Theological Response to the Ecological Crisis:

A Call to Care for Creation.

Abstract

We live in an endangered planet and yet Christians are sitting on a gold-mine of knowledge and wisdom (2 Tim. 3:16-17) namely the Bible.  Christians in the same vein need to be ‘salt and light’ (Matt. 5:13-16) as they should be at the forefront working towards the promotion of environmental preservation in the world today. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also promote it in its goals such as Goal 15 which says that: protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems sustainably manage forests, combat desertification halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity. We note that there was also a time when we in the developing countries thought that the ecological crisis was not a serious problem for us. Our problem, as it was assumed, was poverty and economic exploitation; the environmental issues was a ‘luxury’ of the industrialized countries (Abraham in Hallman, 1994). However, today it is a crucial issue that needs to be urgently addressed both by the state and various institutions therein such as the Church. This paper addresses the ecological crisis that poses a significant challenge to humanities relation with the natural world based on God’s word. Through a biblical framework, this article will lead us to reconsider our duty to steward creation, prioritize justice and sustainability, and strive for a restored relationship between humanity and the earth. Our theological response will also lead us to work towards a more just and sustainable future for all creation. Therefore the main objective of this article is to explore how the ecological crisis could be handled based on God’s Word.  Regarding methodology, being a bible-based paper, it is focused on key scriptural passages that highlight God’s relationship with creation and humanity’s responsibility toward the environment. It also addresses the ethical and practical implications of creation care. It further explores how the Church, particularly within the African context, can integrate ecological responsibility into its liturgy, preaching, pastoral work, and public witness.  Thus, out of this paper, it is recommended that theological institutions should integrate ecological issues into their curriculum (eco-theology), churches also need to integrate ecology into worship and liturgy and above all churches need to support national and international policies regarding ecology in this Church of the 21st century.