The Great Ecological Transformation

Abstract

This article offers a theological rationale for engaging in a great ecological transformation. The author argues that this transformation cannot be achieved solely with technological means. Rather, we need far more than a great industrial transformation. We also need ecological justice that gives the nature of the earth and the animals their rights; recognition that ecological justice is related to social justice and, especially, to the rights of future generations; a new understanding of nature that liberates the nature of the earth from its modern, alienated status as a mere object; a new understanding of humanity that embeds human beings in the community of creation; and finally, a new cosmic spirituality that sanctifies lived life and engenders “respect for life” for everything that lives.