Gen 1:1—2:3 and the Environment: An Exegetical and Theological Study
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Date
2018-07
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University of Ghana
Abstract
The increasingly diminishing rate of the world’s natural resources and the current eco-logical crisis facing the world has sparked a global debate about the causes of the men-ace. Since 1967, following Lynn White’s article “The Historical Roots of our Ecologi-cal Crisis,” the anthropocentric and dualistic reading of Genesis1:1—2:3 perpetuated by Western Christianity has been indicated as the main cause. White’s assertion has initiated a scholarly debate about the possibility of an Ecological Hermeneutics. Against this background, the research analysed the relationship existing between the first creation account and the environment. It, furthermore, explored how Genesis 1:1—2:3 can be used to promote advocacy and environment care among youth groups of selected churches in Kwahu-Atibie.
The Communicative approach proposed by Ossom-Batsa was employed as a theoretical framework. The West African scholar proposes a three-step method: Exegesis of real-ity, Exegesis of the text and the Engagement between reality and the text. The exegesis of reality was performed using the Intercultural Hermeneutics proposed by Anum-Bortey and Quaye, in order to assess how three selected youth groups, read Genesis 1:1—2:3. The narrative criticism proposed by Powell was employed to reach an in-formed understanding of the text.
The engagement of the reality and the text reveals that although youth group members showed ecological sensitivity and a positive attitude concerning the care of the envi-ronment, their interpretation of the text was often literal, facilitated by the use of Ashanti Twi bible. As consequence, they did not see any relationship between their faith and active care and advocacy for the environment.
The narrative reading of Genesis 1:26-28 disclosed that the Priestly creation account invites readers to rediscover the community of creation. Human is created in relation-ship and for relationship: every form of exploitation, violence, reduction of the others (co-humans or nature) to an object is a betrayal of God’s plan. Therefore, the creation accounts invite us to rediscover our limit: we are not God, not even ‘little gods’; we are members of the creation community called to serve and care for all, humans and non-humans.
The study recommends further research on the concept of ‘stewardship’ and ‘citizen-ship,’ as used in ecological discussions. From the pastoral perspective, the research recommends that ecological care deliberations should form part of the core doctrines of the church, as a way to promote positive attitude towards the environment in the lives of the people. Lastly churches in Kwahu-Atibie should collaborate and organize regular environmental care and cleanliness programs to educate the populace.
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Thesis (MPhil)
Keywords
Theological Study, Gen 1:1—2:3, Environment, Exegetical, Ecologi-cal Crisis