22nd Apr 2006
Eco-theology on Earth Day
So much of how we treat the natural world in the West has dictated by an understanding of our relationship with God and nature in Genesis.
Genesis 1:28
And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.
Genesis 1:29
And God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in the which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed; to you it shall be for meat.
Clearly in this translation (King James) and in much of the current religious understanding of these verses, there is an anthropocentricism and an emphasis on our human powers to dominate the other elements in nature.
Without engaging in a lengthy exegesis (found here), I’ll summarize that most liberal theologians agree that these verses have been twisted from their original meaning, which was to encourage caretaking and guardianship of all living things.
Sad what misunderstandings can do.
A bibliography of ecological ethics.
On a lighter note, you can take an Earth Day Quiz here. Apparently I’m not so savvy only 6 of 11 correct.
And here are 11 tips for Earth Day.
And some resources for communities of faith.
