KHRIST PREMALAYA REGIONAL THEOLOGATE
(AFFILIATED TO PONTIFICAL URBANIANA UNIVERSITY, ROME)
ECOLOGICAL CRISIS
AND
CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
BY: LAWRENCE N. EKKA
(A Paper Submitted in the Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of the Degree of Bachelor of Theology)
MODERATOR: REV. FR. JOHNY D’SOUZA SVD
ASHTA, 2010
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Gratitude is said to be the best attitude. As human beings we are to have this attitude to many; beginning with the almighty God and to the nature of which we are part and parcel. At this juncture, I would like to express my sincere thanks to all those good people and their inspiring thoughts that helped me in doing this work. First and foremost, I thank the almighty God, who inspired me and guided my thoughts throughout my life and especially during this writing on ecology. He inspired me to write at a time when the discussions on nature is most felt and needed. Surely this work is going to help me in forming and refining my future course of action of the environment and to arouse my eco-consciousness.
I take this opportunity to thank Rev. Fr. Johny D’Souza SVD, an eco-lover, who guided me in writing on this most relevant and current topic. I express my sincere thanks to him for his generous guidance, suggestions and constant support. At the same time, I thank all the librarians for providing books to me.
I also, express my appreciation and gratitude to all the staff members and friends both present and past for their support and encouragement. I am grateful to Khrist Premalaya Regional Theologate, Ashta for giving me this opportunity to write this thesis.
On 4, September, 2010 by Bro. Lawrence Nolasco Ekka,at Ashta
INTRODUCTION
God created a perfect earth with awe inspiring grandeur and an amazing array of biological species. He also made provisions of abundant resources to satisfy the needs of humankind and of all other creatures. This fact is supported both by science and the Holy Bible. But what has become of this beautiful blue planet today is a disturbing affair spoken everyday in the media. We cannot escape environmental crisis today which has come upon us with the destruction of natural resources, ozone depletion, climate change, lond degradation, water pollution, deforestation, habitat destruction, species extinction, use and misuse of biotechnology, etc. I am much inspired by the beautiful creative environmental poem “IF THE EARTH COULD WRITE A LETTER” composed by the Students on the Apex Summer School, New Delhi.
Dear Humankind,
I write to you from forests green, from lakes and rivulet stream,
To ask you for mercy for the land, my forests wilted by your hand,
Your city’s jaws open wide, to swallow up the countryside,
This tarmac tongue of motorway licks greedily,
Across my patchwork of fields,
You do murder my creatures readily; you starve my seas of fish and oil,
And rip the coal from my deep soul,
As forests disappear and apartment blocks rise,
Do you not hear a million cries?
Of forests, rivers and trees, of fields, animals and seas,
Of skies and clouds and oceans blue, are these sounds invisible to you?
All these voices unite to ask of you one thing,
‘Save us, give us mercy’
So, please next time you decide to build a town, a road or a city,
Or to dig for oil or coal, think of this with solemnity,
Do you really need it?
What happens it’s served it’s time,
Will you toss it away like a broken toy?
This is not a child’s nursery game,
Think what you have done and hang your heads in shame.
Yours Pleadingly,
Earth.
The above poem inspired me to write this paper on the ecology though many papers have been written earlier. It is for my own in-depth knowledge and study. It is true that one of the major crises of the modern age which remains unsolved is ecological destruction and the consequent tragic fate hanging over human destiny and the mother earth. Thus, the first chapter speaks about the present situation of the earth and various dimensions of the eco-crisis. It reads the signs of the time, prevailing threats and their causes to go to the root of things to know the spirit of truth and spirit of error done.
We have shattered the ecological harmony of the earth (our Eden). As Christian we cannot ignore the natural environmental crisis and the call of earth “where are you?” (Gen. 3: 6). The second chapter on the Christian perspective of the eco-crisis is a look into the Old Testament and New Testament significance of nature and its usage. It also deals with the Church documents, which highlight the Church’s point of view regarding the mammoth crisis. We also take models from the Green Saints, who would be a great help to solve this eco-crisis.
The third chapter is about re-cosmo-logizing the cure of earth. It presents with the possible theological and practical approaches needed to respond to the eco-crisis from a Christian point of view. It also highlights the emerging trends to understand and implement in eco-crisis, while it treats the some ecological implications needed to bring about true harmony in nature.
God created the earth in order to preserve life and appointed human beings as stewards. But today we experience the destruction of planet through our human greed and sinfulness. The entire cosmos is at stake. Therefore, call for restoration is primarily a call for the continuation of life on earth. Thus, the last chapter collects an action and praxis oriented call to all eco-lovers through various ways of responses, alternatives, remedies and solutions. It also brings approaches that are very helpful and practical, before concluding the call of the hour towards eco-justice needed from all of us.
Chapter I
THE ECOLOGICAL IMBALANCE: A SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS
God created the humankind in His own image and placed him in this beautiful world to live in harmony with everything around him; the animals, plants and all of the nature. But, our experience today reveals us that all is not well in our world as a lot of ecological concerns are raised at global, national and local levels of discussions; to safeguard the earth and the planet from possible harm and destruction. As Christians our understanding of the creation as a gift to humankind comes in place to initiate ourselves into this crisis situation, to find a solution, to have a proper understanding of what is going around and to know about the signs and signals of the threats and their causes. Thus, this chapter brings out the present scenario of ecological imbalance before stating the response required of us.
1.1 THE BASICS
1.1.1 Etymology and Definition
The word ecology is coined by the German biologist Ernest Haeckel in 1866. It comes from ‘ekologie’ or ‘oekology’, which is derived from the Greek root ‘oikos’ meaning ‘house, habitat’ and ‘logos’ meaning ‘doctrine or study’. He defined ecology as “the biological study of the interdependence between the different organisms that live on earth (i.e., plants, animals, birds, fishes and humans) and natural environment that provides to all living creatures the needed essential elements such as air, water, energy and food”. A group of organisms of different kinds living together in one kind of environment is called ‘eco-system’. Faced with the ecological crisis our concern; thus refers to give care to our world with all its relationships between the creatures and natural resources.
1.1.2 The History of the Study of the Issue
For Haeckel, a hundred of years ago ecology was a branch of biology, as a subsection of a natural science. But, today it has a global interest as it refers to the question of life and death of humankind and the planet at large. The concern for ecology has gained momentum in the Christian theological studies and discussions since 1960s, and specifically in 1961 Joseph Sittler, in his address to the WCC assembly, New Delhi, pointed out about the increasing visible degradation of nature around the world and called upon the global church to seek unity in the name of the cosmic Christ. It is felt that Christians have been rather slow in protecting the environment, and they recognize ecology only as an academic matter than an environmental one; thus, involving in relevant actions against the threatening ecological crisis is poor. In the affairs around us, we find the forest ecosystems still being destroyed causing the extinction of animals, plants, places of natural beauty and rare species. We still face industrial and agricultural pollution, which leads to the poisoning of the very air we breathe and thinning the earth’s ozone layer.
1.2 THE SIGNS AND SIGNALS
The everyday happenings around the world give us a sense that not all is quite right with our planet- Earth, our home. Tsunami, earthquake, floods, forest fire, drought and other natural events serve us as pointers to a crisis that the planet earth is facing. This part is an attempt to read and highlight those signs to provide a ground for investigation into their causes and their ill effect. This will enable us to be aware of the looming disaster and to respond with possible remedies.
1.2.1 Diminishing Biodiversity
Biodiversity refers to the richness and variety of life on earth; bearing witness to God’s creativity. Biodiversity is the totality of genes, species and ecosystems in a region, which is essential for survival. Over the time of history, human cultures have emerged and adapted to the local environment- discovering, using and altering local biotic resources. “All life on earth is a part of one great, interdependent and interconnected system. It interacts with and depends on the non-living components of the planet: atmosphere, oceans, freshwaters, rocks and soils”. In a habitat these species and genetic difference of all the beings form a system supporting each other, thus if there is harm to one species, it indirectly disturbs the habitat, because “the extension of a single species affects the life of about 24 other species.” Today many species of animals, plants and insects are at the verge of extinction and many are already extinct through human activities of development. This horrifying reduction in species amounts to a loss of biodiversity and it is a biggest environmental problem, which signals as the tragic loss of genetic potential of the planet, as some species become endemic day by day.
The beauty of our planet and its magnificence are truly wonderful that we need to preserve its diversity and in this way we maintain harmony of life existing. The main reasons affecting the loss of biodiversity are many like; the unsustainable high rate of human population growth, their natural resource consumption, the loss of wild habitats to farming, fuel industry, forestry, fisheries, the economic systems and policies that fail to value the environment and its resources and the unsustainable exploitation. An area of the world’s richest sources of species is tropical rainforests. However, with the rate of forest left, many more species of life on earth will lose soon with their potential use of plants in medicine and drugs.
The conservation of biodiversity is a fundamental duty; not because we need to protect wild life, but it means safeguarding the natural systems of the earth, which supports the nature and our lives. The natural system purifies waters, recycles oxygen, carbon and other essential elements, maintains the fertility of the soil, and provides food from the land, freshwaters, and herbal medicines. Therefore, today we need to bring about sustainable living emphasizing the need for the world community to change policies and reduce excessive consumption, to conserve the life of the planet and live within the earth’s carrying capacity.
1.2.2 Land Degradation
Plant life depends absolutely on a thin, fragile layer of topsoil. Nothing will grow on land without this precious resource, and we humans are the cause of depletion of the soil through human activities. Land degradation is a common feature affecting all parts of the globe, and about 35% of the earth’s surface is on the verge on turning into a dessert with potential to support life restricted to dessert species. In the past many civilization and agricultural settlements have collapsed due to poor irrigation and over-use of land. We know scientifically, that the topsoil develops in about 200 to 120000 years, but it can be lost in a matter of months. Once an area is overused, the topsoil turns to dust and is blown away in the wind. Thus, soil erosion results in drought, desertification and other natural effects. A part of these losses are due to natural causes such as heavy rains, steep slopes, acidic soils and strong winds in dry areas. There are human activities that contribute more like deforestation, floods, water logging and soil salinity due to inappropriate irrigation projects and large-scale industrialized farming, because they exposes the soil to machines, winds and chemicals fertilizers and also deprive it from natural, organic and social self-protection.
Planting trees around croplands to reduce wind erosion of the soil is necessary to reclaim the land lost and make it usable for original purpose. The trees provide shade, buffers the wind by converting nitrogen from the air into usable nitrogen known as nitrogen fixation, which increases the yield of crops nearby. We are well aware of the growing population of humankind, who depends on the land and water for food and other needs. However, the land and water resources are limited and declining, and the competition over the use of land and water resources is increasing day by day, locally as well as globally. The powerless lose more and more the little access to resources they had, and those who grab the land are oriented towards short-term profit making and not long-term preservation to provide food security. It is necessary to understand the causes of these processes and identify possible strategies to counter the trend, and to meet increasing the demands of agriculture production. This is possible only when programs like wasteland development, watershed management etc. helps the local people to regain the fertility of soil and their use.
1.2.3 Depletion of Energy Resources/Energy Crisis
Our homes and world around cannot move and run smoothly, unless there is electricity to support us. This electricity comes from the coal, diesel or petrol based machines to generate electricity. In some places, we have hydro-electricity, nuclear power or other means to support the generation of electricity. These resources of the earth are in a restricted quantity and their high exploitation by humankind leaves it to worst situation, as it is felt that “at the current rate of consumption, crude oil can last for 150 years but, with only 5 percent increase in demand, for only 50 years and gas for a mere 30 years.” Truly, we are in a fix.
The solar energy was in use for thousands of years of civilization based on agriculture, which fully depended on solar energy and it changed into biotic energy provided by plants and animals. The industrial revolution of 18th century brought a radical shift away from renewable and exhaustible solar energy to the use of non-renewable fossil fuels as basic sources of energy. Coal, oil and gas formed and accumulated in the earth; provide the highly productive energy input for industries. The realization that the industrial fossils are a limited resource and we are into eco-crisis has given rise to the search for new oil and gas fields, and efficiency in use of fossil fuels or nuclear energy. The only sustained forms of technologies with solar, wind etc. seem feasible. We need to encourage greater energy efficiency by using renewable energy resources such as wind, solar and tide power. We need strategies for improving energy efficiency through use of small-scale renewable energy resources such as mini hydroelectric projects and solar panels.
1.2.4 Ozone Depletion
Ozone is a form of oxygen with three atoms instead of the usual two. The ozone layer is between 15 to 50 kilometers above the earth known as stratosphere, and forms a protective filter around the planet, absorbing the ultraviolet radiation from the sun, is deterred in 1913 by French scientist Charles Flabby and Henry Vubson. This layer is thinning drastically over the years, resulting in a threat, because the excessive UV radiation can damage the environment, human health, marine, plant and animal life. In 1982, the discovery of Antarctic ozone hole revealed the effect of the modern industry. The emission into the atmosphere of industrial chemicals, found in dry cleaning solvents, sprays and various insecticides; leads to destruction of the ozone layer. Though human kind is moving into a new phase of discoveries but the unexpected side effects of earlier discoveries have made our hopes of progress a failure. Today the use of aerosols needs to be banned as this is very harmful. There is now international recognition of the danger of use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in their capacity to deplete ozone in the atmosphere. CFCs are compounds commonly found in cooling devices such as refrigerators and air conditioning units. CFCs released into the atmosphere migrate to the upper atmosphere or stratosphere where they react chemically with ozone and thereby destroy it. Ozone is responsible for protecting human beings and fragile ecosystems against the damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.
1.2.5 Climate Change
Climate change is one of the most serious threat humanity and planet faces today, and it is resulting in effects like hurricanes, tsunamis, cyclones and typhoons doing a lot of harm to life, environment and property. The emissions of the green house gases are agreed as the effect in bringing about the greatest and most rapid change in climate. Carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere act like a glass in a green house, letting the sun’s rays through, but trapping some of the heat that otherwise would be radiated back into space. While natural levels of carbon dioxide is needed to keep the climate at a balanced temperature to make life possible, there is considerable evidence that an overall warming of the climate is brought on by human activities, which increase carbon dioxide production through fuel consumption and deforestation. The carbon dioxide accounts for over half the increase in warming of the climate; while other gases which contribute to the greenhouse effect, include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), methane and nitrous oxide.
The climate heat is on increase year by year, which the third countries would face a greater loss of usable land through drought and unpredictable rainfall. The change in climate will also contribute in the loss of species, many of which will not be able to spread to cooler areas in order to survive. The melting polar caps will increase sea water level rise and flood will affect the low-lying coastal areas. A one-meter rise in sea level could make 200 million people homeless. It means our so-called ‘civilized’ industrialization threatens both human and non-human life forms. In such situation, we need today a radical life style change to end the ecological collapse; by working as individuals and communities to take responsibility for ‘sustainable living’ that is living within the earth’s resources.
1.2.6 Droughts
Many parts of the world today experience severe and strange drought affecting agriculture adversely. Our Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh in his address to parliament, at the discussion on price rise reasoned the weather also responsible for its effect in food production. Thus, the late monsoon or fewer monsoons all effect to drought, which in turn affects food production or inflation world over. In November 2007, the Time magazine reported about one of the severest droughts that Australia experienced in 50 years; because the water levels in river Hume Weir fell to 2%. South East Australia is almost parched with six-year drought; so much so climate change and water scarcity was an agenda for the election in November 2007. Not only in Australia, even India experienced a huge strange patterns of drought and rain.
1.2.7 Acid Rain
Acid rain is a form of air pollution, resulting from uncontrolled industrial emissions, vehicles and coal based power plants etc. These gases like sulpher dioxide and nitrogen oxide are produced and combined with water vapor, sunlight and oxygen get transformed into weak acid droplets of nitric and sulphuric acids and fall on the dry earth as rain and destroy forests and lakes. When carried by the wind to long distances they affect the soil, water, wildlife, buildings and our health. Everyday about 650 million people are exposed to harmful amounts of sulphur dioxide; even in sea or water bodies the fishes have disappeared and 35% of European forests are seriously affected by acid rain.
1.2.8 Melting Glaciers and Rise of Sea Water Level
“One of the most discussed effects of global warming is the increased rate of sea level rise. The rise is due primarily to higher temperatures, which affect sea levels in two ways. First, if temperatures rise, water gets hotter, causing it to expand. Second, the heat melts ice sheets, caps and glaciers, causing melt water to flow into the oceans.” This is the consequence of more than a century of industrial growth, but this indicates the problems to arrive in coming years leading to the inundation of low-level grounds, and indirectly countries like India, Bangladesh and Maldives will lose a large part of the coastline. The harm done is not the fault of the suffering or affected nations but is the impact of years of harmful emissions into air and discharge in the water and land of developed nations like the United States, who enormously produce carbon dioxide and methane gases, thus enhancing global temperature, causing the melting of sea caps and polar ice, threatening agriculture, water resources and habitat.
1.2.9 Natural Disasters
Natural disasters have become daily news in the media today. A good number of people have died worldwide due to the natural disasters in the last year, even this year we had a powerful earthquake killing thousands in Haiti, Peru, Chile and Fiji Islands, destroying and creating tsunamis. Hurricanes in America - Andrew (1992), Ivan (2004), Katrina (2005), Rita (2005) and Super Cyclone in Orrisa few years back, Tsunami (2004) in South East Asia are very examples of the natural disasters. The above disasters are a warning of nature to change our ways, to be aware of the reality around and respond to the call in right time before it is too late. The forest fires are on increase due to rise in temperature. The carbon dioxide released from this fire amounts to about 20% of the atmospheric carbon dioxide. In future, it is estimated that the emission of the carbon dioxide of forest fire will be more than the carbon dioxide emissions from airplanes over the sky.
1.3 THE THREATS SEEN
The degradation of the environment that we witness today is due to human interventions. We certainly need progress and development and we cannot put back the developmental work. But, we stand at the crossroads today; it is time for us to choose either life or death, knowing well the threats. We shall examine a few threats of the crisis.
1.3.1 Breeding of Diseases and Health Risks
Living in a polluted environment may lead to many physical and psychological problems. According to a medical research carried by the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi, suggests that there can be memory loss, high blood pressure, increased insulin level leading to fat deposits, weakening of immune system, depression, skin complications, brain damage due to radiation near mobile towers, deafness, less eyesight, headaches and other problems. The ozone depletion helps ultra rays to enter into the earth’s environment and it causes cataracts, skin cancer and suppresses the immune system.
1.3.2 Global Food Crisis
If the increase of the warming of the earth is not taken seriously the food production will affect about 20-40%, and a half degree of temperature will cause ¼ of Indian wheat production down. Though world over the new inventions and progress is made which is helping the food security and production, but there is also a general fear whether we can really do them so. GMF (Genetically Modified Food) means the farmers are fully dependent on the seed seller and in case of bad or failed crop due to unhealthy weather, it means a total loss. The land and water are day by day becoming scarce and farmers’ crop yield is declining. A study shows that one out of every eight people suffers from food insecurity and they lead unhealthy and unproductive life. However, a few countries produce significant amounts of food but they ship it to wealthier nations and are not available for local consumption. The growing meat eating habit has given rise to the industrialized meat production in farm units through animal husbandry who use abundant of crop products to feed the animals. The crop produced for humans thus is used for animal feeding, leading to food unavailability, be it wheat, maize, rice or others. Some other factors like use of land for the production of bio-fuels rather than food, in order to create and fulfill the demand of more environment friendly fuel, the unprecedented population growth and globalization, the unhelpful impact of climate changes on food production, the policies to protect the interest of revenue causing demand and supply damage help the global food crisis.
1.3.3 Crisis of Water
Water is most precious natural resource and it is the basic component of our body and the basis of all life. Though we are surrounded by ocean, we are badly in need of it for agriculture, industry, human consumption, etc. we have fresh water only through rainwater, river water, surface ponds, lakes and ground water. It is a historical fact that the fates of great civilizations were determined by the presence or absence of water. In India we live in a critical point where a critical crisis awaits us on the water front. The quality and quantity of water available to a citizen is far below the accepted levels. The poor and the economically weaker section of people are the most affected. India is truly a country dominated by monsoon because the entire life and system revolves around the monsoon winds which bring the rains and feed our rivers, replenishing our lakes and water bodies. These rivers which function as arteries of life and allow civilization to flourish life have now become the rivers of death. The shortage of water and failure by civic bodies in providing portable water has forced to tap their own subsoil water. Even this source has become polluted and is spreading diseases. The crisis of water has reached critical stage. The deaths due to epidemics like cholera, hepatitis, dengue, malaria, plague, etc. are alarming; which often catches the international attention. The privatization and exploitation of this natural resource will further cost the people dearly their living and livelihood affairs. The crisis is so immediate that a prediction of a possibility of future war seems unavoidable.
1.3.4 Depletion of Oxygen to Support Life System
A recent study by the Medical Council of India has shown the ill effects of pollution, increase of toxic gases, global warming and ozone depletion would one day lead to oxygen famine. This is because the increase of other gases in the atmosphere will make oxygen, the life supporting gas lesser than the percentage required of supporting life.
1.4 THE CAUSES
It is rightly said that nothing happens in the world without a cause behind it. Thus, mother earth undergoes the crisis affected by many factors. A close look into the environmental problem reveals the role of humans in causing the crisis. Humans cause it through their uncared ways of exploring, exploiting and using the earth. It disrupts the rhythm of the nature because we overexploit the resources and deliberately neglect the other species on the earth. The account of these causes would give us a better picture of what mistakes we usually commit unknowingly and thus respond in a better way.
1.4.1 Diminishing Humanity/The Exploitative Understanding
A look at what is happening to our air, sunlight, soil, forest, various life-forms and water; the natural life systems of our earth present us with the damaging fruit of our modern industrial and commercial developmental efforts. We have today the foul air, polluted waters and oceans, smaller cropland, spread desserts and many extinct species. These are the cost of our technological development and progress, so vulnerably depleting our mother earth and seriously collapsing. Where’s gone the sense of wonder, beauty and joy about the profound colors and diverse patterns of world around us. The rhythms and melodies of the birds, the winds in the trees, the running water in the rivers and their symphony of the celebration of life on earth seem lost.
Today in our modern world there is decline in the belief of nature as divine rather it is considered only a means of human growth and service. The conscious manipulation of the natural world only satisfies the greed of humankind. The ideology of exploitation of nature is approved by modern time and technology; thus environment is altered and we find the critical fury of this act. The Christians are blamed for this jeopardize by Lynn White, who said that the ecological crisis is result of the Christian doctrine of domination over the earth and its resources. Yet this is not fully true, as Christian have been in the forefront of eco-care, taking lessons from the Holy Scripture. Thus, this blame reminds us that we have to remind ourselves that the theology based on Christian anthropocentrism will be a great help to counter this crisis and to teach people that we are at the service of all other beings.
1.4.2 Excessive Use of Natural Resources
All nations base their economy and development on the natural resources available in the country and its use, be it coal or woods for energy, oil and minerals for industries or whatever. Since time immemorial, humans are depending on and using the resources of the earth for their survival. But, this exploitation of earth has been seen posing a threat to the existence of the earth for our survival, which no one is answerable. The solar energy was used for thousands of years of civilization as utilized energy. The industrial revolution of 18th century brought a radical shift away from renewable and exhaustible solar energy to the use of non-renewable fossil fuels as basic sources of energy. Coal, oil and gas which have been formed and accumulated in the earth in a process of millions of years provide the highly productive energy input for the mechanization of industrial production and transport on a global scale and for the transformation of all spheres of life. The use of these industrial fossils was thought as an unlimited resource but this won’t be at our disposal and that these cannot be renewed rather this would cause eco crisis. Now the search for new oil and gas fields, and efficiency in use of fossil fuels or nuclear energy, face crisis of ecology. The only sustained forms of technologies with solar, wind, etc. seem feasible.
There is profound unease at the profligate squandering of the earth’s dwindling resources and at the wanton fouling of our once beautiful planet. Researchers and engineers are vigorously trying to find a way out solution to one of the greatest crisis confronting humankind; that of finding abundant energy and of simultaneously reducing the terrifying degree of pollution associated with the combustion of huge quantities of fossil fuels on which we are now so dependent for our social needs. The world is in serious danger of approaching an energy famine within few decades unless sources of long-term solutions are developed.
1.4.3 Pollution of Soil, Water and Atmosphere
Environmental devastation and depletion of resources undermine the survival of human societies, including the flora and fauna. However, we are also experiencing the harm of pollution done to the environment, to get comforts and amenities of life.
a) Soil Pollution: Nature has its own way of recycling things in nature. The bacteria and fungi decay the waste and convert them into nitrates, phosphates and other nutrients. However, this recycling is not possible if the uses of pesticide, fertilizers or chemical are very heavy for the soil. Heavy industries shed heavy metals, which enter into the food chain and cause major threat affecting the whole ecosystem. Even irrigated agriculture brings on salinization. Acid rain makes land and water lifeless, while forests are damaged.
b) Water Pollution: Life depends on water. We need it for domestic use, agriculture, fishing and industry. Water covers about the 70% of the surface of the earth. Yet we cannot take its availability for granted. Only a small fraction of this water wealth is made available through nature’s solar powered water cycle. It amounts to about 7,400 cubic meters per person per year, which is much more than a person needs. But this calculation presupposes that water is not wasted, not polluted, and fairly distributed. And that is not the case. Today safe drinking bottled water business is a fast growing industry and in future, safe drinking water will be a commodity to be purchased only.
In the past people of drought prone areas knew how limited and precious water was, but now we are approaching a situation in which water is becoming scarce in other areas as well. “Water tables are falling, lakes are shrinking, and wetlands are disappearing.” Future wars may be fought over the control of water resources. In India the conflicts over water sharing among different states and rivers are common. Growing populations need more water for drinking and domestic purposes; agriculture and industry compete for water; and all users contribute to the pollution of water resources as sewage water carrying human and industrial waste flow into the rivers and seas. Pesticides and other poisonous matters poison rivers and even aquifers. All over the world, there is a growing concern about the poisoning of the seas and oceans through the waste, which is dumped into them. Sea is an important source of sea food for many but due to pollution quantity is decreasing and their quality too due to poisons and the coral reefs, the home to varieties of sea creatures are affected. Even the destructive technologies used upset the eco-balance.
c) Oil contamination: Oil spills at the loading and discharging points at port or accident sites, cleaning up of the oil tankers on board are some reasons, which pollute the ocean and sea. The careless dumping activity, of dangerous wastes in ocean and other places endanger the marine and coastal ecosystem, and they damage the environment of the earth.
d) Air pollution: It is the basic cause of pollution, through smokes from kitchens of households using woods, dung and crop residues for fires. The traffic fumes choked by four, three, and two wheelers emit toxic substances and cause health problems. The chimney smokes from public and private industries affect thousands of workers and the people living in the vicinity and the ozone layer. The air pollution is most by harmful gases like carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NO2), carbon dioxide (CO2), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), etc. Worsening state of human health is the most pronounced damage caused by air pollution. The effects are acid rains, fog, ozone hole, breathing problems, etc.
1.4.4 Global Warming:
The massive side effect of air pollution is global warming which is clearly witnessed by the pattern of climate and weather changes within a fairly short period of time. The main factor of this global warming is the greenhouse effect. The earth is surrounded by a layer of natural gases which act like a green house. They allow in solar energy and then stop some of the heat from escaping. Without these gases the earth would be frozen and lifeless, so they serve a vital purpose. Methane, carbon dioxide and CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) gases are some of the greenhouse gases. Methane is product of wastes; it indirectly absorbs the heat of the sun and keeps it warm. This isn’t good as the methane and other gases help earth absorb a lot of heat, as the proportion of these gases over the years due to various reasons have gone up and they reduce the possibility of cooling down of earth’s temperature, thus indirectly it brings global warming. The CFCs are industrial and man-made products used for properties like cooling, propulsion and cleaning; these are also used as antiperspirant, paint spray, insect killer, pain deadener or air freshener which all contain aerosol by a CFC gas and these are more harmful than carbon dioxide in their effect. They also help warm up the earth. The CFCs do not easily decay as they have life span of about 130 years, thus the quantity in atmosphere is increasing day by day helping global warming. Carbon dioxide is another green house gas, which is essential for life, and is part of atmosphere, land, sea, air, the plants and animals. Carbon dioxide is produced by respiration; fuel burnt, forest fires, volcanoes etc. and a large part by transports, industry and deforestation.
We need to bring down the emission of the green house gases to 40% to save the earth and guarantee our survival. The global warming may affect sea level rise caused by the melting of polar ice and glaciers. This poses a danger to low lying countries, which may inundate and it would bring a loss to residential life, agriculture, etc. The temperature rise also can imply for the survival of many species migrate to safer areas and others may try to survive with adaptation. The vegetation would change and a lot of trees and plants will die out. It will adversely affect the rainfall leading to droughts, storms, hurricanes and other calamities. A study by the Centre for Science and Environment, New Delhi, reports that farming will have more damage because of global warming, as it would bring early arrival of springs, change of flowering seasons, leaf fall and breeding.
1.4.5 Deforestation
Forest is very essential for the living beings, which are mostly found in it, and even human needs cannot be fulfilled without it. The richness of life in forest supports animals, birds, and the forest is also important for both the immediate environment and for the earth as it purifies the quality and quantity of the air and water, for a clean climate but, often in recent times forest have been victim to the commercial interest and there are a lots of deforestation activities. The forest department claims about 23% of the country’s total area as forest lands. That makes the situation poor. Though the main pressure of securing forests is on; the forests are being cut for commercial purposes, for providing raw material to industries, clearing for cultivation and development projects. The various functions of forests thus get disturbed like maintenance of soil and water regimes, conservation of biological and genetic diversity, production of biomass for subsistence as food, fodder and building materials, production of non timber biomass for sale, as cane, Sal seeds, tender leaves etc. as the local communities very much depend on the forests products for their livelihood, and for production of woody biomass for commercial purpose as raw material for industry.
The firewood companies and timber merchants are interested in commercial raw material for industries, which clashes with the interest of the Adivasis who live in the forests and with forests and depend on them economically as well as spiritually. They also clash with the interest of all of us, even of humankind at large, who need the forests for the sake of fresh air, stabilization of climate supply of water, prevention of soil erosion, droughts and floods and the preservation of biodiversity. Forest helps to maintain the oxygen levels of the air, which is a basic precondition of life; they absorb the co2 emissions and thus help to keep the climatic balance; and they regulate the supply of water through the seasons by preventing excessive run-off of rainwater and allowing it to percolate. Once the forest is cut and the hill slopes are denuded, rainwater will rush down, eroding the soil and causing floods in the plains. “This directly results in the depletion of species, species-habitat and bio-diversity and indirectly in depleting the top soil and ground-water availability because of the decrease of ground water recharge.” Now it is our duty to take priorities and function to stop the menace to look for the common interest, and not to destroy the forests.
1.4.6 The Toxic Waste
The world wide industries produce a millions of tons of toxic waste each year through chemicals and these are dumped into the landfills, rivers, lakes, seas or discharged into the air. These hazardous wastes pose a great threat to ecology, as these are directly affecting air, water and land, which support all living beings. The new agrochemicals like pesticides and fertilizers have increased the crop yields, but they are causing great environmental concern because these contaminate the drinking water. Even some toxic chemical are added to grow and ripen the fruits, all these chemicals reduce the natural fertility of the soil. There are reports that every year about thousands of people die due to poisoned drinking water in underdeveloped countries, and suffer from other diseases like cancer, genetic disorder, sterility, skin allergies and emphysema.
The insecticides also help in killing insects and gain good harvests but they poison the crop and carry out diseases like malaria. The chemicals increase farmers harvest and profits. They also help save peoples lives, but insecticides overused become a threat to lives and these enter into the food chain and continue to be serious threat to health. The toxic effluents from industries poison the water of rivers and of wells through ground water and thus it affect safe drinking water supply, animal husbandry and agriculture. The toxins eventually enter into the food chain and damage human health. The problem of safe disposal of toxic waste has assumed gigantic proportions as chemical industries and the use of toxic chemicals in other industries have grown by leaps. The illegal dumping of hazardous waste has become rampant. The industrialized countries where controls have become strict, have taken to the export of hazardous toxic waste. The discarding of vessels for recycling amounts exposure to environment, the PCBs, lead, mercury and asbestos. This illuminates how hazardous waste trade is for recycling involves a transfer of pollution from the rich to the poor. It is truly a toxic trade.
1.4.7 Nuclear Radiation and Nuclear Wastes:
Today the demand for energy is increasing day by day and the countries are taking various projects to meet the demands of electricity for people and industries. In recent times the nuclear energy through nuclear power station have gained momentum as they are seen as a solution to the troubled world due to lack of other resources. In nuclear reactor, the splitting of uranium or plutonium atoms produces radioactive fragments and activation that cause the ionization of normal atoms. This radiation leads to deformations and cancer. In nuclear reactors, the fission fragments are trapped in the fuel rods in which the fusion takes place, but activation products can be created in the surrounding air, water, pipes and building, thus posing a threat to workers and life in the vicinity.
The nuclear reactors are risk to floods, earthquake and rising sea levels, it is unimaginable to think how much destruction they would bring to the vicinity as the production and use of nuclear energy is too hazardous for the health of human being. Even engineering mistakes cannot be guaranteed as in war related incidents the enemy may attack through missile or bomb. The problem of disposal of radioactive waste and its reuse is hardly possible thus; the remaining high-level radioactive wastes are kept or disposed into hidden stores as they have life span of hundreds of years, because there is no reliable solution for protection of these matters. Thus, these pose a massive threat to generations to come and life on earth. The nuclear reactors therefore pose a risk for the environment, health and life. The nuclear accidents in other hand are a great disastrous in the human history. The radiation may cause cancers, leukemia, blood diseases, contaminate the soil and its food products. The birth defects, thus its risks show a far and wide contamination and threat to life.
1.4.8 Globalization
Much farmland now caters to the unlimited wants of the rich, for whom globalization means that the whole globe should be available for the fulfillment of their desires. The food crops, which were grown earlier, are used for export in the global market, like the tea and coffee. The export of flowers, bio-fuel plants, fruits etc. have grown in a big business. But the irony is that the land and water resources used for these products are not used for food production any more. This undermines food security, as export markets and earnings would collapse. The spread of Multinational Companies (MNCs) also give more impetus to this process as they establish the big manufacturing and processing units in the developing countries with cheap labor and resources and gain profits in leaps and bounds using the land, which is supposed to be used for crop production. The sustainability of millions of people due to displacement is hardly taken care and they migrate to various places in search of their future but it is difficult to make the life same again without land and resources.
1.4.9 Genetic Manipulation
Today we often hear about new products available in the market, like Bt brinjol, Bt potato; the results of genetic engineering or bio-technology. These genetically modified/manipulated organisms, products or food (GMOs), though product of research but they pose a hazardous risk to the environment and health. These are produced for the commercial value, at times claimed to solve the world food crisis. Often these modified organism or products are released in the market without observing the side effects for a good time of test. The ecologists fear the danger of reducing the natural biodiversity through these introductions and their co-relation to the ecosystem or habitat already prevalent. The terminator variety of seeds are now sold into the markets giving the seed an end to reproduce with the manipulation in its genes, thus farmers have to buy the seed from the patent company every year, a gain only for the merchandizing party and often loss to the farmers. This also is the neglect of the right of farmers to have their own seed storage.
1.4.10 Population Explosion, Poverty or Unequal Distribution
The population of the world is growing at an alarming rate. Today the world population is 6.5 billion, while in 1950 it was 2.5 billion, thus the rate of population growth is too high, which the earth’s ecosystem is unable to sustain or feed. Thus, we have people who suffer from hunger and sickness associated with poverty. Population explosion and poverty are closely linked by the environmentalists worldwide as one of the major cause of the ecological degradation; though sociologists differ saying it is a problem of unequal distribution. The increasing population day by day causes overexploitation of earth’s resources and results in a host of many other related problems. Our needs are on the increase but our land resource basically remains the same, thus we need to produce more from the same land to support the growing population. Thus population control had been an effort which all countries world wide have addressed through family planning. “If we are to halt the destruction of our environment, we must limit population growth.”
Poverty means lack of basic means of food, clothing, housing and other essentials needed for life. This is resulting from the problem of population, as millions of people find it difficult to get employment to support themselves, and thus they engage themselves in doing everything and anything for their survival with any means to feed and sustain themselves through activities of harming the ecology through deforestation and clearing lands.
1.4.11 The War Machines
The conflict and fight over small to real reasons have given rise to war between the nations and groups, often the mistakes of the leaders were the cause of the wars suffered by innocent victims of masses. Though today war is fought less but the might and power of a nation is shown by its assets to fight a possible war through war machines in store in case of the emergency. Every year nations spend huge and disproportionate share of its resources and finance for arms purchase and ammunition race. Developed countries spend an average of about 20 percent or more of public fund on the military than they do on health and education. In the developing countries the overall military spending outstrips health expenditure. Many countries have stocks of chemical weapons, which pose a major environmental threat. These war machines have far-reaching consequences in the atmosphere and life. The amount of funds spent on military increases every year and the world faces more difficult task of eco-crisis as the air, water, land, noise, radiation etc. are polluted and it poses a real threat to nature already exposed to thousands of other factors.
Conclusion
The above mentioned happenings in the world are warnings and signs that the nature poses to human beings to make us aware of the reality around, thus, as crown of the creation we need to react constructively and effectively. The awareness concerning the causes and need of responses is a must to act to save the earth. If we fail to take appropriate actions today it is going to deprive the rights of the future generations to live and enjoy the resources available on our planet earth.
Chapter II
THE CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
We are living in an age in which ecological health is threatened both at the global and national level mainly because of human ignorance about the existing inter-relationship between humankind and nature. There is a rapid growth of environmental pollution due to the deforestation, traffic hazards, industrial and agricultural wastes, leakage of toxic gases and sewage wastes, burning of oil wells and so on. According to Lynn White Christians are responsible for the present environmental crisis because they misunderstood the ‘dominion mandate’ of the scripture. In this situation, it is appropriate for us to raise the question: what does the Bible as a whole teach about the ecology? And, what responsibility do we have to balance the eco-crisis? Or, what does Church teach about the care of the earth?
2.1 BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVES
2.1.1 OLD TESTAMENT
Ecological crisis is not clearly dealt in the Old Testament, may be because there was no known threat to ecology in the Biblical times, but they do contain some ecological concerns and messages, on the care of creation. This would help us to explore the ecological insights through the understanding of God, human being and nature.
2.1.1.1 The Pentateuch
2.1.1.1.1 Creation from Nothing
In Genesis 1:1 we read that the primordial ‘earth was formless and void’. This means the raw material is created by God in the process of creation; and it is significant for a theology of nature as it coveys that even the smallest and unnoticed matter is an integral and fundamental part of God's good creation. This has a profound ecological significance, to value the creation, its inhabited creatures including humans and to care for them. The human beings are thus called to participate in and continue the creative activity of God as co-creators, without disturbing, desecrating or destroying the harmony that exists in nature.
2.1.1.1.2 The Goodness of Nature and the Divine Blessing
Seven times in Genesis God declares that the creation is good. All creatures are thus, stated to be good and beautiful by virtue of their relationship to the creator. On the fifth and sixth day the divine blessings are given first to birds and sea creatures before it is bestowed to humankind, the blessing means granting of the power to be fruitful and to multiply. The relationship between humanity and creation follows from the blessing command of God in Gen. 1: 28 ‘to subdue the earth and rule over every living creature’. It is important to note that after declaring the special place of humankind as ‘made in the image of God’, He gives this dominion over creation. The command to ‘subdue’ may mean a forceful submission of the earth to human endeavor, as in the history of Christian interpretation, these texts were thought of as a license to exploit the earth for human benefit. Moreover, it seems encouraging to modern day science and humanity’s technological innovation and power. But today, we must understand this as a command given by God to respect, regard, preserve, protect and foster the harmony that God has instilled into the nature and to be an eco-defenders, eco-promoters and eco-lovers in relation to the creator.
2.1.1.1.3 The Status of Humankind
The Genesis account confers the special status on humankind, when God appeared to Adam and gave him a special blessing. Humans are portrayed as being made in the ‘image of God’ in contrast to other creatures, but there are features which stress the intimacy of the relationship between humans and non-human creation, like humankind is created on the same day as the land animals, implying certain kinship. In addition, the establishment of God's Sabbath day is given in communion with creation as a whole and not only to humankind. The impression of their inter-dependence is manifested by the order to Adam to maintain the garden. Humans are expected not just to till the earth and cultivate it but guard, watch over, preserve and protect it from all damage, destruction, and decimation. They also must be ‘authors of life’ and not ‘proliferators of death’.
2.1.1.1.4 The Environmental Implications of Human Disobedience
The disobedience of Adam in Genesis and its ecological consequences highlight the importance of nature, because it is the rejection of the divine duties placed upon his dominion of the earth. Adam’s rejection was a rebellion against the good order of creation established by God. The result is that Adam looses the harmonious relationship with God, Eve or nature, as he looses his dominion over the earth.
The flood narrative, which portrays the vocation of humankind to be stewards of creation, also highlights the environmental implication of human disobedience, but the quest for autonomy takes him away. After the flood Noah exercises human dominion over creation through the representative animals, it is an expression of the disruption of our relationship with the environment marred by human disobedience.
2.1.1.1.5 Sovereignty of God
The creation account also introduces the formula, ‘let us bring forth...’ And it was brought forth. Except in the case of human beings, all other members of creation are the result of the word of God. Thus, the idea that God created everything ‘by the word’ expresses the absolute independence of God in the act of creation. The creation is unique and it establishes two important aspects of the Old Testament theology of creation. Firstly, God is solely responsible for creation and does not share the credit with anyone. Secondly, the whole of the created order belongs to God and He is sovereign over the whole nature. These themes also echo throughout the Old Testament especially in the Psalms.
“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it; for he has founded it in the seas, and established it on the rivers” (Ps. 24:1). It means that God’s ownership is extended to the whole of nature and its inhabitants, thus the monotheistic faith in only one God is applied, in control of the entire eco-system of the earth, the nature, its composition and rhythms.
2.1.1.1.6 Earth Centeredness
The creation story of Genesis takes place in two movements, firstly, the earth is made habitable by the appearance of plants and trees; and secondly, the animals and human beings fill this created earth. The earth-centeredness aspect has an ecological emphasis as the earth is taken care by Yahweh. The earth gives place for trees to grow up which gives the birds a place to root on and the mountains for the wild goats. The total eco-system (the land, the animals, the plants, clouds and streams, mountains and valleys, the sea and the creatures) is due to the creative will of God. The earth and all that are in it reflect on God’s creation.
2.1.1.2 The Other Books
2.1.1.2.1 The Lord’s is the Earth
The earth with all its myriads array of creatures, the seas with all their manifold varieties of fish and animals, the heavens with all their innumerable ‘lights’ and planets are image of God, the creator and sustainer of all realities. The wisdom books and psalms rightly affirm that God is at the root of all things, living and non-living. “Thou hast established the earth, and it stands fast” (Ps. 119:19). “By the word of the Lord, the heavens were made and their entire hosts, by the breath of his mouth” (Ps. 95:5). “In his hands are the depths of the earth; the heights of mountain are his” (Ps. 104:24).
2.1.1.2.2. Land is a Gracious Gift of God
The book of Deuteronomy speaks of land as a gift of God given to humans (Deut. 8: 7-10) . This gives us a sense of the relationship that exists between human being and nature, which is very clearly based on the convent between God and Israel. The need to give rest to the land for a year is persuaded in Levi. 25:4-5 stressing the central idea of man’s relationship to the land. In the jubilee year this aims to establish economic and ecological equilibrium. Levi. 25:23 affirms, “The land belongs to me and you are only strangers and guests”. It means God owns the land but is entrusted to the human; it’s true because He created the world and all that is in it, thus, He is the real owner of everything. This same idea is carried on by the prophets who called on the people to be just stewards of God by practicing justice (Jer. 7:5-7) . They held that God is the owner and master of the poor and the rich alike, therefore the prophets insisted that the resources of the earth be shared among the poor also. It assumes also the social responsibility that ‘the land is truly Lords’ (Ps. 24:1) and we must show profound respect to it.
2.1.1.2.3 The Inter-Relationship of Created Things
The prophets have preached enough of this approach (Hos. 4:1-3). God is suing people for breaking the terms of the covenant and therefore ‘the land mourns’. Barrenness of the land results from people’s immorality. Ecological welfare is made dependent upon people’s moral and spiritual condition. Thus we find that the life of humankind is inextricably related to the ground of its origin, welfare and destiny. God’s grace was present in the world. The book of Wisdom literature too invites humanity to discover the inter-relationship, harmony, wisdom, and grace given by God within the creation and then to live accordingly (Wis. 1:7, 7: 15-22, 8:6). The book of Ecclesiastes speaks of the need for respecting the law of nature for a life of harmony (Eccles. 3:1-9, 19; 8:6). Even book of Job upholds that everything in the creation is but for God’s glory (Job 39:5-12). God creates, sustains and continues to act in it. In and through the creation God bestow his blessings on human beings. Ps.104 depicts the interrelatedness of the ecology. In Is. 45:6-8, a new story of creation is told, where the earth bears fruit, and justice and righteousness begin to spring up. This is an exhortation of hope towards which we need to work.
2.1.1.2.4 Nature is the Teacher
“What is man?” (Ps. 8:4; 144:3), and the answer ‘he is a fragile being, a fading dream, a passing shadow; a fleeting breath (Ps. 144: 4) shows the usage of nature comparisons by the Biblical authors. The short span of life of human existence is compared with the grass, which is tiny among the plants and short lived. Humans are like grass which is renewed in the morning, it looks flourishing, but in the evening it fades and withers’ (Ps. 9:5). The presentation in the picturesque language conveys a message. The righteous people are compared with the Date Palm, which is known for its gracefulness, charm, longitivity and fruitfulness, and to the cedars of Lebanon (Ps. 92:12) . The comparison shown truly conveys us the ecological sense of nature as teacher. Thus we can say that everything in creation is brought in to play in the service of the wisdom psalmists to teach and instruct the people to order their lives and learn from nature to live a life of righteousness and peace.
2.1.2 NEW TESTAMENT PERSPECTIVES
2.1.2.1 Jesus’ Teaching in Synoptics
Jesus of Nazareth was an ordinary human person who walked around the rough mountains and deep gorge, the dreadful deserted and treacherous valleys. He was very familiar with the plants, trees, flowers and fruits, birds and animals of the locality; and at home with the varied seasons of the year with the extreme climates that made his land what it was. As a son of the soil he was truly in close touch with the Palestinian geography.
Though the gospel account of Jesus’ ministry does not indicate any direct teaching about the natural world, it does use the nature imagery as an interesting part in his teaching about God’s care for human beings. It is asserted that God cares even for the sparrow; this becomes the basis for the great assurance that God cares for individual human beings. As Jesus’ audience today we accept this great truth implicitly in his teaching about God’s fatherly care for human beings as he even cares for the least significant of creatures. A vital element of Jesus’ teaching concerning the natural world is his saying about the Holy Spirit in John 6:63: “the spirit gives life; he is the Lord, the life giver”. Thus, the spirit plays a role in sanctifying the natural world as well as humankind.
2.1.2.1.1 Agriculture - an Ecological Activity
The teachings of Jesus easily appeal people in its simplicity and truthfulness than any other religious teacher. They are often straightforward using everyday events of the Palestinian culture and rural agro-based community and setting. Jesus thus uses the imageries present in their day today living, experienced by the people from the daily occurrence. The images of farming, fishing, shepherding etc. are all down to earth. Thus Jesus almost proves that kingdom of God is never away from ecological setting, scenario or significance.
The agricultural activity connects one to the nature, the land, water, heat of the sun, darkness, greenery, natural manure by animals and plants etc. The imageries of soil, seed, harvest, the growth pattern etc. give us a better ecological sense, than direct sermon or class. Patiently watching the Mother Nature by farmer gives sense that he is totally dependant on nature not his own efforts.
2.1.2.1.2 Nature Sustains and Promotes Life
The image used by Jesus in his parables and miracles stresses the role of nature and natural surroundings for the growth and well-being of all. We receive the air, water, food and habitat needed for survival from the earth. Jesus’ teaching draw lessons from nature like vine and branches, lilies and plants, sand and rock, sun and moon, shepherd and sheep and birds and fishes, all refer to the work of nature in its rhythm. In olden times the farmers knew what the season or weather is to come seeing the signs of the air, clouds, trees etc. and accordingly farmers use to begin their work of agriculture. Thus, ecological sensitivity was an integral part of eco-living and reading.
A lesson that Jesus teaches in these parables is generosity and hospitality to everyone, especially the needy. The tiny seed when grown into a huge tree gives the needed shelter to the wandering birds, and the little leaven penetration into the dough transforms into large loaves of bread to feed family and friends and family. Nature is a generous mother and provider and we may not destroy and annihilate her by our greed and misuse, but rather imitate and follow her in promoting a culture of sharing and solidarity. We should also show hospitality to nature itself by protecting her from meaningless destruction and promoting her through a commitment to take part in environmental protection.
2.1.2.1.3 Nature Witness to the Rule of God
Jesus used the nature images to convey the message of the kingdom of God, proving all the listeners the concept of the rule of God in very material and down to earth terms. The parables were drawn from the daily experiences of the peasant’s life of Palestine. The analogy of the seed, soil, harvest, tree, leaven, bread, wine, wind etc., becomes channels for the perception of the divine working. They communicate divine activity showing nature having its own value. Jesus uses these imageries to communicate the role of nature in making the earth habitable and to reveal the presence of God in the natural world. Jesus penetrates the insights to bring out his teaching using all the material, vegetative and animal species of creation.
The sun and the rain (Mt. 5:45), the scorching heat and the south wind (Lk. 12:55), the clouds and the showers (Lk. 12:54), the earth and the sky (Lk. 12:56), the flash of lightening (Mt. 24:27), the lilies and the grass (Mt. 6:28-30), the rock and the sand (Mt.7:26), the seeds and the grains (Mt. 4:2-8), the thorns and the thistles (Mt. 7:16), the sparrows (Mt. 10:29) the moth and the rust (Mt.6:19), the eagles (Mt.24:28), the ox and the dogs (Lk. 16:21), the fish and the serpent as well as the scorpion (Lk. 11:11), the sheep and the goats (Mt. 25:32), all nature in its varied splendor are used in the teaching of Jesus. Thus, Jesus truly was an ecologist, who showed his eco-friendliness and eco-sensitivity in his wisdom sayings and parables.
2.1.2.2 Pauline Understanding
2.1.2.2.1 The End of Creation (Rom. 8:18-25)
The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but the will of him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself will be set free from it bondage to decays to obtain the glorious liberty of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in travail together until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the spirit, groan inwardly as we wait for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved by creation.
This passage contains the theology of nature, spoken by Paul in his letter to the Romans 8:18-25; and this passage is applicable for the whole of the created order: angelic, human and non-human. The reference to “groaning as in travail” seems pointing to the inability of creation to fulfill the purpose of its existence envisaged in Genesis. Paul does not teach that nature in itself is fallen; rather its fulfillment is bound up with the destiny of humankind. Once our disobedience prevented the natural order from achieving its goal; and creation would be cheated if man; the chief actor in the drama of God’s plan fails to contribute his normal part.
Paul emphasizes that hope is not excluded from creation. Thus, the present sufferings are to be seen as birth pangs which ultimately will give way to joy and fulfillment. Paul sees Christ’s redemptive activity as effecting in the reconciliation of the entire created order.
2.1.2.2.2 Jesus in the Order of Creation (Colossians 1:15-20)
He is the image of the invisible God, the first born of all creation; for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities. All things were created through him and for him. He is before all things and in him all things hold together. He is the head of the body the church; he is the beginning and the first born from the dead, that in everything he might be pre-eminent. For in him, all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
This passage speaks of the supremacy of Christ. As all things were created in, through and for Jesus Christ, He is the agent of God’s creative activity, the summary of creation, the created order and its eschatological end. “All creation, every creature, all things’ refers to the whole of creation, giving us an environmental notion. Whether we eat, use the energy or recreate; all are related to reconciliation with creation. But in the vast reconciliation which is required for creational hackling we should never forget that the fundamental reconciliation is the healing of the broken relationship between ourselves and our creator, only out of that reconciliation can we begin real earth keeping”.
2.1.2.3 Johannine Understanding
2.1.2.3.1 Christ the Agent of Creation
John’s gospel seems predominantly anti-ecological in tone, but it’s not true, as John’s gospel gives us a deep insight into the role of the Holy Spirit as the giver of life. In the prologue of John we are told that, “through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made; in him was life (Jn. 1:3-4). Christ, the agent of redemption, is also the agent of creation. The important assertion is that “in him was life”. In the incarnation of Jesus, nature plays an integral part, in the making of human Jesus. The Christology of John’s portrays Jesus as the great reconciler between heaven and earth drawing all things to himself (Jn. 12:32).
2.1.2.3.2 The Author of the New Creation
‘He is the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end’ (Rev. 21:6), God is accepted and highly praised as the source and origin of all created realities, at the same time their goal and their aim. He is truly the author of the new creation. The new order, “a new heaven and a new earth,’ with is Semitic way of describing the whole creation, is on a cosmic scale including all material, vegetative and animal creation, since God makes “all things new” (Rev. 21:5), and at the same time it is a counter part of the transformation of believers.
2.2 NON-BIBLICAL
2.2.1 Magisterial Teaching
The magisterial teachings of the Catholic Church have all spheres of guidelines and it also touches the concerns of environmental degradation and crisis. Here I deal with some of the documents which raise voices and give the stand of the church at large.
2.2.1.1 Pacem in Terris
This document was given by John XXIII on establishing universal peace in truth justice, charity and liberty. This document does not have a direct teaching concerning the ecological problem as such, but an indirect implication of the eco-crisis is present; as it calls for a human society where every individual assumes the responsibility for their actions and also of the right and duties of other person in view of future. Everyone is called to make contributions to the general welfare, where everyone’s rights are recognized, respected, coordinated, defended and promoted to do their own duties. Common good is upheld to achieve the progressive development of whole human society and to facilitate the man’s self-betterment.
2.2.1.2 Populorum Progressio
This encyclical letter by Paul VI, on fostering the development of peoples is given on 26 March 1967; it speaks of the great social problems of the world and gives praxis to be undertaken towards man’s complete development in the spirit of solidarity. The ecological matters are not directly dealt here, but we derive it from various articles. It accepts whole of creation oriented towards the supreme good, through the personal development of each individual. It also emphasizes the communal duty, responsibility and obligation towards mankind and the nature; thus we all have a generous calculated risk and a sense of responsibility in safeguarding the earth.
The technological development has improved the economical productivity through the better use of natural resources, but nature is in the care of mankind and he cannot refute this duty. Today the world is sick, faced with many problems and the solutions are possible only if all are responsibly united towards the social and human progress.
2.2.1.3 Sollicitudo Rei Socialis
This encyclical letter by John Paul II is given on 30 December 1987, it deals about the ‘social concerns of the church’ directed towards the authentic development of man and society. The first part of this document refers to Popularium Progressio highlighting the various insights on economic and social problems arising from the unequal distribution of resources. This also gives a moral call and obligation to be responsible towards human common good.
This document speaks clearly of the awaiting environmental problem; and knocks a point towards the realization of the common destiny to safeguard the earth before the catastrophe falls on us. It aspires to bring about an effort and commitment on the part of all towards the limited resources available to meet the needs and demands to support the integrity and cycle of nature. Thus, it warns the concerns of ‘consumerism’ and ‘possession’ and calls on towards the duty of cultivating and watching over the creation handed over to us.
“Man has come to have a certain affinity with the other creatures: he is called to use them, and to be involved with them. As the Genesis account says (cf. Gen. 2:15), he is placed in the garden with the duty of cultivating and watching over it. But at the same time man must remain subject to the will of God, who imposes limits upon his use and dominion over things.”
This also predicts about the imbalance in nature due to over population, amount of land available, fertility and other factors. Thus when the need and demand arises people migrate and displace themselves for better future. “The natural resources are limited and some are non-renewable. Thus using them as if they were inexhaustible, with absolute dominion, seriously endangers their availability not only for the present generation but also for generations to come.” The effect of industrialization and pollution brings with serious consequences of health. We are increasingly aware of the exploitation of the earth our habitat without proper planning. We need a firm and preserving determination for common good of all people. It finally says “a true concept of development cannot ignore the use of the element of nature, the renew-ability of resources and the consequences of messy industrialization and concerns of considerations for moral development.” It also urges the social responsibility of Christian the followers of Christ to make our manner of living and ownership and use of goods of the earth.
2.2.1.4 Catechism of the Catholic Church
The catechism of the Catholic Church contains the comprehensive precious deposit of faith, intended to make it accessible to the Christian faithful. This document contains mostly the matters of faith, but it also has the practical instructions concerning Christian way of life in the world. The ecological care of creation is presented in the article number 2415, which speaks about the goodness of the created order and the respect needed for the integrity of creation. “God created everything and it was good” is the Genesis presentation of creation and it means we are entrusted with the care of the earth. This also means that every person is obliged to ecological care. “The seventh commandment enjoins respect for the integrity of creation. Animals and plants are to be for the common good of humanity. Use of minerals, vegetables and animals resources of the universe cannot be divorced from respect for moral imperatives. Man’s dominion over inanimate and other living beings granted by the creator is not absolute but it is limited by concern for the quality of life of his neighbor, including generations to come, it requires a religious respect for the integrity of creation.” We are given a call to be stewards of the creator order; the animals and plants.
2.2.1.5 Centesimus Annus
This encyclical letter means the hundredth year, given by John Paul II on 1 May 1991, on the commemoration of Leo XIII’s Rerum Novarum of 1891. This document deals with various issues on the exploitation of labor, ill effects of consumerism, socialism, communism etc. It hails effect of consumerism as cause of the ecological crisis, as earth’s resources are exploited. It calls for safeguarding ‘human ecology’ threatened by extinction of animal species, and other structures of sin, through necessary initiatives of change in life. Thus we need to work as a new culture of dialogue rejecting the culture of destruction to creation, by promoting human goodwill. It gives a hope to bring a new world order where God’s gifts are shared justly and human rights are respected.
2.2.1.6 Evangelium Vitae
This document deals with the explanation of the seventh commandment “you shall not kill” and its application to the issues of abortion and euthanasia. It upholds the ‘culture of life’ while rejects the ‘culture of death’. This document foresees the threats to human life not only from our own fellow human beings but also from disgraced ecology and its crisis, thus it speaks of the environmental stewardship and calls to till and look after the garden of the world. Thus, we have a specific responsibility towards the environment in which we live. This creation of God is put at the service of our personal dignity, of our life not only for the present but also for the future generations. It is the ecological question, ranging from the preservation of the natural habitats of the different species of animals and of other forms of life to ‘human ecology’ which finds in the Bible clear and strong ethical direction, leading to a solution which respects the great good of life. In fact the dominion granted to man by the creator is not an absolute power, nor can one speak of a freedom to use and misuse or to dispose of things as one pleases. The limitation imposed from the beginning by the creator himself and expressed symbolically by the prohibition not to ‘eat of the fruit of the tree’ shows that natural order and laws cannot be violated simply.
2.2.2 The Green Saints
2.2.2.1 St. Benedict of Nursia in Italy
A pioneer of a theology of earth and known as the ‘patron saint’ of those who believe that true conservation means not only protecting nature against human wrongdoings, but also developing human activities which favor a creative, harmonious relationship between man and nature. He stands for stewardship and husbandry. He founded a monastic system and his followers act as defenders of the wilderness and try to answer some ecological questions like; ‘Is stealing honey from bees is against ecology?’ ‘Do monastic rules good for ecological living?’ and ‘Is our effort to give creation human expression ecological?’
2.2.2.2 St. Bernard of Clairvaux
A saint of 12th century, he learnt about God more from the book of nature rather than in the works of men. He observed: “What I know of the divine sources and Holy Scriptures, I learnt in woods and fields. I have had no other masters than the beaches and the oaks, trees and stones.”
2.2.2.3 St Francis of Assisi
He is called the Patron of Ecology, proclaimed by Pope John Paul II in 1980. His life and writings are a basis for dialogue between ecology and Christianity that it shows. Born into a rich family of Italian cloth merchant around 1182, he underwent a profound change while he was ill and spent a long time in wilderness in a cave near Assisi. He recognized the work of God in creation and loved it. His life was a union with God and all other beings, humans, animals, plants, the elements. He became an exponent of peace and nonviolence; converted and changed his lifestyle. An example of Christian tradition, he considered all life forms as part of God’s fellowship. He loved the beauty of the wild grass and flowers created by the Almighty, cared for the worms on the way and called for special care of oxen and asses. His kind deeds to mammals, birds and fishes are very interesting. In nature he saw the mirror of God and called all creatures in the universe as his ‘brothers and sisters’ even his famous canticle ‘brother sun and sister moon’ gives us a feel of how he was relating himself to the nature.
‘The canticle of the creatures’ written by Francis yet again proves that he was truly an environmental ethicist and lover of nature. He stands high in Christian tradition about the Christianity’s ecological promise in terms of a vivid, personal engagement with the world of nature. This is based in the fact that divine life of God is immanent on all creatures. And thus he encourages all humans to follow the example of the Son of man and care for the earth. He thus indirectly opposed the focus of wealth and power and called to give up over consumption and idolatrous greed by his own giving up of possessions at the end; by his monastic life and vows of outstanding poverty that he also called lady poverty. Even the story of the wolf of Gubbio conveys a message of reconciliation with God, each other and nature.
Francis visualized a direct connection between his experiences of cosmic harmony with the mystery of incarnation. He made the Christmas celebration with much originality, by making the first ever crib. In December 1223 he said to have asked to get a live ox and ass to make a real manger. Mass was held at the midnight hour with the originality kept on, thus the crib slowly became indispensable part of Christmas celebrations.
2.2.2.4 Pierre Teilhard De Chardin (1881-1955)
He was a scientist, a paleontologist, a philosopher and a French catholic Jesuit priest. He tried to reconcile the theory of evolution with Christian faith. He affirmed the presence of God within the world and in the natural world, because he felt close to nature and spoke of Mother Earth as the bosom of God. Thus, he puts Christ at the center and is aware of the holism of the universe. Teilhard saw in this possibility a unitary design. He placed Christ at the center of all and was there as a purpose for action. He found a radical relationship between creator and creation, where God is involved in all change, through and through. The cosmic Christ is present in every atom and molecule of existence. All around Christ is physically active and in control all things.” The goal and direction of evolution is to converge in Christ, the omega point, from geo-sphere, the nonliving layer of the earth to biosphere, and to noo-sphere, the human consciousness sphere and at last to the complex consciousness level.
The issues like the destruction of the rain forests or the ozone layer did not exist at the time. Yet, his thoughts for the total progress of humankind with creation were very striking. He was aware of the way evolution works, a necessary part of progress. Today church needs not just to accept these developing ideologies but respond to them and get engaged in the actions of change of ecologically exploitative structures.
Conclusion
The earth is a precious gift, entrusted to our care as the Holy Bible witnesses. Thus, it is our prime responsibility to care for it, from all dangers which may harm our Mother Earth. But amidst the increasing ecological crisis, we are faced with the question from God, “where are you?” (Gen. 3:9). The answer is clear from the biblical understanding of earth and nature, that we have led ourselves to the ways of exploitation, misuse and domination of natural resources and their use. Now, our outlook of nature from the Christian perspective will help us to seek out responses we need today towards the eco-crisis.
CHAPTER III
THE CHRISTIAN THEOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS
Christianity faces the criticism for being the flag bearer in the destruction of the equilibrium on the earth. One of the major failures of Catholic Theology has been its neglect of the creation and dislocating it to the periphery, with the allegation that it is inferior to the so called ‘supernatural order’. It is high time that we change the way we perceive and interact with nature, to recover from the moral dilemmas and other on-going unabated exploitation of nature. We need to define a proper human relationship with nature and all other creatures, i.e., cosmo-logizing from a defined theological perspective to suit the present ecological crisis. In this chapter an effort has been made to redefine the Christian implications needed to counter the menace of eco-crisis.
3.1 COSMO-LOGIZING TO A CURE
3.1.1 A Correct Biblical View of Creation
The exploitation of the earth was high on the industrial and business agendas until the ecological crisis came to the limelight and a blame to Christianity for promoting it. But the re-reading of the right of the dominion granted in Gen. 1:28 clarifies that even acceptance of God as the creator and sustainer of all creation redefines our relationship to treat the nature differently, as the whole creation is seen as ‘good’ as perceived by God himself. Even in Jesus’ Ministry and life we find nature as part and parcel of the parables and discourses to preach the kingdom of God.
3.1.2 Theology of Nature and Creation
Modern theology has slowly started to recognize that nature is God’s and not human being’s. It also emphasizes the intrinsic value of nature which has an independent claim to exist and flourish. Therefore it is morally wrong to harm nature and its creatures. Thus, an ecological Christian concern is expected towards the wellbeing of the earth as a whole, because earth is seen not as a machine but as a living organism which must be respected and revered.
3.1.3 Human Nature Relationship
The biblical voice “be fruitful and multiply and subdue the earth” is considered as the intellectual foundation for today’s ecological crisis, but actually this biblical commission has nothing to do with this charge to rule over the world; rather it means that both humans and other beings live together on the fruits of the earth through the plants and trees. The dominion is used for protection and not exploitation.
3.1.4 Human and the Stewardship
The word stewardship is the translation of the Greek word ‘oikonomia’. Steward is the one who is responsible for managing, planning and administering the matters related to the ‘oikos’- house hold. The word has implications in ecology, as we are entrusted with the care of creation as stewards by God, ‘to till and keep it’ (Gen. 2:15). This theme of stewardship runs throughout the scripture. We need to develop this idea of being the stewards of the earth and its resources for our wise management. We need to watch, preserve, guard and protect our creation.
3.1.5 Humans and the Integrity of Creation
Awareness about the interrelatedness and integrity of creation can make a difference in the present crisis. In creation theology, the Christian faith unfolds the belief that ‘creation is good’ in its essence and real too. In crisis now the Christians must respond in realms of justice, peace and the integrity of creation (JPIC). Harmonious living is the way, we relate ourselves with cosmos, divine and human dimensions.
3.1.6. The Concept of Ecological Sin, and Change of Way
Many of our actions are sinful, if seen through ecological perspective; and it is true as the new list of grave sins published by the Vatican affirms the environmental pollution among them. As co-creators we are responsible to keep up the glory and beauty of the earth, by shedding our quest for more comforts and facilities along with taking care of the issues like overpopulation, greed, pollution, etc.
3.1.7 Cosmic Justice
God has entrusted the whole world and creation to humanity. Going by the first two chapters of the book of Genesis, God has willed humans to “take possession” of the earth. According to Fuellenbach, the biblical word “subdue the earth” refers to the functions of a shepherd and means to ‘accompany’, ‘pasture’ and ‘guide’. Human beings are therefore responsible for the creation like a shepherd for his flock. Our power is not absolute; we are God’s representatives to care for the living creatures, this excludes all violence. In the words of a Native American leader chief Seattle: “This I know. The earth does not belong to people. People belong to the earth. This we know. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the people of the earth. We did not weave the web of life. We are but a mere strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.” Creation as a whole, not humankind as set apart, must be taken in the context of mission. For God is in all and all in God.
3.1.8 Humans as Co-Creators with God
Today a growing awareness is prevailing among Church people of a connection and meaning of creation and redemption. As a result it is accepted that humans have personal responsibility as co-creators’ with God in giving future direction to the world. This responsibility itself seems to be constantly increasing as new insights emerge from the natural sciences. Here personal salvation and global salvation are seen as two dimensions of the same divine process. The same Jesus who died in order to save human beings is the same Jesus who came to redeem the entire cosmos. As St Paul writes to the Colossians “For in him, all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross” (Col. 1:19-20).
3.1.9 The Immanent Presence of God
The sacramental liturgy can also be expected to highlight how the Christian community can experience the presence of God in the world of nature. Beginning with Baptism, where the symbolism revolves around life-giving water and the power of the Spirit, this will prove a strong incentive for the Christian community to ensure that their water and the water in their locality is not polluted with toxic, human, industrial and agricultural waste.
3.1.10 Theology of the Environment
It will promote the human capacity to be open to the transcendent, and also would emphasize the immanence of God in all things. God is totally within and totally beyond all things. But environmental theology proves that the interconnection between human life, other living beings and the earth itself exists; and that God can be truly experienced in all things.
3.1.11 Sacramentality of all Things
The Christian attitude of respect and care for the earth and its inhabitants gives an idea of the sacramentality of God. It sees all created things as embodiment of the divine and a resource for knowledge and intimacy with their creator. Every created being has a value derived from creator. Thus eco-justice requires a combination of justice among human beings with respect for the earth’s non-human realities and ecosystems.
3.1.12 Beatitudes
The beatitudes of the gospel ( Mt. 5:1-11) sum up the attitude of creator God and Creation, in a spirituality centered on God and embodied relationship with creation. The blessings on the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, the hungry, thirsty for justice, pure of hearts, the peacemakers and the persecuted all are related to the world around. Thus one becomes the blessings on those who in the spirit of voluntary poverty, grieve for destroyed eco-system and support preservation of environment.
3.2 THE EMERGING TRENDS
We cannot ignore the eco-crisis as government sets up ministries and other committees, while there are on the other hand car producers who bring out eco-car or green cars and a lot of consumers get carried and get attended to this immediate problem before them. This shows that there is growing awareness of something wrong in the ecosystem and people follow the growing trends of ecology. All these have some Christian elements and thus they are needed to be encouraged.
3.2.1 Eco-Spirituality
This is a form of contemplation that uncovers God’s presence in every person, in every event and in every thing. God asks each of us to walk through this world and commune with him. His infinite love is being poured out into all creation from his Trinitarian ‘we community’. God permeated all persons, all things and all events by his presence and energy. Thus a contemplative can see God in all created things and beings. An earth centered spirituality is the need to live and work for a more just and equitable human community. As there is greed, covetousness and other commonly recognized human vices to make environmental devastation we face today.
3.2.2 Social Ecology
This view criticizes the society and visualizes of a social reconstruction to benefit the nature and humanity. It relates the society and nature in co-evolutionary process. Thus calls for the awakening of earth community reflecting in itself. This is proposed by Murray Bookchin of California. Here, nature is seen in a process of evolution from realm of freedom to the self determination.
3.2.3 Eco-Feminism
The new emerging trend in ecology is Eco-feminism. It is an international movement to search for a solution for resistance of the exploitation and subjugation of women and earth. They put down the concept to anti hierarchical, with life on earth as interrelated web. They are close to nature. They are more in touch with the natural cycles- the menstruating process follows the lunar movement and like the earth they give birth to a new life. They believe in empowering the oppressed. Thus, developing or empowering from within. They also see convergence between women and nature because of their biological function of reproduction and nurturing, and also because of their exploitation by men. A connection is seen by the feministic theologians as the violence against the nation and the oppression of women. Oppression of women in witchcrafts is violently distorting, dissecting and destroying womanhood as they are thought as lower category, an object powered and dominated by men. Though nature is an expression of Shakti , the female and creative principle of the cosmos, it is misused. Thus eco-feminists strive to overcome patriarchy, bring social change, and raise voice to stop rape of women and nature and exploitation of resources.
3.2.4 Eco-Justice
It is new concept based on the fact and ethical principle that all humans, plants, and living animals and the whole cosmos are interdependent. Symbiosis is the basis of life. It means we need to keep the totality of life in view when we define justice. Justice cannot be only human-centered; it has to include the whole human creation. The Red Indian chief Seattle sums up the meaning of eco-justice, “The earth does not belong to man; man belongs to the earth. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.”
3.2.5 Deep Ecology
The ecological thinkers and activists challenge the way of our life style and economic policies. They call for a more radical approach to deal with this menace of nature. Thus it is called the deep ecology. Deep ecology is coined by the Norwegian Philiosopher Arne Naes. The deep ecologist propose that the well being and flourishing of human and nonhuman life on earth have a value in themselves independently of their usefulness for human purposes. The richness and diversity of life forms are also values in themselves. Humans have no right to reduce this richness and diversity except to satisfy vital needs. The human population must be controlled because it is non-compatible to nonhuman life. Our policies need to be changed basically. This means to bring about transformation in views like ‘anthropocentrism’ i.e., human centered to ‘bio-centricism’ i.e., life/creature centered; playing down the role of Christian’s view of domination and exploitation of earth and its resources.
3.3 SOME ECOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS
It is essential to develop a theology for a challenging ecological crisis. Thus, it is a radical process. We need to change the approach towards the nature into the positive and constructive dialogue towards green movements, with the concern for the future of our planet.
3.3.1 A New Gospel of Nature
It is high time that we preached a new gospel, the gospel on environment protection, sustainable development and environmental ethics for the twenty first century. High time because we are on the verge of total doom, for our mother earth is a tiny spaceship drifting in the vast expanse of the unending ocean of space, with the precious and beautiful phenomenon of life in her bosom, weeping and trembling because of the numerous fatal holes inflicted on her bottom by the greedy human race of this century. Thus, before this spaceship sinks to doomsday let all people who love this world awake and become missionaries for preaching the new gospel of nature conservation for the sake of our children of tomorrow. So it is high time that all men and women who wish that their children should be able to live on this earth began to understand the present position of nature.
3.3.2 Attitudinal Change and Concreted Action
The only way out seems the radical change of human’s outlook. All developmental undertakings should be always sustainable. “Sustainable development’ is a process of social and economic betterment that satisfies the needs and values of all interest groups, while maintaining future options and conserving natural resources and diversity.’ Such a development would ensure ecological, social, cultural and economic sustainability. This is possible only if people are to respect nature and accept that every life form is unique. Simply by teaching science, this ecological aesthetics cannot be inculcated in man. Even from childhood man must be taught the wonders of nature. The Christian Churches must promote a more vegetarian diet to implement the availability of food to the hungry and to protect the agricultural land and water resources.
3.3.3 Responsibility and Ecology
There is both an individual and collective, local and global responsibility to preserve justice and peace and integrity of creation (JPIC). It is a challenge to the whole human community. If the earth is the home for all humans of both present and future as well as all other living beings, responsibility extends to inert generations and future generations. This means that we must guard ourselves against all egoistic and one sided understanding of responsibility. We must rid ourselves of all greed and possessive spirit, and promote life through conserving integrity of nature.
When we consider individual responsibility to fight environmental problem, two main factors are important; namely consumerism and selfishness. If we consume more of everything, we spend more energy and hence more pollution. Gandhi rightly said “earth has provided enough for the needy and not for the greedy”. Unless the individual person or nations eschew the attitude of selfishness, environmental problem will go on escalating, engulfing each and every one of us in misery and suffering. The right of nature also corresponds to the duty to care for the earth. To understand the rights of the earth, we have to envisage the earth as the home for humans and all other life, the womb of all living beings. The health of mother earth and strength is being sapped by reckless and greedy rape by humans supported by modern technology and industrialization.
3.3.4 Ecology and Common Good
Pope John XXIII defines common good as “the sum total of those conditions of social living whereby men are enabled more fully and more readily to achieve their perfection” (Mater et Magistra n. 65). The concept of common good is central to the social teaching of the church. In a situation of ecological awareness it should include the dimension of healthy and harmonious relatedness of humans to nature in the sum total of those conditions of social living for their total well-being, if justice is the core of the common good, justice due to humans should be integrated with justice due to the earth. Environmental conservation and ecological wholeness are essential to inter human and social justice. Environmental issues are justice issues related to people’s basic needs for survival, dignity of life, health and well-being.
The expansion of the common good to include environmental conservation and balance of the eco-system of our planet, testifies justice and peace of the human society, will demand a new way of articulating the imperatives of social good. It’s heartening to note that ecological concern has entered the social Magisterium of the church.
3.3.5 Eco Theology – an Inter Religious Project
The earth has its own rhythm as a mother carrying all beings in its womb and caring from them. Efforts such as the creation of nature parks, animals’ conservation projects and the like are technical solutions that do not measure up to the moral and spiritual crisis stemming from the greedy and wasteful use of natural resources. They seem to separate the realm of facts from those of values. We need to hold these together in a responding to the ecological crisis. Because ‘the love of money is the root of all evil’ so is greed at the root of the ecological crisis. The solution lies in understanding of God and human beings who are divided on the religious grounds. Today earth holds the perspective of bringing the religions together and to lead them into a meaningful dialogue.
3.3.6 The World as a Single Cosmic Community
We Christians have waked up to the clarion call of the world at large about the magnitude of the present problem. We must offer new insights and new interpretations from biblical texts on the interdependence between all creatures, humans and subhuman beings and this will place a emphasis on the image of the world being a single cosmic community rather than a collection of autonomous entities. Each of us depends on the well-being of the whole and so we have to have respect for the community of living beings, for people, animals, plants, and for the preservation of earth, water and soils. It is almost of the saying that everything is connected to everything else.
3.3.7 Asceticism
Today people do not like to be ‘ascetic’ but it is the need of the hour as contemporary earth spirituality or voluntary simplicity or simple living communicates a dedication and task towards safeguarding the earth. Consumeristic society must struggle to get away the wastes’ and wants’ types of habit and involve in positive sides of practices such as reduce-re-use-recycle, being energy conscious, protecting biodiversity and conserving wilderness. Ecological simplicity speaks of choosing ways of living that touch the earth lightly and reduce our environmental impact while fostering a deep reverence for the community of life. We must consider ways in which we can reduce the size of our carbon footprint by implementing ‘reduce, reuse and recycle’ principles.
Conclusion
Yes, as far as we know this beautiful phenomenon of life exists only on this earth. If it gets destroyed nobody is going to survive. Even the richest or wisest cannot escape and go to some ‘gulf country’ out side our globe. So it is time for us all to come together and act together. Let us forget all cast, creed or color of people in this world. Let us not try to build more barriers in terms of political systems or religious beliefs. Environmental threats are global threats. We are in a global emergency. “Awake! Oh sons and daughters of this beautiful mother earth, fight for her safety, and work for the conservation of global nature. Let us pray that this earth exists for our children and their children to live in peace.”
To develop a new understanding of our relationship with God through our relationships with the material world around us, we must move in an ever-expanding consciousness of the unity that binds all of God’s creation together. Thus, we need desperately a spirituality today that will restore a sense of the sacred immanence of the divine in all of God’s creation, including ourselves in our vital relationship with our world.
Chapter IV
ECO-CRISIS: THE RESPONSES, REMEDIES, SOLUTIONS AND ALTERNATIVES
We are called for extensive changes in life styles of individuals and societies to conserve the regenerative capacity of nature. It’s a challenge to be aware of the long term consequences of our behavior. We are called to consume less, needed things and possess the necessary only. We need to change our eating habits like meaty and sugary items, carry basket instead polythene, conservation of the fossil fuel, encouragement to walk, cycle or use of public transport etc., are a must as we are to think for the future generations to come and life forms on earth to be free from irreversible damage. We the children of this generation must choose life; otherwise the story of twenty billion years of the emergence of the earth will be frustrated in its deepest and splendid manifestations on earth. We must choose life to safeguard earth for next future generations. Our response gets bigger by the fact we are Christians and that we are entrusted as stewards to this beautiful creation of God.
4.1 RESPONSES TO THE ECO-CRISIS
4.1.1 Awareness Programs
We should teach school-going children, women, slum dwellers and adults in general the basic principles of wastes handling, disposal and recycling, efficient use of energy, family planning, personal hygiene and scientific methods in agriculture and pest control. We must observe the ‘environment week’ to promote the environment education and issues like deforestation, depletion of water, endangered animals and plants, human and animal rights. Greening the earth is a more concrete step, as today this is true demand to ‘return to the land’ though for centuries the land has been destructed by industrial and other revolutions.
4.1.2 Use of Cleaner Technologies with Greater Efficiency
Acknowledging the great harm done to the ecology we now turn to science and industry to lessen the harms and problems, by inventing and proposing new technologies which are cleaner to suit the earth and the environment. Scientists world over are working for efficient means to reduce the burden of pollution and bring about energy-efficient products. Only by doing these we can say that we are responding responsibly towards the sustainability and eco-friendly. The means of acquiring the clean energy source may be expensive but its value in protecting the earth will surely make it cheaper, and this is possible only if we wish to live in a better tomorrow. These attitudes are growing with concepts and reality of electric cars, hydrogen powered car, the use of cycle for transportation, use of public transport etc.
4.1.3 Wildlife Protection
The threat of the extinction of various species due to human interventions and their protection measure to keep the endangered species is a social and individual responsibility. This is a must in order to protect the habitat of flora and fauna in their rich diversity for long survival of human society. Though the wildlife conservation is taking momentum we need to support it by our initiatives of not purchasing item made of wild life products, which by purchasing we encourage. Animal rights and wildlife welfare initiatives also are needed to be encouraged and supported.
4.1.4 Scientific and Financial Eco Sponsorship
“The combination of science, education, social mobilization and public policy to convert the green revolution into ever green revolution and provide food security through well planned integration of the tools of biotechnology, information technology, space technology and renewable energy and recycling technologies with traditional wisdom and eco-technologies.” This needs a lot of involvement and participation of many people and areas for sponsorship and collaboration to bring about an eco-friendly and people centered development for survival and ecological care.
4.1.5 Towards Rural Survival And Revival
Our ancestors of about 100s years back have never thought of this endangered crisis of survival, as their living and survival based on means which were more eco-friendly and the weight of the population of that time was less. Thus to revive those ancient eco-friendly methods and approaches will be very useful for us today. These need to be done via careful water management, soil prevention methods, upgrading of eroded lands, protecting and planting trees. The eco-projects such as afforestation, soil improvements etc. are possible with involvement of people and local experiences. Deforestation is an important ecological concern affecting pollutions, soil erosion, desertification, global warming etc. Thus we need to create the view of social forestry i.e. ‘forests for the people, with the people and by the people’. The ownership attitude will reduce the destruction of forest and increase the caring aspect. This type of initiative is also profitable if these forests are helpful to people for herbal use and woods, thus the knowledge of the community is used to cultivate and protect the species of trees.
4.1.6 Struggle and Movements
In recent past there have been cautious efforts to foil the trick of government and multinational companies who by unfair means try to either exploit the resources below earth or who for the profit use the natural resources or pollute them through setting up of new industries whose after or direct effect will have direct interaction with the people. Thus various kinds of protest movements and struggles have become part of society today against the displacement of millions of tribals, dalits or others. The dams, mining leases, setting of new nuclear plants, etc. directly affect the ecology. Thus people come together to oppose the move of governments and results have shown that they have won, though the fight is not easy as the companies are too influential and powerful to use the police and military etc. to keep the movements shut. Often these struggles don’t oppose the project but their aim is to oppose the harm that will follow to people and the environment. Thus indirectly the opposition is to the destructive development. What is inspiring is that these movements have brought the eco-issues to the political and national level, thus the state cannot neglect the real issue and with the growing public awareness it shuts its agendas. Therefore these opposition and struggles over resources, against pollution and against economic causes of the crisis must go on and we must do this.
4.1.6.1 Protecting Forests
Forests (tropical, subtropical and boreal) are necessary for the survival and health of the earth and its inhabitants as they play a great role in limiting global warming through their carbon sink response. Therefore we need to encourage the long term sustainability of forests, respecting the indigenous people living in there and get inspiration from their traditional wisdom, and resist the destruction of forests.
4.1.6.2 Resisting Destructive Development
Big dams have been powerful symbols of economic progress. They played an important role in the spread of the ideology of modern development, for the human benefit at the behest of nature. They bring electricity for industry, agriculture and domestic use also water supply to many especially to farmers thereby food and happiness to many. Yet, the displacement of thousands and their livelihood remains a distant dream to solve. Unwillingly they suffer for the progress of the nation. The experience of protest over all the major dams of India retells the story. In our time NBA (Narmada Bachao Andolan) is very fresh struggle and movement.
4.1.6.3 Protecting Water
The multiple threats due to deforestation, big dams, pesticides, and toxic wastes from industries are poisoning the drinking water resources and end up in the sea threatening marine life and reproduction of fish. Even nuclear reactors at sea coasts have this threat as in the end these toxics discharges come back to our body system through foods like fish and water and result in various complexion of health. Therefore eco-awareness and its responsibility to safeguard the water the life line of our lives is a great step.
4.2 REMEDIES AND SOLUTIONS
4.2.1 International Level
Reducing the threat of global warming clearly implies the need within industrialized countries for a drastic change in life styles, a major reduction in energy consumption, and a significant need for a global reduction of carbon dioxide emissions. It also means to limit the GHG emissions (Green house gases) and banning CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons), while increasing energy conservation and efficiency, promotion of plantation of forests and above all bearing witness to a significant life style change to minimize the global warming effect.
4.2.2 The Church Level
Church as a community is called to develop the attitude and life-issues to care for the earth community. We can do few things to create awareness; like celebration of a creation week, earth and environment related feasts, cleaning up local neighborhood areas, imparting environmental education concerning environmental friendly life-style through films and seminars, cooperate Christian organizations involved in environmental work, educate slum dwellers on health/hygiene, influence decision-making bodies, encourage simple and less consumeristic lifestyle, involvement in plantation and care of tree or adoption of villages for ecological restoration, kitchen gardening, press government to lobby for green policy, create public opinion by awareness program, involve laymen and women of their right for better earth and safer living, etc.,
4.2.3 Community Level
We must respect the inherent integrity of all species, while we need to conserve biodiversity in order to stabilize the life-support system of the planet, enable sustainable development, and ensure equitable access to generative resources. There are possibilities of protecting the territorial rights of indigenous peoples on whose lands great varieties of life exist. We can control the life-threatening trans-boundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal.
In this regard the initiatives of the residents of Vauban, Germany is exemplary, who kicked the car habits and embraced energy efficient houses for the good of the planet. They voiced that ‘cars are terrible polluters and emit a huge chunk of the world’s greenhouse gases, acquire a huge parking space in garages and streets and thus got together to use the public transport links, fast buses, tram services and bicycles with a myriad of bicycle paths.’ According to Schuster of Vauban “There are many options for using renewable energy at home. We all share this planet and we need to be conscious of how we live and what we eat.”
4.2.4 Individually
No single person can prevent global eco-crisis, but each of us can do our part to conserve the energy and pollute less. Each of us can be aware of what is happening around in our area, and respond to the cases of environmental harms and destruction through influence within our own family and community. We all need to get into an environmental-friendly lifestyle and these can be done through various ways:-
4.2.4.1 Energy
We can save some energy by SOS practice (switch off something). There are other initiatives to reduce energy usage like minimum use of electrical gazettes, scientific practices in cooking and use of renewable/non-conventional energy source.
4.2.4.2 Conveyance
We can use of cycle/ public transport instead of private vehicle. Our vehicles must minimize fuel consumption, stick to emission control standards, unnecessary speed driving and unwanted travel.
4.2.4.3 Water Conservation
The water consumption can be reduced by avoiding all misuses of water for cleaning and washing of clothes and dishes. We also need to repair the leaking taps, use rain water harvesting and to avoid use of piped water for gardening/cleaning vehicle.
4.2.4.4 Waste Management
We need to segregate water at waste sources. The call to boycott plastic products and packaging is a must, while use of recycle paper / plastic/ metal /glass are to be encouraged.
4.2.4.5 Purchase
These days online shopping are encouraged to avoid unnecessary travels and energy waste. We also can purchases fridges or freezers, furniture or insulation material which display CFC-free stickers. We must use non-Halon fire extinguishers and environmentally friendly aerosols.
4.3 ALTERNATIVES ENERGY RESOURCES IN RENEWABLE ENERGY
The world is in serious danger of approaching an energy famine within a few decades unless sources of long-term salvation are developed through means of renewable energy resources. Renewable energy comes from natural resources such as sunlight, wind, rain, tides, and geothermal heat, which are renewable (naturally replenished). There is growing demand and awareness of the uses of the renewable energy all over the world, which is a good sign for better future of nature and world at large. Solar radiation, wind and wave power, hydroelectricity and biomass are the most available renewable energy on earth.
4.3.1 Solar Energy
The solar energy is inexhaustible and abundant, has been harnessed by humans since ancient times through various ways. The challenge before mankind of finding abundant energy source seems fulfilling in the mighty sun, but only a minuscule fraction of the available solar energy is used, as we do not have technologies to harness this free source. Solar powered electrical generation relies on heat engines and photovoltaic. Solar energy uses are limited only by human ingenuity. The solar applications includes space heating and cooling through solar architecture, potable water via distillation and disinfection, day lighting, solar hot water, solar cooking, and high temperature process heat for industrial purposes. To harvest the solar energy, the most common way is to use solar panels. The solar thermal power through photovoltaic cells is very clean and efficient. Though, a lot of research and sharing is needed to reduce the capacity of meeting energy need.
4.3.2 Hydro Power
We have the green resources available i.e. hydropower. Hydropower, hydraulic power or water power is derived from the force or energy of moving water, which may be harnessed for useful purposes. At present we use only about one-sixth of the estimated total world hydro resources that are technically useable and about 25% of the world’s electricity needs are contributed from this sources. But, constrains of economics, of hostile terrain, market and of seasonal availability limits hydro-development projects.
4.3.3 Wind Power
Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy using wind turbines to make electricity, wind mills for mechanical power, wind pumps for pumping water or drainage, or sailing through propel ships. Today Large-scale wind farms are connected to the electric power transmission network to provide electricity to isolated locations. Wind energy as a power source is attractive to fossil fuels, because it is plentiful, renewable, widely distributed, cleans, and produces no greenhouse gas emissions. However, the construction of wind farms is not universally welcomed because of their visual impact and other effects on the environment. Airflows can be used to run wind turbines. A turbine functions as the cube of the wind speed, so as wind speed increases, power output increases dramatically. Thus, areas where winds are stronger and more constant, as offshore and high altitude sites are preferred locations for wind farms. Wind power is renewable and produces no greenhouse gases during operation, such as carbon dioxide and methane.
4.3.4 Geo Thermal
Geothermal power (from the Greek roots geo- meaning earth, and thermos, meaning heat) is power extracted from heat stored in the earth. This geothermal energy originates from the original formation of the planet, from radioactive decay of minerals, and from solar energy absorbed at the surface. It has been used for bathing since Paleolithic times and for space heating since ancient Roman times, but is now better known for generating electricity. Geothermal power is cost effective, reliable, sustainable, and environmental friendly, but has historically been limited to areas near tectonic plate boundaries.
Geothermal energy is energy obtained by tapping the heat of the earth itself, both from kilometers deep into the Earth's crust in some places of the globe or from some meters in geothermal heat pump in all the places of the planet. It is expensive to build a power station but operating costs are low resulting in low energy costs for suitable sites. Ultimately, this energy derives from heat in the Earth's core. The geothermal heating is used for heating, space heating, spas, industrial processes, desalination and agricultural applications. There is also the potential to generate geothermal energy from hot dry rocks. Holes at least 3 km deep are drilled into the earth. Some of these holes pump water into the earth, while other holes pump hot water out. The heat resource consists of hot underground radiogenic granite rocks, which heat up when there is enough sediment between the rock and the earth’s surface.
4.3.5 Bio Fuel
Bio-fuels are a wide range of fuels which are in some way derived from biomass. The term covers solid biomass, liquid fuels and various bio-gases. Bio-fuels are gaining increase public and scientific attention, driven by factors such as oil price spikes and the need for increased energy security. Bio-ethanol is an alcohol made by fermenting the sugar components of plant materials and it is made mostly from sugar and starch crops. Ethanol can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form, but it is usually used as a gasoline additive to increase octane and improve vehicle emissions. Bio-ethanol is widely used today. Bio-diesel is made from vegetable oils, animal fats or recycled greases. Bio-diesel can be used as a fuel for vehicles in its pure form, but it is usually used as a diesel additive to reduce levels of particulates, carbon monoxide, and hydrocarbons from diesel-powered vehicles. Bio-diesel is produced from oils or fats using transterification and is the most common bio-fuel in Europe.
4.4 RAISING BASIC ISSUES
4.4.1 Energy Waste
We have all concern about use of energy and energy policies. Lot of land is lost to set up nuclear reactor or to support dam or other power plant. The power generated is hardly used by those people on whose land these are setup, and on the other hand the amount of energy is wasted, simply for unnecessary purposes. Most of our projects are for the skyscrapers and shopping centers, who mercilessly decorate and waste the large amount of generated energy.
4.4.2 The Question of Need
The need of ours is not merely food, shelter, clothing and good health at the subsistence level, but we do need the love, care, solidarity and work also to sustain and protection ourselves. We require self esteem, love, care and solidarity for affectionate level and understanding to study learn and analyze.
4.4.3 Ecological Implications
It is essential to develop a theology for a challenging ecological crisis. Thus, it is a radical process. We need to change the approach towards the nature into the positive and constructive dialogue towards green movements, with the concern for the future of our planet.
4.4.4 Promoting Sustainable Development
We need to define development properly. All over the world insightful persons are talking about sustainable development. This means, among other things, living within our own resources and not grabbing what belongs to future generations. As the earth community we must greatly decrease our overall level of consumption, markedly increase the efficiency with which we use energy and other resources, shift much of our consumption to renewable resources and use or recycle most of the non-renewable materials that we utilize. This is in our own self-interest as well as to benefit the whole earth. Sustainable development is a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Conclusion
In today’s globalized world, ecology seems touching every sphere of human life. Thus ecological concern calls for a deeper commitment to protect and preserve nature. It is a commitment to sanctity of life, to unity irrespective of caste, creed and nationality. This is possible only with awareness of what is going on around the world and response accordingly to reduce the impact through our initiatives. If all of us join and struggle to reduce the global warming and ecological stress we can to a greater extent slow the crisis position. As Christian we need to be more earth centered and eco-conscious, if we are rooted well in the Genesis account of Judea-Christian tradition of creation story and its implications, which bind us to care for the earth, because whole of earth’s is the Lord’s. Thus, what we can do is to be more eco-sensitive and do all possible to reduce the menace caused by our fellow human, especially for the future generation to come.
GENERAL CONCLUSION
Today ecology touches every sphere of human life and everyday seems to bring news of some new environmental deterioration. Thus, there is a growing realization that we need a change of standard in our relationship to nature and the earth, which in turn will bring about a transformation in relationships among human beings. To achieve these interrelated goals, we are called towards a new vision, attitude and values, which all the religions, despite their tainted history can provide especially by developing appropriate eco-theologies. The Christian churches claim to be pro-life in their attack on abortion, but a true pro-life stance would and must also address what is happening to life in every part of the world. This approach would enhance the church’s pro-life stand, because as Christians this is our vocation to celebrate and promote life in the face of the culture of death and violence.
“I am so much concerned about climate change because I don’t want our future generations to question us just as I am questioning the need of more concrete action on climate change today. The Himalayas are melting, polar bears are dying, two of every five people don’t have access to clean drinking water, Earth’s temperature is increasing, we are losing the untapped information and potential of plant species, Pacific’s water level has risen; is this what we are going to hand over to our future generations?” said the ninth grader and 13 year old from St Fidelis College, Lucknow, Yugratna Srivastav, speaking on behalf of the world’s three billion children and asking world leaders at the United Nations summit for urgent action on climate change. This truly speaks of the urgency that even children at very young age find to care about. Thus, if this care and concern about the ecology comes from the children, how much more it should affect us as leaders. Does this question concern us?
The environmental crisis is truly a crisis of human soul and the solution to this fact requires establishment of proper relationship with all of God’s creation both living and nonliving. We can have a lot of studies and documentation on each aspect of this crisis but we cannot solve the environmental problem if we fail to understand the root cause of the crisis. Thus after knowing the root of this crisis in truth and spirit, we must now respond to the call of the Lord “where are you?” (Gen. 3:9). The response of the Chief Seattle of the Dwamish Red Indian tribe is an inspiration for us, as he questioned the American President “What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, man would die from a great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts soon happens to man.” It proves that all things are connected and our life is not worth living without them. All things make our living here on earth beautiful. Therefore we must live in true harmony with them. This is the basis of all tribal way of life, who live without disturbing the ecology and other phenomenon of life surrounded in the midst of jungle. We need today that kind of spirituality.
Cosmos is theologically understood as the womb of God, and truly there exists the bond of relationship between God and nature. There is the seminal energy of God in nature. This is also the common wealth given by God, which unites us, the ecosystem. The mission of the kingdom in whole cosmos and in ecology particular calls for an action towards all. It means that when we are at the service of the kingdom of God, we care not only for humanity but also the whole of earth and universe that contains human beings. Thus, if I sweep earth I sweep the kingdom of God. Therefore we require to join our hands together for a better earth. The earth cries and we can try to wipe her tears through our lives, actions and attitudes. Let us remember that all the creatures are brothers and sisters of us, according to St. Francis of Assisi. The earth is our home let us not destroy our home.
APPENDIX (1) PRAYERS
(A) PRAYER ON ECOLOGY BY TARUMITRA
“God our Creator,
You have given us the Earth, the Sky,
The Rivers and the Seas.
Show us the way to care for the Earth
Not just today but for future generations.
Let no plan of ours damage or destroy
The beauty of your creation.”
(B) A CHRISTIAN PRAYER BY ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Be praised, my Lord, for Brother Wind
And for the Air, cloudy and clear, and all weather!
By which you give substance to your creatures!
Be praised, my Lord, for our Sister Mother Earth,
Who sustains and governs us,
And produces fruits with colorful
Flowers and leaves.
APPENDIX (2) LETTER
THE EARTH IS OUR MOTHER.
(A letter of the Chief Seattle of the Dwamish Tribe, in reply to the American President F. Pierce, in 1984 when the latter wanted to buy a large area of land from the Indian people. It is considered as one of the most beautiful and profound statement on the environment ever made.)
How can you buy or sell the sky, the warmth of the land? The idea is strange to us. If we do not own the freshness of the air and the sparkle of the water, how can you buy them?
So when the great white chief in Washington sends word that he wishes to buy our land, he asks much of us. The great Chief sends word he will reserve us a place so that we can live comfortably. He will be our father, we will be his children. So we will consider your offer to buy our land. But it will not be easy. For this land is sacred to us.
The white man’s dead forget the country of their birth when they go to walk among the stars. Our dead never forget this beautiful earth, for it is the mother of the red man. We are part of the earth, and it is a part of us. The perfumed flowers are our sisters; the deer, the horse, the great eagle, these are our brothers. The rocky crests, the juices in the meadows, the body heat of the pony, and man – all belong to the same family.
Every part of this earth is sacred to my people. Every shining pine needle, every sandy shore, every mist in the dark woods, every clearing and humming insect is holy in the memory and experience of my people. The sap that courses through the trees carries the memories of the red man.
The shining water that moves in the streams and the rivers is not just water but the blood of our ancestors. If we sell you land, you must remember that it is sacred, and you must teach your children that it is sacred and that each ghostly reflection in the clear water of the lakes tells of events and memories in the life of my people. The water’s murmur is the voice of my father’s father.
The rivers are our brothers, they quench our thirst. The rivers carry our canoes and feed our children. If we sell you our land, you must remember and teach your children, that the rivers are our brothers, and yours, and you must henceforth give the rivers the kindness you would give any brother.
We know that the white man does not understand our ways. One portion of land is the same to him as the next, for he is a stranger who comes in the night and takes from the land whatever he needs. The earth is not his brother, but his enemy, and when he has conquered it, he moves on. He leaves his fathers’ graves, and his children’s birthright is forgotten. He treats his mother, the earth, and his brother, the sky, as things to be bought, plundered, sold like sheep or bright beads. His appetite will devour the earth and leave behind only a desert.
I do not know. Our ways are different from your ways. The sight of your cities pains the eyes of the red man. But perhaps it is because the red man is a savage and does not understand.
There is no quiet place in the white man’s cities. No place to hear the unfurling of leaves inspiring, or the rustle of an insect’s wings. But perhaps it is because I am a savage and do not understand. The clatter only seems to insult the ears. And what is there to life if a man cannot hear the lonely cry of the whippoorwill or the arguments of the frogs around a pond at night? I am a red man and do not understand. The Indian prefers the soft sound of the wind darting over the face of a pond, and the smell of the wind itself, cleansed by rain or scented with the pinecone.
The air is precious to the red man, for all things share the same breath: the beast, the tree, the man, they all share the same breath. The white men, they all share the same breath. The white man does not seem to notice the air he breathes. Like a man dying for many days, he is numb to the stench. But if we sell you our land, you must remember that the air is precious to us, that the air shares its spirit with all the life it supports. The wind that gave our grandfather his first breath also received his last sigh. And if we sell you our land, you must keep it apart and sacred, as a place where even the white man can go to taste the wind that is sweetened by the meadow’s flowers.
So we will consider your offer to buy our land. If we decide to accept, I will make one condition. The white man must treat the beasts of this land as his brothers.
I am a savage, and I do not understand any other way. I have seen a thousand rotting buffaloes on the prairie, left by the white man who shot them from a passing train. I am a savage, and I do not understand how the smoking iron horse can be more important than the buffalo that we kill only to stay alive.
What is man without the beasts? If all the beasts were gone, man would die from a great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts soon happens to man. All things are connected.
You must teach your children that the ground beneath their feet is the ashes of our grandfathers. So that they will respect the land, tell your children that the earth is rich with the lives of our kin. Teach your children what we have taught our children that the earth is our mother. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons of the earth. Man did not weave the web of life; he is merely a strand in it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.
Even the white man, whose God walks and talks with him as friend to friend, cannot be exempt from the common destiny. We may be brothers after all. We shall see.
One thing we know, which the white man may one day discover – our God is the same God. You may think now that you own him as you wish to own our land: but you cannot. He is the God of man, and his compassion is equal for the red man and the white. This earth is precious to him, and to harm the earth is to heap contempt upon its Creator.
The whites, too, shall pass; perhaps sooner than all other tribes. Contaminate your bed, and you will one night suffocate in you own waste.
But in your perishing, you will shine brightly, fired by the strength of the god who brought you to this land and for some special purpose gave you dominion over this land and over the red man. That destiny is a mystery to us, for we do not understand when the buffalo are all slaughtered. The wild horses are tamed, the secret corners of the forest heavy with the scent of many men, and the view of the ripe hills blotted out by taking wires. Where is the thicket? Gone. Where is the eagle? Gone.
GLOSSARY
Acid Rain: Rain which is a weak with a PH value below 5.0. The term is used for acid mist, acid hail and acid snow even for dry acidic deposition.
Atmosphere: The area which surrounds the earth, made up of gases and water vapor.
Cosmology: The system of ideas or world view, by which the universe is ordered and understood.
Ecosystem: A system of plants and other organisms together with the non-living components of their environment.
Ecological system: It is the description of the complexity of organisms and their physical factors that form the environment.
Environment: It is the conditions within and around the human body or any organism, which affect behavior growth and development of life process directly or indirectly, including those with which the human body interacts, here we means with the external environmental factors and they are grouped under the following heads- namely physical, chemical, biological and socio-economic-cultural factors.
Sustainability: A characteristic of a process or state that can be maintained indefinitely.
Sustainable development: improving the quality of human life while living within capacity of supporting ecosystem.
Renewable Resource: It can renew itself at a constant level, either because it recycles quite rapidly or because it is alive and can propagate itself or be propagated.
Non-renewable Resource: This is one whose consumption necessarily involves in its depletion.
I THANK FR. JOHNY D'SOUZA SVD, FOR GUIDING ME AND HELPING ME TO WRITE THIS THESIS THROUGH HIS GENEROUS ENCOURAGEMENT AND SUGGESTION. WIUTHOUT HIS HELP IT WAS DIFFICULT TO COMPLETE THIS WORK.
I REMAIN GRATEFUL TO ALL WHO MADE THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS IN THIS WORK.
THANK U ALL.
MAY GOD BLESS U..
LOVE
LAWRENCE NOLASCO EKKA
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