Creation, humanity and hubris in the Hebrew Bible

In the context of ever-worsening environmental degradation, scientists as well as religious leaders increasingly recognise the role of moral and spiritual values as drivers of people’s behaviour, and have drawn attention to the role of religion in moderating and transforming community attitudes towa...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Marlow, Hilary (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group 2022
In: Practical theology
Year: 2022, Volume: 15, Issue: 5, Pages: 491-503
IxTheo Classification:HB Old Testament
NBC Doctrine of God
NBD Doctrine of Creation
NCG Environmental ethics; Creation ethics
Further subjects:B Wisdom
B Psalm 104
B Environmental Ethics
B Lament
B Creation's Praise
B Ecology
Online Access: Volltext (kostenfrei)
Description
Summary:In the context of ever-worsening environmental degradation, scientists as well as religious leaders increasingly recognise the role of moral and spiritual values as drivers of people’s behaviour, and have drawn attention to the role of religion in moderating and transforming community attitudes towards nature. But the Western Christian tradition has come under criticism for legitimising the exploitative use of earth’s resources, based on an exclusive focus on Genesis 1 and misleading interpretations of it. This article explores a number of ways in which the Hebrew Bible can support a robust environmental theology and praxis. Drawing on Psalm 104 it identifies five big ideas that move between theological insights and ethical imperatives, highlighting the close connection between beliefs and values. Rather than propose a comprehensive biblical justification for environmental action, the paper offers some observations and reflections from the texts that will provoke discussion and thought, and ultimately lead to action.
ISSN:1756-0748
Contains:Enthalten in: Practical theology
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1080/1756073X.2022.2069541