Teološki pristup ekološkom problemu

Abstract

The environmental question is a multidimensional problem caused by the detrimental impact that human activity is having on the environment. Religious scholars, theologians, as well as numerous members of religious elites, in essence, view the issue as an anthropological phenomenon. In the first part of the study, we highlight several consequences of accelerated industrial development, technological growth and development: water, air and soil pollution; the shortage of natural resources due to uncontrolled exploitation; the degradation of biodiversity; climate change, etc. Additionally, in the study we focus is on man who, on the one hand, raises ecological awareness, by establishing different programs, organizations and various action plans, while on the other, through raw exploitation and the using up of natural resources, contributes to the ongoing imbalance in the ecosystem, and in essence, God's creation as a whole. The blame lies with man, and not nature. The destruction starts with the Biblical Fall and continues to this very day. In this regard, there are different solutions for switching to healthy technologies and a green economy. Institutions and organizations that deal with environmental issues are being established. Nonetheless, only the symptoms are treated, and not what is in fact the root of the problem. Thus, the theological solution is based on establishing harmony between God, man and the environment, which in the liturgical sense of the cosmos can stop the destruction of the environment, i.e., the environment as a whole. Therefore, the environment is entrusted to man as God's gift to save and cherish in a Eucharistic, liturgical, priestly manner.