What does Ecological Stewardship mean? pp. 265-271

Ecology From the Greek: oikos meaning house and logos meaning study or discourse. It is the study of the the place we live – planet Earth. It is the study of the earth’s biosphere and our relation to it.

Since we extract the things we need to survive from the Earth, human activity affects the balance that exists in the Earth’s biosphere. This makes ecology a moral issue. We understand a sense of social justice for the Earth as we are called to live in solidarity with the Earth and give to the Earth what it is due.

Important insights from ecology: 1) All life is interrelated through food webs, food chains, symbiosis, nutrient cycles, decomposition etc. 2) When one aspect of an ecosystem is changed, repercussions are felt throughout the biosphere. 3) Some ecosystems are more resilient than others – directly related to species diversity.

Ecological Responsibility Education in ecological responsibility must entail a genuine conversion in thought and behaviour. Care for the environment is not an option. It is an integral part of our person and societal life. To not care for the environment is to ignore God’s plan for all of creation and results in the alienation of the human person. Paraphrased from Pope John Paul II (pg. 266)

Global Warming/Climate Change Excess carbon dioxide in the biosphere due to burning of fossil fuels. This affects the transport of energy through the atmosphere as well as weather patterns. In turn this upsets the natural balance that needs to exist to sustain life as we know it on Earth.

Dominion or Domination Read Genesis 1.26-31 Radah (rule over to achieve a right order - in Hebrew). Dominion comes with a responsibility to God. Humans are invited to be stewards of God’s creation – to care for creation, not destroy.

The notion of domination comes from the 17th century ideas that focused on the self and utilitarian ethics. We as individuals saw ourselves set apart from nature, as a power that could harness nature.

Anthropocentricism vs. Theocentrism A world view is a set of assumptions which we hold about the basic make up of the world. Anthropocentrism – sees mankind as the centre of all reality and relationships. In terms of environmental issues, the world is seen as a resource base for human use.  It is opposed to Theocentrism

Theocentrism – is a God-centred world view held by Christianity Theocentrism – is a God-centred world view held by Christianity. The Earth belongs to God. We only find completion in the divine so we bow down with all of creation before the Creator. God has entrusted us with the responsibility of sustaining a world that is both blessed and broken.