Theology, Ecology and Economics from an East Asian Confucian Perspective

Abstract

This paper posits the development of an indigenous East Asian environmental ethics to address the environmental problem in East Asia for sustainable economic growth. It proposes a contextualised environmental ethics based on an integration of theology, ecology, economics and East Asian Confucian tradition. This can be done through three dimensions. The first dimension is to understand the intricate interdependence and interconnectedness of society, environment and economy in the formulation of a viable environmental ethics. Theological reflection and Herman Daly s concept of steady state economy will form the basis for understanding these relationships. The second dimension is to establish how the three domains of society, environment and economy are related to each other. To these end the East Asian Confucian concepts of Heaven-Earth-Human, Social Harmony and Intergenerational Equity will be used to establish these relationships. The third and final dimension is to identify the driving or motivation force that can operationalise this proposed environmental ethics. A transcendent-immanent Eco-Spirituality for effecting change (metanoia) in society will be proposed here.