Abstract
The environmental crisis has reached an unprecedented scale. Humans, who were tasked with stewarding the Earth (Genesis 2:15), have become a source of its slow and continuous destruction. According to the United Nations, “human influence on the climate system …[causes] severe, pervasive and irreversible impacts for people and ecosystems” (Pachauri & Meyer, 2015). Addressing this issue from a theological perspective is critical because the “ecological crisis is deeply rooted in theology” (Bartholomew, 2009). Zizioulas offers a fresh and unique approach to eco-theology: humanity needs to adopt a “doxological attitude” towards creation (Zizioulas, 2011). This encompasses a priestly function of human beings, which continues in everyday existence as a “cosmic priesthood” or “priesthood of the creation,” as a fundamental human calling. Zizioulas believes that protecting the natural environment is “a fundamental religious obligation demanded by humankind by God himself” (Bartholomew, 2009). This approach embraces the calling of human beings and invites them to carry creation to its Creator in the act of thanksgiving, which has a liturgical significance. Zizioulas’ approach can have widespread relevance when the Church is ready to adapt this Eucharistic ethos towards creation and foster a “new culture, which will resacralize creation” (Shepherd, 2007). This is a call for every person to engage in the priestly service of offering creation to its Creator, which, in turn, opens us “up to a transcending relatedness with the ‘other,’ this action ‘corresponding to that of love in the deepest sense’” (Zizioulas, 2011, p. 145).
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Ecotheology, Zizioulas, Ecology, Theology
