Ecology and Ecology and Christian LifeChristian Life

Man-Sung YimMan-Sung Yim

North Carolina State North Carolina State UniversityUniversity

Christian Worldview NetworksAugust 7, 2009

OutlineOutline

• Ecological EthicsEcological Ethics• Biblical PerspectivesBiblical Perspectives• Christian Spirituality and EcologyChristian Spirituality and Ecology

ReferencesReferences

• Patrick Curry, Ecological Ethics, Patrick Curry, Ecological Ethics, Polity Press, Cambridge, UK, 2006.Polity Press, Cambridge, UK, 2006.

• Brennan Hill, Christian Faith and the Brennan Hill, Christian Faith and the Environment, Orbis Books, Environment, Orbis Books, Maryknoll, NY, 1998. Maryknoll, NY, 1998.

• Robert Fowler, The Greening of Robert Fowler, The Greening of Protestant Thought, University of Protestant Thought, University of North Carolina Press, 1995.North Carolina Press, 1995.

EthicsEthics

• The question of how one should live The question of how one should live and act.and act.

• A dimension of every human A dimension of every human experience and enterprise.experience and enterprise.

EcologicalEcological

• The word was coined in 1866 by the The word was coined in 1866 by the German natural philosopher Ernst German natural philosopher Ernst Haeckel.Haeckel.

• He borrowed the Greek work He borrowed the Greek work oikosoikos (‘home’ or ‘household’) to describe the (‘home’ or ‘household’) to describe the scientific study of the relationships scientific study of the relationships among organisms and between them and among organisms and between them and their environments.their environments.

• Commonly understood to describe a Commonly understood to describe a metaphysical and/or political philosophy metaphysical and/or political philosophy centered on nature.centered on nature.

What about ‘environmental What about ‘environmental ethics’?ethics’?

• ‘‘Environment’ is widely understood Environment’ is widely understood in its literal meaning, i.e., that which in its literal meaning, i.e., that which surrounds.surrounds.

• It thus has the connotation that it It thus has the connotation that it denotes a passive setting which is of denotes a passive setting which is of secondary interest to humans.secondary interest to humans.

Why care?Why care?

• The earth is in crisisThe earth is in crisis• Leaving environmental decisions to Leaving environmental decisions to

the “experts” may not rescue the the “experts” may not rescue the ecosystem. ecosystem.

• Expert decisions will not necessarily Expert decisions will not necessarily be objective and value neutral.be objective and value neutral.

Ecological ImpactEcological Impact

• I I == P P xx L L xx T T• PPopulation sizeopulation size• LLifestyle (affluence or consumption, ifestyle (affluence or consumption,

the per capita use of resources)the per capita use of resources)• TTechnology (the per capita effect of echnology (the per capita effect of

technologies, as energy-consuming technologies, as energy-consuming and/or polluting)and/or polluting)

• ‘‘O’O’ for the effects of the way human for the effects of the way human societies are organized: societies are organized: PLOTPLOT..

Role of ScienceRole of Science

• Science plays an important part in our Science plays an important part in our awareness of the fact of ecocrisis.awareness of the fact of ecocrisis.

• It provides many of the indicators It provides many of the indicators outside of our personal experience.outside of our personal experience.

• Green technology will play important Green technology will play important role in alleviating ecocrisis.role in alleviating ecocrisis.

• Science of ecology was a major Science of ecology was a major inspiration for metaphysical and inspiration for metaphysical and political ecology.political ecology.

Belief in Modern Techno-Belief in Modern Techno-ScienceScience

• Some believes that science offers Some believes that science offers unique access to ‘the truth’.unique access to ‘the truth’.

• Scientism: ‘Science is not one way of Scientism: ‘Science is not one way of being among many but the only valid or being among many but the only valid or true one’true one’

• Cornucopian dreamCornucopian dream– A A cornucopiancornucopian is a futurist who believes is a futurist who believes

that continued progress and provision of that continued progress and provision of material items for mankind can be met by material items for mankind can be met by similarly continued advances in similarly continued advances in technology. technology.

TechnologyTechnology• Technology is unlikely to be able to Technology is unlikely to be able to

compensate for uncontrolled expansion of compensate for uncontrolled expansion of either population or consumption.either population or consumption.

• Technological ‘solutions’ tend to create new Technological ‘solutions’ tend to create new problems.problems.

• Development of cheap and efficient non-Development of cheap and efficient non-polluting technologies will lead to massive polluting technologies will lead to massive increase in consumption.increase in consumption.

• ““The earth cannot be saved by even the most The earth cannot be saved by even the most perfect technocratic scheme if ordinary perfect technocratic scheme if ordinary citizens do not themselves realize the need for citizens do not themselves realize the need for a basic change in the way we dwell upon this a basic change in the way we dwell upon this earth, confront the apostle of consumption and earth, confront the apostle of consumption and find the will to live in sustainable way” (Kohak, find the will to live in sustainable way” (Kohak, 2000)2000)

Other Limits of ScienceOther Limits of Science

• Science cannot supply answers to Science cannot supply answers to the most important, fundamental the most important, fundamental questions:questions:– Question of meaningQuestion of meaning– Question of valueQuestion of value– Question of justiceQuestion of justice

• What is good, right, or fair?What is good, right, or fair?– These are existential decisions we must These are existential decisions we must

make for ourselves.make for ourselves.

What is Ethics?What is Ethics?

• ‘‘Ethics’ comes from the Greek word Ethics’ comes from the Greek word ethos, ethos, meaning custom.meaning custom.

• Its philosophical usage refers Its philosophical usage refers – Not to Not to “how people actually do behave “how people actually do behave

in their dealings with each other”in their dealings with each other”– But to But to “how they ought to behave”.“how they ought to behave”.

• The fundamental ethical question: The fundamental ethical question: – ““How should one best live, or what How should one best live, or what

should one best do?” (Socrates)should one best do?” (Socrates)

Ethical Realism vs. Ethical Realism vs. RelativismRelativism

• RealismRealism– There are things, values or ways of behaving that There are things, values or ways of behaving that

exist independently of whether anyone knows exist independently of whether anyone knows them.them.

• RelativismRelativism– Whether or not there are ‘things in themselves’, Whether or not there are ‘things in themselves’,

some things (and arguably all things) can never some things (and arguably all things) can never actually be known in themselves, because they actually be known in themselves, because they can never be separated from our knowledge of can never be separated from our knowledge of them.them.

– Therefore, ‘representations’ can only ever be Therefore, ‘representations’ can only ever be compared with other ‘representations’, never compared with other ‘representations’, never with an unrepresented reality.with an unrepresented reality.

– There are, therefore, and can be, only truths There are, therefore, and can be, only truths which are relative in the sense that they are not which are relative in the sense that they are not final, complete or absolute. final, complete or absolute.

Objective vs. SubjectiveObjective vs. Subjective

• Everything we can know, think Everything we can know, think about, or discuss – including ethics – about, or discuss – including ethics – is a function of both of the ‘objective’ is a function of both of the ‘objective’ world and of our ‘subjective’ world and of our ‘subjective’ apprehension of it.apprehension of it.

• The resulting knowledge is The resulting knowledge is converted, through the same process converted, through the same process of awareness, reflection and of awareness, reflection and interaction, into decisions for action.interaction, into decisions for action.

The Naturalistic FallacyThe Naturalistic Fallacy

• No single ethical position (i.e., prescription: No single ethical position (i.e., prescription: what should be) logically follows from any what should be) logically follows from any set of facts (i.e., description: what is).set of facts (i.e., description: what is).

• Ethics and facts are two different orders of Ethics and facts are two different orders of discourse: discourse: – There is no reason to think that just because a There is no reason to think that just because a

behavior is ‘natural’ it is therefore ethically behavior is ‘natural’ it is therefore ethically correct.correct.

– Biological or psychological knowledge cannot Biological or psychological knowledge cannot answer the hard ethical questions we face, and answer the hard ethical questions we face, and thereby replace ethics.thereby replace ethics.

• Ethics exists somewhere in between what Ethics exists somewhere in between what is and what ought to be.is and what ought to be.

Secular EthicsSecular Ethics

• Humanism: Man replaces divinity as the central Humanism: Man replaces divinity as the central focus of life. focus of life.

• Secular natural truth took the place of God as the Secular natural truth took the place of God as the ultimate goal, and human reason played the part ultimate goal, and human reason played the part once given to the divine revelation as the means once given to the divine revelation as the means to attain it.to attain it.

• Cornucopians (techno-humanism) believe that Cornucopians (techno-humanism) believe that “There is no serious problem which does not have “There is no serious problem which does not have a scientific/technological solution, and no end to a scientific/technological solution, and no end to human progress and growth.”human progress and growth.”

• This contributes to a widely held view of the non-This contributes to a widely held view of the non-human natural world as a set of inert raw human natural world as a set of inert raw resources to be mastered and exploited by human resources to be mastered and exploited by human reason.reason.

Modern Secular EthicsModern Secular Ethics

• Two concerns Two concerns – The individual rights of liberal democracyThe individual rights of liberal democracy– The collective rights of social/socialist The collective rights of social/socialist

democracydemocracy• The guarantor of rights is the state, with The guarantor of rights is the state, with

which individuals and/or groups supposedly which individuals and/or groups supposedly have a contract.have a contract.

• Modernism: The ideas and values centered Modernism: The ideas and values centered on the interlocking institutions of capital, on the interlocking institutions of capital, techno-science and the nation-state – that techno-science and the nation-state – that drive the project of modernitydrive the project of modernity

• Questioning the project of modernity - Questioning the project of modernity - postmodernpostmodern

Three Schools of EthicsThree Schools of Ethics

• Virtue EthicsVirtue Ethics• Deontology (‘Rights’)Deontology (‘Rights’)• Utilitarianism (‘Consequences’)Utilitarianism (‘Consequences’)

Virtue EthicsVirtue Ethics• Stems from the philosophy of Plato.Stems from the philosophy of Plato.• Its central focus is on Its central focus is on developing a virtuous characterdeveloping a virtuous character..• The exercise of virtue is what produces a good person.The exercise of virtue is what produces a good person.• Such a character is marked by its possession of the Such a character is marked by its possession of the

four classical virtues: temperance, justice, courage, four classical virtues: temperance, justice, courage, and (practical) wisdom.and (practical) wisdom.

• These attributes constitute These attributes constitute eudaimoniaeudaimonia (Aristotle), (Aristotle), ‘well-being’. ‘well-being’.

• A person who embodies A person who embodies eudaimoniaeudaimonia will also promote will also promote it among others. it among others.

• There is nothing in the theory itself limiting who or There is nothing in the theory itself limiting who or what can be the object of virtuous behavior.what can be the object of virtuous behavior.

Deontology (‘Right’)Deontology (‘Right’)• deondeon (Greek): ‘duty’ or ‘that which must be done’ (Greek): ‘duty’ or ‘that which must be done’• Actions fulfilling duty are morally right regardless of Actions fulfilling duty are morally right regardless of

their consequences. their consequences. • Immanuel Kant: Immanuel Kant:

(1) act only on a maxim that you can will at the same (1) act only on a maxim that you can will at the same time to be or become a universal law; time to be or become a universal law; (2) treat all people as ends or subjects in their own (2) treat all people as ends or subjects in their own right and never merely to be followed regardless of the right and never merely to be followed regardless of the specific consequences.specific consequences.– Follows universal individual human rights.Follows universal individual human rights.– Against the assertion by David Hume that ethical Against the assertion by David Hume that ethical

behavior is of people’s sympathy and emotion.behavior is of people’s sympathy and emotion.– Unable to supply any substantive reason as to why non-Unable to supply any substantive reason as to why non-

rational beings (including the rest of nature) should be rational beings (including the rest of nature) should be treated well (thus anthropocentric).treated well (thus anthropocentric).

UtilitarianismUtilitarianism

• The highest good is the greatest happiness The highest good is the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people. (Jeremy of the greatest number of people. (Jeremy Bentham (Bentham (1748 –1832)1748 –1832), John Stuart Mill , John Stuart Mill ((1806 – 1873)1806 – 1873)))

• The decisive ethical question about an The decisive ethical question about an action is whether or not it is useful in action is whether or not it is useful in relation to the general happiness of relation to the general happiness of humanity.humanity.

• Happiness has to be susceptible to being Happiness has to be susceptible to being ‘objectively’ measured - It tends to ‘objectively’ measured - It tends to measure that which can be measured and measure that which can be measured and ignore that which cannot.ignore that which cannot.

• The subjective motivations of objective The subjective motivations of objective actions are irrelevant.actions are irrelevant.

UtilitarianismUtilitarianism

• It is the most powerful single philosophy in It is the most powerful single philosophy in social and economic policy in the modern social and economic policy in the modern ‘Western’ world - Its emphasis on ‘Western’ world - Its emphasis on objectivity, on collectivity, and on objectivity, on collectivity, and on measurement is a fundamental part of the measurement is a fundamental part of the modern project.modern project.

• ‘‘Actions are right or wrong, good or bad, Actions are right or wrong, good or bad, according to how they affect the according to how they affect the experiences of beings capable of experiences of beings capable of experience’ (Wenz, 2000) – Non-sentient experience’ (Wenz, 2000) – Non-sentient being, a species or an ecosystem, has little being, a species or an ecosystem, has little value.value.

ValueValue

• Instrumental value vs. intrinsic valueInstrumental value vs. intrinsic value• Instrumental value:Instrumental value:

– The value someone or something has as a The value someone or something has as a means to something else, where that means to something else, where that something else constitutes a good in itself. something else constitutes a good in itself.

• Intrinsic value:Intrinsic value:– When someone or something has a value as an When someone or something has a value as an

end in itself.end in itself.

• Value requires both a world and Value requires both a world and participation by valuers to be real. It is participation by valuers to be real. It is both objective and subjective.both objective and subjective.

AnthropocentrismAnthropocentrism

• ““Human-centeredness”Human-centeredness”• As a matter of existential or metaphysical As a matter of existential or metaphysical

fact, humanity is the principal or sole fact, humanity is the principal or sole thing of value.thing of value.

• ““The unjustified privileging of human The unjustified privileging of human beings, as such, at the expense of other beings, as such, at the expense of other forms of life.” (P. Curry)forms of life.” (P. Curry)

• ““A kind of modern religion which casts all A kind of modern religion which casts all of creation into categories of utility to of creation into categories of utility to humans” (‘resourcism’, Neil Evernden) humans” (‘resourcism’, Neil Evernden)

• This mindset is dominant in politics, This mindset is dominant in politics, economics, science or culture.economics, science or culture.

EcocentrismEcocentrism

• It recognizes that human beings live in a It recognizes that human beings live in a more-than-human world, of which they more-than-human world, of which they are only one part. are only one part.

• Ecosystems comprise a complex ongoing Ecosystems comprise a complex ongoing dance of interrelationships not only with dance of interrelationships not only with other organisms but with the non-organic.other organisms but with the non-organic.

• ‘‘Humankind does have a unique Humankind does have a unique responsibility for the wellbeing of other responsibility for the wellbeing of other creatures and the whole ecosystem, yet is creatures and the whole ecosystem, yet is at the same time a dependent and integral at the same time a dependent and integral part of that system’ (Ken Jones, 1993)part of that system’ (Ken Jones, 1993)

Ecological EthicsEcological Ethics

• Principles (incorporating values) Principles (incorporating values) concerning how human beings ought to concerning how human beings ought to behave in relation to non-human naturebehave in relation to non-human nature

• A spectrumA spectrum– Instrumental value (Light Green): Instrumental value (Light Green):

consideration for the non-human is only consideration for the non-human is only indirect, insofar as the well-being of humans indirect, insofar as the well-being of humans is affected.is affected.

– Intrinsic value (Dark Green): consideration for Intrinsic value (Dark Green): consideration for the well-being of non-human places and the well-being of non-human places and ecosystemecosystem

Light Green EthicsLight Green Ethics• Shallow (Anthropocentric) ethicsShallow (Anthropocentric) ethics• Non-human beings of any kind have no independent Non-human beings of any kind have no independent

moral status or considerability.moral status or considerability.• They only merit consideration insofar as they matter They only merit consideration insofar as they matter

to humans.to humans.• Sole Value AssumptionSole Value Assumption• An ecological problem is defined as one that poses An ecological problem is defined as one that poses

difficulty for humans, regardless of its effects on the difficulty for humans, regardless of its effects on the rest of nature.rest of nature.

• Non-human nature is a resource for human endsNon-human nature is a resource for human ends– Resource management and conservationResource management and conservation– Human welfare ecologyHuman welfare ecology

• Considers precautionary principle, sustainability, and Considers precautionary principle, sustainability, and nature conservationnature conservation

• The dominant oneThe dominant one

Lifeboat EthicsLifeboat Ethics• A particular kind of shallow ethicsA particular kind of shallow ethics• Natural resources are necessarily limited.Natural resources are necessarily limited.• Human population is now well past what Human population is now well past what

those resources can support without those resources can support without measures, such as ‘Green Revolution’.measures, such as ‘Green Revolution’.

• The most appropriate metaphor for the The most appropriate metaphor for the situation facing humanity is that of a situation facing humanity is that of a lifeboat: lifeboat: – The wealthier societies live in a relatively The wealthier societies live in a relatively

capacious boat, with room for some but certainly capacious boat, with room for some but certainly not all of the remaining (and more numerous) not all of the remaining (and more numerous) human flotsam in the sea. human flotsam in the sea.

– Picking them all up would simply sink the boat.Picking them all up would simply sink the boat.

Mid-Green EthicsMid-Green Ethics• It denies that human alone have any intrinsic It denies that human alone have any intrinsic

value.value.• Natural items have some intrinsic value.Natural items have some intrinsic value.• Greater Value AssumptionGreater Value Assumption• Ecological problems are not defined solely in Ecological problems are not defined solely in

terms of problems they cause to humans.terms of problems they cause to humans.• Wherever natural items conflict with human Wherever natural items conflict with human

interests, the latter takes precedence.interests, the latter takes precedence.• Animal liberation or animal rights movements.Animal liberation or animal rights movements.

– Only sentient beings are deemed worthy of ethical Only sentient beings are deemed worthy of ethical consideration (Singer)consideration (Singer)

• Biocentrism (Biocentrism (Respect for NatureRespect for Nature, Paul Taylor), Paul Taylor)– For individual living thingsFor individual living things

• Not anthropocentric but not fully ecocentric.Not anthropocentric but not fully ecocentric.

Dark Green EthicsDark Green Ethics• Deep (Ecocentric) ethicsDeep (Ecocentric) ethics• Holistic entities are taken as objects of ethical Holistic entities are taken as objects of ethical

concernconcern• Non-human natural entities deserve protection Non-human natural entities deserve protection

regardless of their use or value to humans. regardless of their use or value to humans. • Criteria:Criteria:

– It must be able to recognize the value, and therefore It must be able to recognize the value, and therefore support the ethical defense, of the integrity of species and support the ethical defense, of the integrity of species and of ecosystemic places, as well as human and non-human of ecosystemic places, as well as human and non-human organisms.organisms.

– Within nature-as-value, it must Within nature-as-value, it must • Allow for conflicts between the interests of human and non-Allow for conflicts between the interests of human and non-

human natutrehuman natutre• Allow human interests, on occasion, to lose. Allow human interests, on occasion, to lose.

• The Land Ethic (Aldo Leopoldo, 1887-1948)The Land Ethic (Aldo Leopoldo, 1887-1948)• Gaia Theory (James Lovelock)Gaia Theory (James Lovelock)• Deep Ecology (Arne Naess)Deep Ecology (Arne Naess)

Dark Green EthicsDark Green Ethics

• The Land Ethic (Aldo Leopoldo, 1887-1948)The Land Ethic (Aldo Leopoldo, 1887-1948)– ““It enlarges the boundaries of the community to It enlarges the boundaries of the community to

include soils, waters, plants, and animals, or include soils, waters, plants, and animals, or collectively: the land”collectively: the land”

• Gaia Theory (James Lovelock)Gaia Theory (James Lovelock)– ““The Earth is more like a living organism than an The Earth is more like a living organism than an

inanimate machine, which is made up of highly inanimate machine, which is made up of highly complex interacting ecosystems binding together not complex interacting ecosystems binding together not only the continents, oceans and atmosphere, but also only the continents, oceans and atmosphere, but also its living inhabitants; and like an organism, it is its living inhabitants; and like an organism, it is (within limits) self-renewing, adjusting to changing (within limits) self-renewing, adjusting to changing conditions through feedback loops in order to conditions through feedback loops in order to maintain relative stability, especially of the maintain relative stability, especially of the atmosphere and temperature.”atmosphere and temperature.”

Deep Ecology Deep Ecology • The flourishing of human and non-human life The flourishing of human and non-human life

on Earth has intrinsic value. The value of non-on Earth has intrinsic value. The value of non-human life-forms is independent of the human life-forms is independent of the usefulness these may have for narrow human usefulness these may have for narrow human purposes.purposes.

• Richness and diversity of life-forms are values Richness and diversity of life-forms are values themselves and contribute to the flourishing of themselves and contribute to the flourishing of human and non-human life on Earth.human and non-human life on Earth.

• Humans have no right to reduce this richness Humans have no right to reduce this richness and diversity except to satisfy vital human and diversity except to satisfy vital human needs.needs.

• Present human interference with the non-Present human interference with the non-human world is excessive, and the situation is human world is excessive, and the situation is rapidly worsening.rapidly worsening.

Deep EcologyDeep Ecology• The flourishing of human life and cultures is The flourishing of human life and cultures is

compatible with a substantial decrease of the human compatible with a substantial decrease of the human population. The flourishing of non-human life requires population. The flourishing of non-human life requires such a decrease.such a decrease.

• Significant change of life conditions for the better Significant change of life conditions for the better requires change in policies. These affect basic requires change in policies. These affect basic economic, technological and ideological structures.economic, technological and ideological structures.

• The ideological change is mainly that of appreciating The ideological change is mainly that of appreciating life quality rather than adhering to a high standard of life quality rather than adhering to a high standard of living. There will be a profound awareness of the living. There will be a profound awareness of the difference between big and great.difference between big and great.

• Those who subscribe to the foregoing points have an Those who subscribe to the foregoing points have an obligation directly on indirectly to participate in the obligation directly on indirectly to participate in the attempt to implement the necessary changes. attempt to implement the necessary changes.

The BibleThe Bible

• God’s self-revelation to peoples over a span God’s self-revelation to peoples over a span of thousands of years.of thousands of years.

• The origins of the worldThe origins of the world• God’s plan for the worldGod’s plan for the world• God’s calling of peopleGod’s calling of people• God’s saving power through Jesus’ God’s saving power through Jesus’

incarnation incarnation • A living word from a dynamic God, a A living word from a dynamic God, a

revelation that is pertinent to the concerns revelation that is pertinent to the concerns of each age.of each age.

The Bible: Dominion The Bible: Dominion ThesisThesis

• Then God said, “Let us make man in our Then God said, “Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule image, in our likeness, and let them rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, over all the earth, air, over the livestock, over all the earth, and over all the creatures that move along and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” (Gen. 1:26)the ground.” (Gen. 1:26)

• God blessed them and said to them, “Be God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish over earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish over the sea and the birds of the air and over the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the every living creature that moves on the ground.” (Gen. 1:28)ground.” (Gen. 1:28)

Lynn White, Jr.Lynn White, Jr."The Historical Roots of Our Ecologic Crisis“ "The Historical Roots of Our Ecologic Crisis“

(Science, 1967)(Science, 1967)• This passage has been overwhelmingly, and This passage has been overwhelmingly, and

understandably, interpreted as giving understandably, interpreted as giving humans the right to do whatever they want humans the right to do whatever they want to the Earth and all its non-human to the Earth and all its non-human inhabitants, subject only to God’s approval.inhabitants, subject only to God’s approval.

• With the insistence on a single, With the insistence on a single, transcendent and universal God, transcendent and universal God, Christianity had removed the sacred focus Christianity had removed the sacred focus from the Earth and its creatures.from the Earth and its creatures.

• Christianity is therefore the primary Christianity is therefore the primary historical causes of ecological crisis historical causes of ecological crisis (“T(“The he Christian Middle Ages were the root of Christian Middle Ages were the root of ecological crisis in the 20th century)ecological crisis in the 20th century)

Influence of White’s Influence of White’s articlearticle

• White's ideas set off an extended debate White's ideas set off an extended debate about the role of religion in creating and about the role of religion in creating and sustaining the West's destructive attitude sustaining the West's destructive attitude towards the exploitation of the natural towards the exploitation of the natural world. world.

• It also galvanized interest in the relationship It also galvanized interest in the relationship between history, nature and the evolution of between history, nature and the evolution of ideas, thus stimulating new fields of study ideas, thus stimulating new fields of study like environmental history and ecotheology. like environmental history and ecotheology.

• However, many saw his argument as a However, many saw his argument as a direct attack on Christianity. direct attack on Christianity.

The Bible: Stewardship The Bible: Stewardship ThesisThesis

• God made the wild animals according God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. (Gen. 1:25)saw that it was good. (Gen. 1:25)

• The Lord God took the man and put The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. (Gen. 2:15)and take care of it. (Gen. 2:15)

Stewardship ThesisStewardship Thesis

• Humanity can use the natural world Humanity can use the natural world but only with due regard for the fact but only with due regard for the fact that God created it and gave us that God created it and gave us responsibility for its well-being.responsibility for its well-being.

• This puts ecology onto the church’s This puts ecology onto the church’s agenda.agenda.

CreationCreation• ““The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the

world, and those who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1)world, and those who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1)• ““The heavens are yours, the earth also is The heavens are yours, the earth also is

yours; the world and all that is in it – you have yours; the world and all that is in it – you have founded them.” (Psalm 89:11)founded them.” (Psalm 89:11)

• ““Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all Praise Him, sun and moon; praise Him, all you shining stars! Praise Him, you highest you shining stars! Praise Him, you highest heavens, and you waters above the heaven! heavens, and you waters above the heaven! Let them praise the name of the Lord.” (Psalm Let them praise the name of the Lord.” (Psalm 148:3-5)148:3-5)

• ““The heavens are telling the glory of God; and The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.” the firmament proclaims his handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1)(Psalm 19:1)

Goodness of CreationGoodness of Creation• It reflects the goodness of God.It reflects the goodness of God.• It reflects the beauty of God.It reflects the beauty of God.• It reflects the power of God.It reflects the power of God.• Goodness of creation is brought forth by Goodness of creation is brought forth by

God’s desire to share divine goodness in a God’s desire to share divine goodness in a visible manner. visible manner.

• Creation is born from a God who is Love, who Creation is born from a God who is Love, who generously expresses Self in a multitude of generously expresses Self in a multitude of visible forms. In a very real sense, all creation visible forms. In a very real sense, all creation images the love and saving power of the images the love and saving power of the Creator.Creator.

• For those who can see with the eyes of faith, For those who can see with the eyes of faith, the entire world is graced and blessed.the entire world is graced and blessed.

God as AbbaGod as Abba

• ““I tell you, my friends, do not fear those I tell you, my friends, do not fear those who kill the body, and after that can do who kill the body, and after that can do nothing more. But I will warn you whom nothing more. But I will warn you whom to fear; fear him who, after he has killed, to fear; fear him who, after he has killed, has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell has authority to cast into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold you, fear him! Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten in God’s sight. But even the forgotten in God’s sight. But even the hairs of your head are all counted. Do hairs of your head are all counted. Do not be afraid; you are of more value than not be afraid; you are of more value than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:4-7)many sparrows.” (Luke 12:4-7)

God cares for creationGod cares for creation• When you send forth your spirit, they are created; When you send forth your spirit, they are created;

and you renew the face of the ground (Psalm and you renew the face of the ground (Psalm 104:30)104:30)

• He gives the animals their food, and to the young He gives the animals their food, and to the young ravens when they cry (Psalm 147:9)ravens when they cry (Psalm 147:9)

• We know that the whole creation has been We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:22-24)(Romans 8:22-24)

• For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to dwell, and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross (Colossians 1:19-20) of his cross (Colossians 1:19-20)

Christian LifeChristian Life• Obeying God by following the example of Jesus ChristObeying God by following the example of Jesus Christ• Living out his gospel teachings with relevance to my Living out his gospel teachings with relevance to my

neighbors, community, and world today. neighbors, community, and world today. • Applying these teachings to the demands of the periods.Applying these teachings to the demands of the periods.• Creation theology point to how humans are called to share Creation theology point to how humans are called to share

responsibility in the creative powers of God and to responsibility in the creative powers of God and to represent God in the care of creation.represent God in the care of creation.

• The Bible portrays humans in their highest dignity as well The Bible portrays humans in their highest dignity as well as in their lowest disgrace.as in their lowest disgrace.

• ““Christian spirituality is the lived experience of the Christian spirituality is the lived experience of the Christian belief…. It is possible to distinguish spirituality Christian belief…. It is possible to distinguish spirituality from doctrine in that it concentrates not on faith itself but from doctrine in that it concentrates not on faith itself but on the reaction that faith arouses in religious on the reaction that faith arouses in religious consciousness and practice.” (B. McGinn)consciousness and practice.” (B. McGinn)

• Christian spirituality must address a pressing need: to save Christian spirituality must address a pressing need: to save the very home where all life dwells. (B. Hill)the very home where all life dwells. (B. Hill)

Engineering’s Grand Engineering’s Grand Challenges Challenges

• Make solar energy economicalMake solar energy economical • Provide energy from fusionProvide energy from fusion • Develop carbon sequestration methodsDevelop carbon sequestration methods • Manage the nitrogen cycleManage the nitrogen cycle • Provide access to clean waterProvide access to clean water • Restore & improve urban infrastructuresRestore & improve urban infrastructures • Advance health informaticsAdvance health informatics • Engineer better medicinesEngineer better medicines • Reverse-engineer the brainReverse-engineer the brain • Prevent nuclear terrorPrevent nuclear terror • Secure cyberspaceSecure cyberspace • Enhance virtual realityEnhance virtual reality • Advance personalized learningAdvance personalized learning • Engineer the tools of scientific discoveryEngineer the tools of scientific discovery

The Earth in CrisisThe Earth in Crisis• Climate ChangeClimate Change

– Global warming?Global warming?

• PollutionPollution– Air, water, landAir, water, land– Tens of thousands of synthetic chemicals are introduced into Tens of thousands of synthetic chemicals are introduced into

the environmentthe environment

• BiodiversityBiodiversity– 12% of bird species and 25% of mammals are likely to 12% of bird species and 25% of mammals are likely to

disappear within the next thirty years (at the present rate of disappear within the next thirty years (at the present rate of distinction).distinction).

• HabitatHabitat– At least 40% of the earth’s ecosystems need to be protected At least 40% of the earth’s ecosystems need to be protected

from significant human impact in order for them to remain from significant human impact in order for them to remain viable.viable.

– Only about 10% are currently in a protected area.Only about 10% are currently in a protected area.

BiodiversityBiodiversity• Human population: ~6.5 billion (250,000 new Human population: ~6.5 billion (250,000 new

lives everyday), ~ 9 billion by 2050.lives everyday), ~ 9 billion by 2050.• All those that are large, dangerous, edible, All those that are large, dangerous, edible,

and/or profitable: tens of thousands.and/or profitable: tens of thousands.• Tigers: ~8,000Tigers: ~8,000• African lions: ~20,000African lions: ~20,000• Great apes, all species combined: 414,000Great apes, all species combined: 414,000• Whales: a few hundred thousand.Whales: a few hundred thousand.• As of 2007, 16,306 species are at risk for As of 2007, 16,306 species are at risk for

extinction. extinction. • The leading causes of extinction: human The leading causes of extinction: human

activity activity

LifestyleLifestyle• Affluent overconsumption in the developed world – Affluent overconsumption in the developed world –

Global corporate capitalism.Global corporate capitalism.• A cult of material consumption, spread by the billon A cult of material consumption, spread by the billon

dollar advertising and entertainment media dollar advertising and entertainment media industries.industries.

• More people than ever now desire an ‘American More people than ever now desire an ‘American lifestyle’.lifestyle’.

• American lifestyleAmerican lifestyle– 5% of the world’s population5% of the world’s population– Emit the largest national proportion of greenhouse gasesEmit the largest national proportion of greenhouse gases– Consume nearly 40% of the earth’s natural resources.Consume nearly 40% of the earth’s natural resources.

• The gap between the relatively poor and the rich is The gap between the relatively poor and the rich is increasing.increasing.

• It is impossible for everyone to have American It is impossible for everyone to have American lifestyle.lifestyle.– It would take at least another 3 planet earths for everyone to It would take at least another 3 planet earths for everyone to

join the privileged few.join the privileged few.

Ethical challengesEthical challenges

• Roughly 2 billion people live in poverty.Roughly 2 billion people live in poverty.• ““We must live at a level that we seriously We must live at a level that we seriously

can wish others to attain, not at a level can wish others to attain, not at a level that requires the bulk of humanity NOT that requires the bulk of humanity NOT to reach” (Arne Naess, 1999)to reach” (Arne Naess, 1999)

• ““Just appealing to the ecological Just appealing to the ecological conscience of corporate producers and conscience of corporate producers and consumers and instituting purely consumers and instituting purely voluntary control will certainly fail”. voluntary control will certainly fail”. (Patrick Curry, 2006)(Patrick Curry, 2006)

Obstacles Obstacles • Dualism:Dualism:

– Negative view on material things.Negative view on material things.– It has little concern about the physical world in which we It has little concern about the physical world in which we

live in.live in.– Spirituality is affected by “detachment” often characterized Spirituality is affected by “detachment” often characterized

by monastic spirituality.by monastic spirituality.– Our world is viewed as a “fallen world,” a lost paradise that Our world is viewed as a “fallen world,” a lost paradise that

is really not worth saving. is really not worth saving. • Materialism and ConsumerismMaterialism and Consumerism

– Too busy with the affairs of the day to be concerned with Too busy with the affairs of the day to be concerned with contemplative spiritual life.contemplative spiritual life.

• ““Not for me”Not for me”– ““too complicated or overwhelming to be related to the too complicated or overwhelming to be related to the

spiritual life”spiritual life”• Fragmentation:Fragmentation:

– Spirituality is narrowed to personal prayer and church Spirituality is narrowed to personal prayer and church attendance and is not sufficiently linked with community, attendance and is not sufficiently linked with community, scripture, theology, or “worldly” issues of peace and justice.scripture, theology, or “worldly” issues of peace and justice.

The period we live inThe period we live in• Both individually and communally, we are Both individually and communally, we are

awakening to see that many of the earth’s awakening to see that many of the earth’s ecosystems, species, and resources are in ecosystems, species, and resources are in jeopardy.jeopardy.

• We have come to a historic opportunity to We have come to a historic opportunity to change directions in the way we care for our change directions in the way we care for our land, water, air, and other resources. land, water, air, and other resources.

• To sustain a growing world population and To sustain a growing world population and pass on a healthy environment to coming pass on a healthy environment to coming generations, radical changes need to be made:generations, radical changes need to be made:– In our lifestylesIn our lifestyles– In our methods of industry, transportation, and In our methods of industry, transportation, and

commerce.commerce.

Presbyterian Norms for Presbyterian Norms for Healing of the Earth (1970, Healing of the Earth (1970,

1990)1990)• SustainabilitySustainability• Equality in sharing common goodsEquality in sharing common goods• SolidaritySolidarity

Sustainability Sustainability

• Sustainability is the capacity for the Sustainability is the capacity for the ecosystems of the earth, to continue on.ecosystems of the earth, to continue on.

• Undermining the self-renewing capacity Undermining the self-renewing capacity of natural systems and demanding of natural systems and demanding unreasonable yields of resources should unreasonable yields of resources should be precluded.be precluded.

• Proper care and management of all Proper care and management of all human and natural resources is essential.human and natural resources is essential.

• Creation is a gift and should be cherishedCreation is a gift and should be cherished

Equality in Sharing Equality in Sharing Common GoodsCommon Goods

• On a global scale there is a massive inequality in On a global scale there is a massive inequality in the distribution of resources.the distribution of resources.

• Justice demands that all obtain sufficient Justice demands that all obtain sufficient sustenance but that excess and waste must be sustenance but that excess and waste must be stopped.stopped.

• ““Good life” must be characterized by frugality – We Good life” must be characterized by frugality – We need to learn to live well on less.need to learn to live well on less.

• The principle of common good calls for greater The principle of common good calls for greater sharing and must also include protection of all sharing and must also include protection of all living things. living things.

• The church should address the resistance to change The church should address the resistance to change that exists among rich and powerful individuals, that exists among rich and powerful individuals, corporation, and nations. corporation, and nations.

• The church should respond with a prophetic word, The church should respond with a prophetic word, pastoral concern, and support for the actions of its pastoral concern, and support for the actions of its members.members.

SolidaritySolidarity

• Solidarity calls for a strong, vibrant Solidarity calls for a strong, vibrant community, with commitment and fidelity, community, with commitment and fidelity, in which there is a fundamental in which there is a fundamental interdependence and unity among all interdependence and unity among all creation.creation.

• Reconciliation and community is called for Reconciliation and community is called for to address the ever-widening gap between to address the ever-widening gap between rich and poor, humans and nature.rich and poor, humans and nature.

• All members of the church should be deeply All members of the church should be deeply concerned about the liberation of the earth. concerned about the liberation of the earth.

Call for Christian LifeCall for Christian Life• Simple life:Simple life:

– If we wish to share our resources, replenish them, If we wish to share our resources, replenish them, and share them with those in need.and share them with those in need.

• Disciplined life:Disciplined life:-- Discipline ourselves away from consumerism that Discipline ourselves away from consumerism that

clutters our lives with things we don’t really need.clutters our lives with things we don’t really need.– Discipline ourselves to stay away from Discipline ourselves to stay away from

“discarding”.“discarding”.• Life with self-respectLife with self-respect

– Lack of self-respect is largely the cause of Lack of self-respect is largely the cause of consumerism.consumerism.

• Life as a connected selfLife as a connected self– Excessive individualism is also the cause of Excessive individualism is also the cause of

consumerism and ecosystem destructionconsumerism and ecosystem destruction

The Self as ConnectedThe Self as Connected

• The saints – who came to know their true The saints – who came to know their true identities before God – also experienced a identities before God – also experienced a new connection with other people and with new connection with other people and with the world around them.the world around them.

• They could see the world the way God Sees They could see the world the way God Sees it and found intimate connection to creation.it and found intimate connection to creation.

• Francis of AssisiFrancis of Assisi– All creation was his familyAll creation was his family

• Thomas MertonThomas Merton– All creatures speak to him of GodAll creatures speak to him of God

The Self Connected to The Self Connected to the Worldthe World

• As humans, we are part of the creation As humans, we are part of the creation and plays a unique role on our planet. and plays a unique role on our planet.

• As self-conscious and free creatures we As self-conscious and free creatures we have the capacity to destroy or to build have the capacity to destroy or to build up more than any other force or living up more than any other force or living thing.thing.

• To harm or deprive another person is To harm or deprive another person is to debase ourselves.to debase ourselves.

• To degrade the earth or any living To degrade the earth or any living thing is to demean ourselves.thing is to demean ourselves.

The True Self and the The True Self and the EarthEarth

• A self that seeks union with the Creator and A self that seeks union with the Creator and views God as the true source, sustenance, and views God as the true source, sustenance, and goal of all things.goal of all things.

• A self that is searching, open, struggling for A self that is searching, open, struggling for conversion, and engaged in learning and life.conversion, and engaged in learning and life.

• A self that strives to understand the facts of A self that strives to understand the facts of ecological issues and has the confidence and ecological issues and has the confidence and courage to confront those who are acting courage to confront those who are acting irresponsibly toward the ecosystem.irresponsibly toward the ecosystem.

• A repentant self who is aware of its own A repentant self who is aware of its own contributions to ecological problems, sincere contributions to ecological problems, sincere about conversion.about conversion.

The True Self and the The True Self and the EarthEarth

• A self who believes that all humans have nee A self who believes that all humans have nee created in the image and likeness of God, and created in the image and likeness of God, and that all are called to represent the Creator in that all are called to represent the Creator in restoring the integrity of the earth.restoring the integrity of the earth.

• It honors and respects creation and is It honors and respects creation and is holistically committed to a mission for all living holistically committed to a mission for all living things. things.

• There is an openness to the experience of God There is an openness to the experience of God within the self, within people, and nature.within the self, within people, and nature.

• There is an awareness of a sacred trust given There is an awareness of a sacred trust given to each person to honor and care for all living to each person to honor and care for all living things.things.

Christian SpiritualityChristian Spirituality

• Christian spirituality is prophetic, proclaiming Christian spirituality is prophetic, proclaiming the reign of God and challenging the forces that the reign of God and challenging the forces that oppress people and the earth.oppress people and the earth.

• It takes disciples to the wilderness and the It takes disciples to the wilderness and the desert to meet God.desert to meet God.

• It empowers them to return to the world with It empowers them to return to the world with hearts afire. hearts afire.

• It disciplines disciples so that they might find It disciplines disciples so that they might find God within themselves and their world. God within themselves and their world.

• Spirituality calls for disciples to risk security and Spirituality calls for disciples to risk security and comfort in order to serve those who suffer comfort in order to serve those who suffer inequality, deprivation, and violence. inequality, deprivation, and violence.