centric religion the world has seen”. This he believes, along with the rise of a more secular science and technology, has been largely responsible for the crisis we see today. From a Christian point of view much hinges on the Genesis accounts of creation especially Gen 1:28 which says that the earth, especially created for man, is for him to subdue and have dominion over. Although man himself was made from the earth, White notes “he is not simply part of nature: he is made in God's image”. White also implies that “by destroying pagan animism, Christianity made it possible to exploit nature in a mood of indifference to the feelings of natural objects”.
Although this seems highly critical White's story is not all negative. He cites Saint Francis “the greatest spiritual revolutionary in Western history” as an example of good Christian practice and he proposes “Francis as a patron saint for ecologists”.
Though this seems highly critical White's story is not all negative. He cites Saint Francis “the greatest spiritual revolutionary in Western history” as an example of good Christian practice and he proposes “Francis as a patron saint for ecologists”.
Interestingly nearly 50 years later so does the Pope, who empasizes unity and immanence within Christianity, rather than the expected duality of human beings separate from nature. Christians now interpret Genesis and, in particular, the teachings of Jesus as leading to `stewardship' rather than `dominion' over the earth. Stewardship implies care and compassion as well as direction. This is well reflected by Pope Francis and most Christians today.
Are religions environmentalists?
The major faiths are now getting together to work collectively on the environmental agenda. The Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC) www.arcworld.org, emphasizes the human responsibility or stewardship of the Earth, rather than rights over creation. I don't agree with ARC that religions were the first environmental campaigners. The terms `environmental' or `ecology' are of 19th century derivation and can only be understood in a modern sense. Though many of the non-monotheistic religions have a very well-developed spirituality which is close to nature, this has not stopped them becoming industrial powerhouses, generating pollution and cutting down forests.
One of the great movements today is in the meeting of science and spirit. The writings and inspiration of people like John Muir, Aldo Leopold, Henry David Thoreau, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, Thomas Berry, Brian Swimme and many others have helped to inspire networks of like-minded people to develop a spirituality in tune with nature and not against her.
© Sally Scott | Dreamstime.com