The Bible vs. Biodiversity

Abstract

This article challenges the view of many ecotheologians and environmentalist Christians that the Bible makes a clear and compelling case for ecological responsibility. It asserts that the lack of biblical concern for the protection of biological diversity is especially clear. The ecological reformation of Christianity will not, therefore, be realized in appeals to scriptural warrants. Instead, it must depend on two things: first, a re visioning in the light of the environmental sciences of the central affirmations of faith, namely, discerning the ecological potential in such doctrines as creation, incarnation, covenant, redemption, sacramental presence, sin; and second, expanded ethical explorations of the meaning of Christian love. A Christian ecological ethics embracing the idea that all species have intrinsic value will naturally flow from an extension of love to all of its horizons, in accord with Christian experiences of and testimonies to the unbounded love of God.