Leonardo Boff's Ecological Theology and Christian Tradition

Abstract

The growing recognition of humanity's pervasive destruction of the earth has not yet issued in significant reforms in practice or in the mindset that allows such destruction to continue. Theological interaction with ecological ideas has grown substantially in the last decade, but the degree of its impact on the practices of churches is still open to question. One means by which ecological sensitivity might be received Into the practices of churches is provided by contextual theologies, theologies able to articulate clearly the link between theological beliefs . and the life of church communities. Leonardo Boff, a leading Latin American theologian, has produced two books, as well as several articles and essays, on the relationship between ecology and theology in which he attempts to establish such a link between Christian beliefs about the world and the practices of churches. His method for establishing a dialogue between theology and ecology provides a helpful way to articulate the challenges that ecological destruction poses for churches and how those challenges can be a basis for transformative practices within churches. At the same time, his attempts to work out an ecological theology also reveal limitations in the use he makes of biblical thought and theological tradition for accomplishing this task. The primary task in this essay will be to explore the promise of his theological method for incorporating ecology into theological thought, as well as the limitations that result from his lack of nuance in the use of scriptural and theological traditions.