BIBLICAL ETHICS AND THE GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL WELL-BEING

Raymond Ezekiel Eegunlusi, Marcel Ikechukwu Onyibor

Abstract


The pollution of the environment through anthropogenic activities is a global issue requiring a concerted effort from the global community, because of its negative effect on health, existential condition, and the survival of humanity. Regurgitating on this, this paper argues that biblical ethics, especially as based on the ideas of holiness, sanctification, the golden rule and communitarian existence, is significant in promoting global environmental wellbeing. It equally debates that the neglect of these ideas on which this ethics rests, or their being outrightly consigned to mere religiosity, contributes to global environmental problems. Exploring certain basic biblical texts, using conceptual and empirical approaches, the work argues for the importance of adopting biblical ethics in solving global environmental problems. For several centuries, variegated views and interpretations on the ideas of holiness, sanctification, brotherly kindness/fellow-feeling and shared existence, have been expressed in many texts, in relation to human conducts and relationships. This work examines the JudeoChristian perspectives to these ideas. In assuming material and metaphysical dimensions, Judeo-Christian understanding emphasises relationships with God and men while stressing the necessity of responsive and responsible daily communal and other-regarding existence. Though modern minds attempt to divorce man from such metaphysical existence involving God on grounds of empirical justifications, this work seeks to examine the connecting point and the influence faith has in promoting ethics and the necessity of operating with the ideas emanating from faith enterprises to ensure global environmental order. Thus, this work maintains that giving adequate attention to the salient ideas of biblical ethics can promote healthy environment for mankind.  Keywords: Biblical ethics, Environment, Faith, Golden rule, Holiness, Mankind, Sanctification.

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