Christianity
Essay by review • January 1, 2011 • Essay • 447 Words (2 Pages) • 1,153 Views
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.
Contents
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• 1 Basic beliefs
• 2 Evangelicals and "creation care"
• 3 External links
• 4 References
[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]
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