A summary of the Edexcel Zig-Zag guide to religion and ethics within the religious studies A-Level, organised by the specification to ensure that all areas are covered. Includes scholars' quotes and the basic knowledge of the environmental ethics topic. Got an A in A-Level religious studies.
The traditional Christian approach to environmental ethics is primarily drawn from Genesis,
setting out the idea of dominion – that humans were instated by God to rule over the Earth
and use its resources for its own purposes:
‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the
fish in the sea and the birds in the sky’ – Genesis 1:26
‘Fill the Earth and subdue it’ – Genesis 1:28
Many Christians today are more inclined to emphasise the biblical concept of stewardship –
that humans have a duty from God to protect and preserve the Earth. Humans have a
responsibility and duty of care towards it.
‘The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take
care of it’ – Genesis 2:15
Many passages outline the value and beauty of creation; that the world is a gift from God
and a symbol of his divine love so should therefore be respected.
The Fall corrupted humankind through the creation of original sin, which corrupted the
beauty and harmony found in nature, Some Christians interpret these as passages showing
that environmental damage is part of human sin and therefore should be rectified.
Restoring the world can help restore humankind’s relationship with God that was damaged
through the Fall.
Many Christians consider climate change and environmental damage to be significant
because of the impact it has on people’s lives, through flooding or impact of hazardous
waste on people’s health. Changes also often have a disproportionate effect on developing
countries where people are least able to respond or prepare. Christians consider Jesus’
teachings on loving one’s neighbour as providing a clear reason to act on environmental
concerns.
‘The whole creation belongs to God. As human beings we are part of the whole and
have a responsibility to love what God has entrusted to our care’ – The Church of
England in the Climate Change Investment Framework
Core programmes within Christian organisations, such as Christian Aid and CAFOD also focus
on environmental issues and how they impact on the lives of the poor.
A minority of radical Christians, however, take an opposing view and see care of the Earth as
irrelevant because the end of time will arise before any greater consequence of
environmental change occurs. Destruction is even seen as foreshadowing the welcomed
apocalypse and second coming of Christ.
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