Abstract

African theologians, and indeed all humanity, should individually and collectively make a permanent commitment to environmen- tal protection. Using conceptual tools as well as sociological and theological critical analysis, it can be demonstrated how closely such concepts as politics, economics, war, culture, tech- nology, urbanisation, the Internet, globalisation, missiology, and theology are related to ecology and our natural environment. Consequently, African theologians and concerned people need to take into account, and observe ecological norms as part of the fulfilment of their world mission. Mugambi and Mika (2001:4) affirm that “human beings and nature as such are valuable and deserve to survive”. Therefore, global and local role players must assume appropriate responsibility in order to ensure the necessary ecological balance to sustain life on this planet. This article analyses and demonstrates the importance of environ- mental protection of the African continent. The overall objective is to promote environmental awareness and active engagement in assessing the environmental impact on all human activities.

Highlights

  • Climate change is a global environmental problem and while a developing continent like Africa has not contributed greatly to climate change, it will certainly be among those areas first affected by the impact of climate change (Pongo, 2008:7)

  • Mwambazambi and Mika (2001:2) observe that “the life of large populations is compromised by the degradation of the environment caused by microeconomic and total practices of corporations”. This is why it is necessary for African theologians to conscientise their people to fight environmental destruction in order to protect and steward the environment according to the vision of God

  • The above analysis has taken a theological view of environmental protection in Africa and it must be said that all Christians, including theologians, can play an important ecological and socio-economic role in the lives of the African people

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Summary

Introduction

Climate change is a global environmental problem and while a developing continent like Africa has not contributed greatly to climate change, it will certainly be among those areas first affected by the impact of climate change (Pongo, 2008:7). Mwambazambi and Mika (2001:2) observe that “the life of large populations is compromised by the degradation of the environment caused by microeconomic and total practices of corporations” This is why it is necessary for African theologians to conscientise their people to fight environmental destruction in order to protect and steward the environment according to the vision of God. Writing further in connection to this, Mugambi and Mika (2001:4) advise that “the churches can conscientise their people by the pastoral exhortation to protect nature”. Writing further in connection to this, Mugambi and Mika (2001:4) advise that “the churches can conscientise their people by the pastoral exhortation to protect nature” It will be an important force for good if theologians encourage African people to protect their environment according to the ordinances of God. The most difficult to overcome is the intrusion of foreign nations in Africa because these nations exploit human greed for wealth. Africa still has time to choose for clean and renewable energy sources, and as a continent, should take the lead in an energy revolution designed to reduce climate change

Research background and development
Overview of the causes of environmental degradation in Africa
Politics
Economics
Socio-cultural values
Urbanisation
Biblical views on environmental protection
Theological solutions to environmental protection
Findings
Conclusion
Full Text
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