The Mindset of Our Generation and the Earth

The Mindset of Our Generation and the Earth - From ancient times to the present-world environmental crisis, we have known that the need for personal awareness of our environment, and preventive action is crucial for the survival of earth and its inhabitants. Historically, ancient writings from different cultures instructed the human race on many ethical issues; and clearly, they expounded upon environmental ethics in great detail. Although we would like to believe that modern men and women were the first to touch on the very real issues surrounding the protection of animals, plants, and land, it would be arrogant for us to believe that our ancestors did not recognize these issues and address them. Even so, some people of our day profess that the men and women of ancient times did not honor the earth.

Among our most condescending accusations against ancient doctrines, are those allegations made against the Bible. Although there is no denying the fact that every group has members and leaders that choose to twist, misuse, or disregard their doctrine, that doesn't remove the responsibility of researchers to thoroughly search out the true meaning of doctrine before labeling an entire ethnic or religious group anthropocentric. Unfortunately, misguided allegations against the Bible and Christians are included in a comprehensive document entitled The Challenge of Environmental Ethics, from Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (SEP 2008). Featured below is a quote from the document:

Historian Lynn White Jr., in a much-cited essay published in 1967 (white 1967) on the historical roots of the environmental crisis, argues that the main strands of Judeo-Christian thinking had encouraged the overexploitation of nature, by maintaining the superiority of humans over all other forms of life on earth, and by depicting all of nature as created for the use of humans. Central to the rationale for his thesis were the works of the Church Fathers and The Bible itself, supporting the anthropocentric perspective that humans are the only things that matter on earth. . .

There is no denying that man continually manipulates doctrine for the purpose of man, so that he/she can misuse the earth, plant life, and non-human life forms. Because of lack of ethics in these matters, it is obvious we have much to uncover before deciding that all doctrine, and the majority of Christian persons of faith, held and still hold an anthropocentric perspective; which, simply means they hold the belief that humans are the only things that matter on the Earth (See Whitney 1993, Attfield 2001).

Assuming the history of such an important philosophy as environmental ethics started in the 1900s or the 1970s, is assuming that our earlier ancestors were devoid of basic human compassion. Frankly, this type of conjecture, especially when based on misinterpretation of doctrine, is purely speculative. Many ancient texts clearly teach respect of all life forms. For instance, several passages in the Bible plainly point to the equality of all things. For instance, Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes 3: 18-20:

"I said to myself concerning the sons of men, "God has surely tested them in order for them to see that they are but beasts."

For the fate of the sons of men and the fate of beasts is the same. As one dies so dies the other: indeed, they all have the same breath and there is no advantage for man over beast, for all is vanity.

All go to the same place. All came from the dust and all return to the dust. (IISB 2003. p.1068)

Writings throughout the entire Bible clearly admonish self-care and the care of all life forms. Here are a few examples:

Exodus 20; 10 But on the seventh day is a Sabbath of the Lord you God; in it you shall not do any work, you or yours sons or your daughters, you male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you.

Exodus 23: 11, 12 But on the seventh year you shall let it (the land) rest and lie fallow, so that the needy of your people may eat: and whatever they leave the beast of the field may eat. You are to do the same with your vineyard and your olive grove.

Six days you are to do your work, but on the seventh day, you shall cease from labor in order that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your female slave, as well as your stranger, may refresh themselves. (IISB. 2003. P.122)

Clearly, these are just a few key scriptures within the Bible that urges humans to care for the earth, themselves, others, and the beast of the field. With that in mind, it is likely that those Christians that do not recognize scriptures about the equality of all living things, lack understanding of the scripture they profess; and are therefore misguided. Found in Genesis chapter one, is a misinterpreted scripture that states. . . "rule over the earth and all that inhabits it. . ." (IISB 2003 p.4) it doesn't say abuse, misuse, or neglect the earth or its inhabitants. In fact, the direction to "rule" in that era meant to "serve or care for." Therefore, it is plausible that compiled within the Bible, between 300 BC and AD 367, are some of the first teachings concerning environmental ethics.

Although the Bible isn't the only book that teaches these concepts, it is among many ancient text and oral teachings that endorse this wisdom. Aside from the common knowledge of the Native American Indian's (NCSE 2002) respect for the earth and its inhabitants, the document entitled The Challenge of Environmental Ethics states, ". . . environmental ethics was a focus within the nineteenth and twentieth century philosophy too. Finally, contemporary environmental ethics only emerged as an academic discipline in the 1970s." (SEP. 2008)

Currently, the world focus concerning environmental ethics is on the o-zone layer, a new environmental friendly fuel, and saving the endangered species. Unfortunately, according to the Washington (AP), environmentalist are spending more and more time and money fighting to keep protective laws in place, and struggling to pass new legislation than should be necessary. It is sad, but human greed and the failing world economy seems to take precedence over many important issues including our planet's survival. (IMPACT 2008)

The fight for preservation of the environment is never ending. The anticipated future of environmental protection agenda will remain focused on more efficient fuel, which includes fighting to stop the endorsement of many fuels that make our economy better, but are not safe for the environment. In addition, according to the Washington (AP), the economic upheaval will move the world focus from environmental concerns to more immediate issues like the economic survival of whole nations. Our leaders are proposing budget cuts, some that will revise important environmental legislation(IMPACT 2008). All the while, our environmental crisis is continuing to spiral out of control. For instance, according to The Challenge of Environmental Ethics, this is the "age of terror", in which there is unprecedented environmental problems; like the abrupt climate changes, nuclear terrorism, drought, changing weather patterns, and the health decline associated with . . . "much of which is caused by human beings themselves" (SEP. 2008).

From ancient times to our present world environmental crisis, we have known that the need for personal environmental awareness and preventative action is crucial to the survival of life on planet earth. It is clear that all life forms should have our respect; and, in humility, we need to cherish and protect the earth. Unfortunately, because humanity is preoccupied with the inundation of technology and survival in this fast paced, impersonal world, they have little to do with nature and other life forms. This brings a vital question to many environmentalists' minds. What will it take to awaken humanity to the impending death of the earth, especially when the present day generation knows it not?

References

Arthur K. & Precept Ministries (1992, 1993) The International Inductive Study Bible: Oregon: Harvest House Publishers (pp. 4, 122, 1068).

Brennan A. & Lo YS: Environmental Ethics (2008) Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (SEP)First published Jun 3, 2002; substantive revision Thu Jan 3, 2008 retrieved from http://philosphy.hku.hk/think/misc/miniguide.pdf

Current topics Environmental Ethics (2008) America's Endangered Species Under Attack Washington (AP) IMPACT

http://current.com/topics/88829790/environmental_ethics/new/0.htm

Native Americans and the Environment at the National Library for the Environment (NCSE 2002) National Council for Science and the Environment