8.3 Eco-theology

Eco-theology explores the connection between religion and the environment. It examines how faith, particularly Christianity, can inform our understanding of creation care and ecological issues. This field seeks to develop a theological basis for environmental stewardship.

Key thinkers like Thomas Berry and Sallie McFague have shaped eco-theology. It emphasizes the intrinsic value of creation, stewardship, and the link between environmental and social justice. Eco-theology also engages with climate change and promotes sustainable practices in religious communities.

Eco-theology foundations

Defining eco-theology

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• Interdisciplinary field that explores the relationship between religion, particularly Christianity, and the natural environment
• Examines theological and ethical dimensions of environmental issues, seeking to develop a faith-based response to ecological crises
• Draws upon various sources, including scripture, tradition, reason, and experience, to articulate a Christian understanding of creation care

Theological basis for creation care

• Affirms the intrinsic value and goodness of creation, as expressed in the Genesis creation narratives (Gen. 1-2)
• Emphasizes the concept of stewardship, which holds that humans are responsible for tending and preserving the earth as God's creation
• Draws upon themes of interconnectedness and the sacramental nature of creation, as reflected in the writings of theologians such as Thomas Berry and Sallie McFague
• Highlights the incarnation of Christ as a affirmation of the material world and the importance of embodied spirituality

Key eco-theology thinkers

• Thomas Berry (1914-2009): Developed a "new cosmology" that emphasized the sacred character of the universe and the need for a new ecological era
• Sallie McFague (1933-2019): Proposed a "metaphorical theology" that reimagined God as the "body of the world" and called for a practice of "planetary love"
• Jürgen Moltmann (1926-): Articulated a "theology of hope" that affirms the eschatological renewal of creation and the role of the Holy Spirit in ecological liberation
• Pope Francis (1936-): Issued the encyclical Laudato Si' (2015), which offered a comprehensive Catholic vision of integral ecology and the need for ecological conversion

Eco-theology and environmentalism

Christian environmental ethics

• Seeks to develop a distinctively Christian approach to environmental ethics, grounded in biblical and theological principles
• Emphasizes the intrinsic value of creation and the moral imperative to care for the earth as an expression of love for God and neighbor
• Engages with key ethical concepts such as sustainability, the common good, and intergenerational justice
• Calls for a re-evaluation of anthropocentric and utilitarian approaches to nature, and a embrace of an eco-centric worldview

Eco-justice and social justice

• Recognizes the interconnections between ecological degradation and social injustice, particularly the disproportionate impact of environmental problems on marginalized communities
• Calls for a holistic approach to justice that addresses both ecological and social dimensions, recognizing that the "cry of the earth" and the "cry of the poor" are intertwined
• Draws upon liberation theology and Catholic social teaching to articulate a vision of integral ecology and the preferential option for the poor
• Advocates for policies and practices that promote both environmental sustainability and social equity (renewable energy, sustainable agriculture)

Faith-based environmental activism

• Involves the mobilization of religious communities and organizations to address environmental issues through advocacy, education, and direct action
• Draws upon religious values and teachings to inspire and motivate environmental activism, framing it as a moral and spiritual imperative
• Includes initiatives such as the Interfaith Power and Light movement, which works to promote energy conservation and renewable energy in congregations
• Engages in public witness and advocacy around issues such as climate change, deforestation, and environmental racism

Biblical perspectives on ecology

Creation narratives in Genesis

• Affirms the goodness and intrinsic value of creation, as expressed in the repeated refrain "and God saw that it was good" (Gen. 1:4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25)
• Presents humans as created in the image of God (imago Dei) and given a special role and responsibility within creation (Gen. 1:26-28)
• Depicts the garden of Eden as a paradigm of harmonious relationships between God, humans, and the natural world (Gen. 2:8-15)
• Interprets the fall as a disruption of these relationships, leading to alienation and environmental disorder (Gen. 3:17-19)

Stewardship vs dominion debate

• Centers on the interpretation of the biblical concept of dominion (radah) in Gen. 1:26-28, and whether it implies a mandate for exploitation or responsible stewardship
• Some argue that dominion grants humans the right to use and control nature for their own benefit, while others contend that it entails a duty to care for creation as God's representatives
• The stewardship model emphasizes the role of humans as caretakers and trustees of creation, called to tend and keep the earth (Gen. 2:15) and to exercise dominion in a way that reflects God's love and concern for all creatures
• The dominion model has been critiqued for promoting an anthropocentric and utilitarian view of nature that has contributed to ecological destruction

Eschatology and the environment

• Explores the ecological implications of Christian beliefs about the end times and the ultimate destiny of creation
• Some eschatological perspectives, such as premillennial dispensationalism, have been criticized for promoting a pessimistic and escapist attitude towards the environment, viewing the earth as destined for destruction
• Other perspectives, such as the "new creation" theology of N.T. Wright, affirm the ultimate redemption and renewal of the entire cosmos, including the natural world
• An eschatological vision of the "new heavens and new earth" (Rev. 21:1) can inspire hope and motivate ecological action, recognizing that present efforts to care for creation are not in vain but rather anticipate and participate in God's ultimate purposes

Eco-theology and climate change

Religious responses to climate crisis

• Recognizes climate change as a profound moral and spiritual challenge that demands a response from religious communities
• Draws upon religious teachings and values to articulate the ethical dimensions of climate change, such as the principles of stewardship, justice, and concern for the vulnerable
• Calls for a transformation of hearts and minds, as well as structural changes in society, to address the root causes of climate change and to build a more sustainable and resilient world
• Engages in advocacy and activism to promote climate justice and to support policies and practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect vulnerable communities

Climate change as moral issue

• Frames climate change as a moral and ethical issue, rather than simply a scientific or political one
• Emphasizes the disproportionate impact of climate change on the poor and marginalized, who are least responsible for causing the problem but most vulnerable to its effects
• Calls for a re-evaluation of consumerist lifestyles and economic systems that prioritize short-term gain over long-term sustainability and the common good
• Recognizes the intergenerational dimensions of climate change and the moral obligation to protect the planet for future generations

Interfaith climate initiatives

• Involves collaboration and dialogue among different religious traditions to address the shared challenge of climate change
• Recognizes that climate change is a global problem that requires a global response, and that religious communities have a unique role to play in mobilizing moral and spiritual resources for change
• Includes initiatives such as the Interfaith Power and Light movement, GreenFaith, and the World Council of Churches' "Climate Justice for All" campaign
• Engages in joint statements, advocacy, and action to promote climate justice and to influence public policy at local, national, and international levels

Eco-theology in practice

Greening churches and congregations

• Involves the practical implementation of eco-theological principles in the life and ministry of local churches and faith communities
• Includes initiatives such as energy efficiency and conservation, waste reduction and recycling, sustainable landscaping and grounds management, and green building and renovation
• Encourages congregations to conduct energy audits, to switch to renewable energy sources, and to adopt sustainable practices in their facilities and operations
• Promotes education and awareness-raising among members about environmental issues and the theological basis for creation care

Eco-spirituality and worship

• Seeks to integrate ecological themes and practices into the spiritual life and worship of faith communities
• Includes the use of creation-centered liturgies, prayers, and hymns that celebrate the beauty and wonder of the natural world and express a commitment to its care
• Incorporates nature-based spiritual practices such as outdoor worship, meditation, and retreats that foster a sense of connection and intimacy with creation
• Encourages a sacramental view of nature that recognizes the presence and activity of God in all things, and that seeks to cultivate a sense of reverence and respect for the earth

Lifestyle choices and sustainability

• Calls for a re-evaluation of personal and communal lifestyle choices in light of eco-theological principles and the urgent challenges of environmental sustainability
• Encourages individuals and families to adopt sustainable practices such as reducing energy and water consumption, using renewable energy, eating a plant-based diet, reducing waste, and supporting local and organic agriculture
• Promotes a shift away from consumerist and materialistic values towards a simpler and more sustainable way of life that prioritizes relationships, community, and spiritual growth
• Recognizes the importance of individual choices and actions, while also acknowledging the need for systemic and structural changes to address environmental challenges

Critiques of eco-theology

Charges of neo-paganism

• Some critics argue that eco-theology represents a departure from traditional Christian theology and a embrace of neo-pagan or pantheistic beliefs that blur the distinction between Creator and creation
• Concerns that an emphasis on the sacredness of nature and the intrinsic value of all creatures can lead to a diminished view of human uniqueness and the special role of humans as bearers of the divine image
• Fears that eco-spirituality practices such as nature worship and earth-based rituals can foster a form of idolatry that displaces the worship of the transcendent God
• Responses to these charges emphasize the biblical basis for creation care and the need to distinguish between pantheism (God is nature) and panentheism (God is in nature but also beyond it)

Eco-theology vs traditional theology

• Some critics argue that eco-theology represents a distortion or dilution of traditional Christian doctrines such as sin, salvation, and eschatology
• Concerns that an emphasis on the goodness of creation and the continuity between nature and grace can obscure the reality of human sinfulness and the need for divine redemption
• Fears that an ecological eschatology that affirms the ultimate redemption of all things can undermine the urgency of evangelism and the call to personal repentance and faith
• Responses to these critiques seek to articulate an eco-theology that is grounded in biblical and orthodox Christian teachings, while also recognizing the need for a re-interpretation of these teachings in light of the ecological crisis

Limits of religious environmentalism

• Some critics argue that religious environmentalism, while well-intentioned, is ultimately inadequate to address the scale and complexity of the ecological crisis
• Concerns that a focus on individual lifestyle choices and spiritual practices can distract from the need for systemic and structural changes in society, politics, and economics
• Fears that an emphasis on interfaith dialogue and collaboration can lead to a watering down of distinctive religious beliefs and a loss of prophetic witness
• Recognition of the need for religious communities to work in partnership with secular organizations and movements, while also maintaining their unique identity and voice in the public sphere