Christian theological reflection on nature, Christian liturgical and spiritual practices centered on ecological concerns, as well as Christian-based activism in the environmental movement.
Within the activism arena, "Green Christianity" refers to a diverse group of Christians who emphasize the biblical basis for protecting and celebrating the environment. The term indicates less a particular denomination than a shared territory of concern.
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[edit] Basic beliefs
Christianity has a long historical traditional of reflection on nature and human responsibility. On the one hand, Christianity has a strong tendency toward anthropocentrism, as emphasized in the early environmentalist critique of Lynn Townsend White, Jr.. While some Christian favor a more biocentric approach, Catholic officials and others seek to retain an emphasis on humanity while incorporating environmental concerns.
On the other hand, Green Christians emphasize the ecological responsibilities of all Christians as stewards of God's earth. Beginning with Genesis 1:26-28, Green Christians point to God's instructions that humanity protect the creation in God's name. Green Christian's point out that the biblical emphasis is on stewardship, not ownership--that the earth remains the Lord's and does not belong to its human inhabitants. Leviticus 25:23 states:
- "The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants."[1]
As a result of the doctrine of stewardship, Green Christians oppose policies and practices that threaten the health or survival of the planet. Of particular concern to such Christians are Global warming, renewable energy, and all other practices that contribute to climate change or threaten to deplete natural resources. Many Green Christians have broken with conservative political leaders as a result of these positions. [2]
[edit] Evangelicals and "creation care"
As the scientific community has presented evidence of radical climate change, the evangelical community and other Christian groups have emphasized the need for Christian ecology, often employing the phrase "creation care" to indicate the religious basis of their project. Prominent members of the so-called Christian right have broken with the Bush administration and other conservative politicians over the issue of climate change. Christianity Today, for instance, endorsed the McCain-Lieberman global warming bill, which was eventually defeated by the Republican congress and opposed by Bush. According to the magazine, "Christians should make it clear to governments and businesses that we are willing to adapt our lifestyles and support steps towards changes that protect our environment." The increasing Christian support for strong positions on climate change and related issues has been referred to as "The Greening of Evangelicals."[3] Many Christians have expressed dissatisfaction with a leadership they feel places the interests of big businesses over Christian doctrine.[4]
[edit] External links
- A collection of Christian ecology links from the U.K.
- Various resources relating to Christianity and the environment
- NPR on Evangelical leaders and climate change
- A Rocha's Caring for Creation page
- Resources on Judaism and the environment
- Washington State Catholic Conference Columbia River Pastoral page
- Christian Environmental Association
- Creation Stewards of McLean Bible Church in Virginia, USA
- Care of Creation Inc., an evangelical environmental organization
