The Fate of Nature

"The Judaeo-Christian tradition of Creation with its directives for humans to subdue and to have dominion over the Earth has been seen as a factor in the generation of negative or exploitative attitudes towards the natural world, especially among Christians who interpret the Creation stories literally. As a corrective, in recent decades scholars have developed a rationale for stewardship of nature based on these same and other Biblical passages. However, much less attention has been given to the implications of beliefs about the end-time (eschatology). Seventh-day Adventists, along with some other Christians, anticipate that a fiery obliteration of the Earth’s surface will usher in the kingdom of God. Logically such beliefs might not be expected to generate any particular concern for the well-being of the non-human Creation. A few Adventist authors have called for some amendment to or revision of traditionally-held eschatology as it concerns the fate of nature. Nevertheless there is some evidence that many Seventh-day Adventists feel that there is a basis for caring for the Creation in spite of its imminent annihilation. However, in company with many Biblical literalists, practical action is generally lacking from personal agenda. Some reasons for the apparent dissonance between eschatological beliefs and environmental concern are suggested."

Availability:
Free
Publication Date:
2003
Author:
Howard Fisher
Publisher:
Avondale Academic Press
PO Box 19
Cooranbong, NSW  2265

Phone: 61 2 4980 2233
FAX: 61 2 4980 2118
Email: robert.mciver@avondale.edu.au
URL: http://www.avondale.edu.au/research/avondale-academic-press/
Order Information:
Christian Spirituality and Science, Vol 4, Issue 1, Article 2
Subjects:
Language:
English
Resource Type:
Internet Resources; Published Articles & Papers
Resource Objective:
Development & Training
Level:
Tertiary
Audience:
Teacher / Faculty, Student / Learner
Religious Origin:
Seventh-day Adventist