Ecological Theology Research Articles

Encountering of Climate Crisis and Ecological Theology - An Essay for the Ontological Turn of Theology Beyond New Materialism -

Encountering of Climate Crisis and Ecological Theology - An Essay for the Ontological Turn of Theology Beyond New Materialism -

PARTICIPATORY ECOLOGICAL THEOLOGY

John B. Cobb Jr., a well-known theologian, philosopher, and environmentalist in the United States, has developed his participatory ecological theology from process philosophy to process theology. Some scholars believe it belongs to a distorted form of anthropocentrism, while others suggest it belongs to biocentrism. This study seeks to explore how participatory ecological theology from the perspective of John B. Cobb, Jr. based on a participatory ecological approach to the discourse of environmental ethical methods, especially from a theological perspective. However, through Cobb’s attention to and exploration of environmental crises and interactions with other environmentalists, his ecological theology is shown to be a new form of participatory ecological theology that recognizes the intrinsic value of all existence and affirms the participatory ecological order of nature. He challenges the traditional Christian doctrine of “dominion”. He points to a more responsible concept for humanity, that is, to serve all parts of the natural world as responsible creations, just as serving God.

Eco-Theology: Purification of Respect Against Du'a Ngga'e Ende-Lio Tribe

Each culture has its unique approach to understanding the concept of safety, and the Ende-Lio culture on Flores Island, Indonesia, is no exception. In the Ende-Lio culture, the concept of salvation is known as "Du'a Ngga'e," which forms the basis of understanding life's purpose, balance with nature, and relationship with the universe. This paper focuses on understanding Du'a Ngga'e as a theological concept that emphasizes the importance of maintaining balance in human interaction with nature, gods, and ancestral spirits. This concept represents the belief that good actions and righteous ethics will ensure the safety of individuals and communities in this world and towards life after death. Therefore, Ndua Ngga'e emphasizes caring for nature, maintaining a harmonious relationship with the universe, and living with high ethics. This study illustrates how Ende-Lio cultures understand and integrate the concept of ecological theology in their daily lives. The concept of D'ua Ngga'e inspires positive action in safeguarding nature and promoting a healthy relationship between humans and the universe.

From Ecotheology to Ecospirituality in Laudato sí—Ecological Spirituality beyond Christian Religion

This article discusses the notion of ecotheology, its origins and the conceptual framework of meaning, particularly within Christian theology, in order to establish its relation to the notion of ecospirituality. The article researches how ecological theology may ground an ecological spirituality. Then, it uses both notions to (1) analyze Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter Laudato sí, (2) identify what models of ecotheology are used in his approach, (3) trace significant ecotheological dimensions, proposals, practices and lifestyles conveyed, (4) investigate if it is possible to identify the presence of an ecospirituality, concluding affirmatively. Finally, it asks whether Laudato sí’s ecospirituality is only meaningful and operative within a Christian spiritual framework or if, in many respects, it may be also inspirational and significant beyond a Christian realm of meaning. It concludes that Laudato sí’s ecological spirituality offers common ground for synergies with other religious, non-religious and secular ecospiritualities which can be synergic contributors to the creation of networks of action and meaning that can be implemented in order to develop a common passionate and effective protection of our world on environmental matters. The methodology used is a critical and hermeneutical documental analysis by means of reviewing significant literature in this area of knowledge.

생태 위기의 시대적 요청에 응답하는 한국가톨릭교회의 현실 진단과 신자 재교육 방향성 모색: 세계 시민교육(Global Citizenship Education)과의 접목을 통해서

[Objective] This study explores the direction of re-education of the faithful in the Korean Catholic Church, integrating global citizenship education in response to the contemporary demands of the ecological crisis.
 [Contents] This study first diagnoses the reality of the re-education of the faithful in the Church through data such as the ‘Statistical Analysis Report of the Korean Catholic Church’ and ‘Religious Consciousness and Faith Life of Catholics’, analyzes the practice of Pope Francis’ ecological theology and the response to the ecological crisis of the Korean Catholic Church, and proposes the idea of transforming the existing re-education of the faithful into a model of Catholic global citizenship education that revives the call of the times.
 [Conclusions] The re-education in front-line parishes must be a lifelong education for cultivating global citizenship(“Catholic civic education”) at the social and ecological levels, where the common consensus(“Synodalitas”) is realized through mutual learning. To achieve this, Catholic civic education should be actively utilized through various organizations and committees that engage in ecological environmental movements inside and outside the Church.

Ecological Theology of Creation in The Perspective of The Theology of The Trinity

The action of God is always the action of the Trinity. Therefore, in properly interpreting theological issues, taking this truth into account is necessary. This is the reason for attempting to interpret the ecological theology of creation from a Trinitarian aspect. The analysis of biblical and theological sources provides the basis for this. The analyses carried out reconstruct the traditional issue model of the theology of creation. They develop an understanding of the relationship between God and creation. For the triune God is the model and deepest source of relationality. The essential love between the persons of the Trinity and the profound relationship of love between the Triune God and creation carries an inspiring message for the construction of man's relationship to the world according to God's design. This should constitute the essential foundation of an ecotheological praxeology.

Environmental Stewardship Crisis in Eco-Pastoral Studies

The aim of this research is to examine ecology from a pastoral perspective. The methodology used in this research is the phenomenological method. Using this method, researchers examine natural damage from a pastoral perspective. Saving the environment will turn the center of human life upside down. The life of faith is moving from being centered on humans, centered on religious institutions, and now ecology is the center of attention. Ecological theology coupled with ecofeminism is a blessing for the environment. This theology brings enlightenment, liberation, and healing. Enlightening, liberating and healing in a pastoral perspective.

Cosmic Redemption Concepts in the Mythology of Pante Tradition of Indonesian Manggarai Community

This study aims to explore the cosmic redemption concepts in the mythology of the pante tradition in Manggarai community. Pante tradition was an attempt to promote an attitude of respect for non-human creations so that nature would return to its harmonious state. The data was obtained through interviews with several key informants who were very close to these myths, including some palm tappers from several villages in Manggarai. From interviews and collected documents, several myths were found in the pante tradition. In Manggarai mythology, it is believed that there is inseparable relationship between humans, non-human creations, and the Supreme Being. Each creation has a contribution to the survival of the others and has eschatological future. The Manggarai people also believe that there is a place for the eternal life called pa'ang be le. This finding contributes to the development of ecological theology in the Indonesian Catholic Church and the universal Church. In addition, the awareness of the ultimate future for all creation strengthens the commitment of the Christians to preserve the environment.

An Asian Integral Ecological Theology: Pope Francis’s Teaching in Dialogue with Asian Religions

This article presents Pope Francis’s ecological theology, especially as presented in his Laudato Si’ and Querida Amazonia, and places it in dialogue with the ecological thought in Buddhism and Daoism. It begins by placing Pope Francis’s teaching in the environmental context of Asia. It then compares it with the statements on ecology by the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, especially regarding what Francis terms “the globalization of the technocratic paradigm” and the “excessive anthropocentrism.” The article then relates these two critiques to the Buddhist concept of interdependent origination, especially as presented by the Vietnamese Buddhist Thich Nhat Hanh, and the Daoist concepts of de, dao, wuwei, and ziran. It ends by showing where Pope Francis’s ecological theology could be expanded by addressing the population issue, the theology of the “Cosmic Christ,” and an evolution-based theology of creation. The substance of this article was presented during the twenty-second Louis Luzbetak Lecture on Mission and Culture at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, on October 18, 2021 (watch the video at https://learn.ctu.edu/2021-luzbetak-lecture ). The author is grateful to its organizers for the opportunity to discuss Laudato Si’.

From Process Philosophy to Process Theology: The Ecological Theological Perspective of John Cobb

John B. Cobb Jr., a well-known theologian, philosopher, and environmentalist in the United States, has developed his own participatory ecological theology from process philosophy to process theology. Some scholars believe that it belongs to a distorted form of anthropocentrism, while others suggest that it belongs to biocentrism. However, through Cobb’s attention to and exploration of environmental crises and interactions with other environmentalists, his ecological theology is shown to be a new form of participatory ecological theology which recognises the intrinsic value of all existence and affirms the participatory ecological order of nature. He challenges the traditional Christian doctrine of “dominion” and points to a more responsible concept for humanity, that is, to serve all parts of the natural world as responsible creations, just as serving God. Keywords: Process Philosophy, Process Theology, Ecological Theology, Ecological Sustainability

New Books across the Disciplines

New Books across the Disciplines

Meningkatkan kepedulian terhadap lingkungan hidup melalui nyanyian jemaat

The environmental crisis has threatened the world. Natural disasters can cause a wide range of issues. Various efforts have been made to overcome the effects of natural damage. From a Christian perspective, ecological theology has tried to answer the problem of environmental degradation. However, the efforts to raise awareness among the congregation members must not stop. Based on H. Paul Santmire's belief that liturgy related to worship can encourage congregational awareness, this research proposes singing as one of the liturgical elements that can play a role in encouraging concern for environmental crises. This research was pursued with a qualitative approach using literature and observation methods. This study found that congregational singing has a significant role in encouraging the congregation's concern for the environment. This role can be achieved by singing and living the nature-themed songs, supported by a calendar of warnings related to environmental themes.

Green Mass: The Ecological Theology of St. Hildegard of Bingen , by Michael Marder (with Peter Schuback)

Green Mass: The Ecological Theology of St. Hildegard of Bingen , by Michael Marder (with Peter Schuback)

Theology of Sagu: A Contextual Theology Construction in Maluku

After the implementation of rice as a staple food for Indonesian society, including in Maluku, the society of Maluku has become very dependent on rice. Sagu which is a staple and particular food is no longer cultivated and utilized optimally in Maluku. Therefore, through this paper we try to offer theology of sagu, specifically for the Christian society in Maluku. By understanding sagu theologically as a blessing from God that can provide food for society and their harmonious relationship with God, mankind, and nature, this will have implications for the empowerment carried out by The Protestant Church of Maluku on human and natural resources in Maluku. Here the theology of sagu, which is proposed, is constructed from the cosmological view of the Christian society, the biblical basis of John 6:25-59, and some contemporary ecological theological ideas. The purpose of this paper is to add The Protestant Church of Maluku's ecological theology which is being developed to respond to various ecological crises in its context, Maluku. The theology of sagu, which is offered, is to strengthen the church’s Church Teachings, which has been compiled, as the direction of the church’s ministry in the future for its community.

Green Mass: The Ecological Theology of St. Hildegard of Bingen by Michael Marder (review)

Green Mass: The Ecological Theology of St. Hildegard of Bingen by Michael Marder (review)

DANIEL P.CASTILLO, An ecological theology of liberation: Salvation and political ecology, ecology and justiceMaryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2019

DialogVolume 61, Issue 2 p. 180-181 BOOK REVIEW DANIEL P. CASTILLO, An ecological theology of liberation: Salvation and political ecology, ecology and justiceMaryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 2019 Daniel R. Smith, Daniel R. Smith Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, California, USA Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, Davis, California, USASearch for more papers by this author Daniel R. Smith, Daniel R. Smith Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Berkeley, California, USA Lutheran Church of the Incarnation, Davis, California, USASearch for more papers by this author First published: 11 July 2022 https://doi.org/10.1111/dial.12746Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume61, Issue2Summer 2022Pages 180-181 RelatedInformation

Are Ashes All That Is Left? Grace Jantzen’s Aesthetics and the Beauty of Biodiversity

As the climate crisis continues to worsen and it becomes apparent that the earth faces its sixth mass extinction event, it is more important than ever to find an alternative to the disordered thinking that prevents meaningful environmental reform in nations of the Global North with large carbon footprints such as the United States. Informed by affect theory, I revisit Grace Jantzen’s late work on death and beauty in the context of biodiversity to develop the beginnings of a theological affect of responsiveness to ecological beauty. Juxtaposing Jantzen’s theory of the displacement of beauty with Kevin O’Brien’s theological ethics of biodiversity, I suggest that biodiversity can be key to an ecotheology that combats human exceptionalism and prioritizes responsiveness to beauty. I contend that an aesthetics of natality requires responsiveness to the beauty of biodiversity in order to combat both human exceptionalism and the culture of necrophilia that Jantzen critiqued. Ultimately, I conclude that beauty, natality, and biodiversity may be able to inform an ecological theology centered on nonexceptional theological affects.

Emerging Religious Consciousness—A Cosmotheandric Understanding of Reality in the Light of Sophiology of Some Russian Theologians towards an Eco-Theology

Intercultural theology is increasingly a major subject matter of 21st-century scholarly inquiry. This results in an interreligious discourse and encounter at different levels. However, gone are the days when the aim is to identify or even to fuse certain overlapping magisteria. A linguistic-cultural approach takes us beyond mergers or grand unified theories. To speak of reality as a whole is not to talk about the whole of reality. Creatio continua, the radical newness of each moment and phase unfolds in unpredictable ways. The ecological crisis of planet earth has forced all responsible researchers to engage with the Anthropocene by establishing space for a common earth religion. Through ressourcement, it appears that the sophiology of theologians of the Russian Silver Age (e.g., Solovyov, Bulgakov, and Florensky) can open up a vista in the spirit of aggiornamento to a meta-religious approach recognising the infinite capacity of humanity to transcend particularised religious identities and so belong in different ways too, with, and in God. In the end, sophiology is a form of progressive Christianity that puts together philosophy and faith by promoting an ecological public theology that is concerned about raising society’s awareness about creation as material nature.

AN ECOLOGICAL THEOLOGY OF LIBERATION: SALVATION AND POLITICAL ECOLOGY. By Daniel P.Castillo. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2019. Pp. xxviii + 227. Paper, $40.00.

Religious Studies ReviewVolume 48, Issue 1 p. 110-110 Short Reviews of Recent Publications: Theology AN ECOLOGICAL THEOLOGY OF LIBERATION: SALVATION AND POLITICAL ECOLOGY. By Daniel P. Castillo. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 2019. Pp. xxviii + 227. Paper, $40.00. First published: 28 April 2022 https://doi.org/10.1111/rsr.15756Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume48, Issue1Georges Bataille and the SacredMarch 2022Pages 110-110 RelatedInformation

Eco-Anxiety and Pastoral Care: Theoretical Considerations and Practical Suggestions

The environmental crisis is producing an increasing number of both physical and psychological impacts. This article studies the challenge of eco-anxiety for pastoral care, drawing from both interdisciplinary research and ecological theology. The aim is to help both practitioners and researchers to encounter eco-anxiety more constructively. The rapidly growing research about eco-anxiety and therapy is discussed in relation to pastoral care. The various forms of eco-anxiety are briefly analyzed. The role of the caregivers is discussed by using sources that study the challenges of therapists in relation to eco-anxiety. The existential depths of eco-anxiety are probed in the light of recent research and older existentialist theory. It is pointed out that the political character of ecological issues, especially climate change issues, causes many kinds of challenges for pastoral care. As the constructive conclusion of the article, various possibilities and resources for encountering eco-anxiety in pastoral care are discussed, along with the connections with wider pastoral theology. It is argued that pastoral care providers should engage in self-reflection about their own attitudes and emotions related to ecological issues, preferably with the support of trusted peers or mentors. Various organizational developments are also needed to support caregivers. Dialectical thinking is one tool that can help to navigate the complex dynamics related to environmental responsibility, eco-emotions, and questions of hope or hopelessness.