Thursday, May 7, 2020

Eco-Theology


1. Introduction
"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Gen. 1:1), "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." (Luke 21:33), "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away." (Revelation 21:1).. Theology happens only when we interpret God’s revelation, God’s words in the light of our experiences, therefore hermeneutics is unavoidable. The word hermeneutic comes from the Greek word hermeneuein which means inclusively to express, to explain, to translate and to interpret. Hermeneutical mediation thus helps in corners of the biblical texts and leads to change in human behavior to prevent the destruction of our fragile environment. There are many Theological themes in the Bible which speaks about our eco-system. And are relevant to the ecological issues today. It might be the most relevant gospel for postmodern consumerist world, where production, market, and benefit are the major focus. In this paper we will try to discuss in the light of these issues, and theological development of the Eco-Theology.
1.1. Present condition of the Earth
The Earth is the creation of God. As it was created by God, it plays a major role in human. So we can’t separate human and earth. There are several features that stress the intimacy of the relationship between humans and non-human creations[1]. Primarily, humans were created on the same day as the land animals. This implies a certain kinship.  In present day context, people prefer to live in metro cities (flat culture) and like to be a part of corporate worship, where the concern towards Environment were also changed rapidly.

2. Causes for Environmental Pollution
  . he light oftry to discussed
The acts of humans lead to environmental pollution. The stronger demand for resources is also a factor that contributes to the problem as we all need food and shelter. When these things are so desired and need the natural balance of the environment is disturbed. Engineering developments are resulting in resource depletion and environmental destruction. There are several environmental issues that have created havoc on our environment and human life. If ignored today, these ill effects are sure to curb human existence in the near future.[2]
The major environmental issues include Pollution, Overpopulation, Industrial and Household WasteAcid Rain, Climate change, Ozone Layer DepletionUrban Sprawl, Genetic Engineering, Deforestation and Global Warming. These environmental issues have taken toll on our environment and we’ve already started seeing some disastrous effects in the form of effect of health on humans, rise in sea level, depletion of non-renewable resources, melting of glaciers, extinction of species, polluted landfills, toxic dust, decreasing soil fertility, rise in air and water pollution and many more.[3]
Human beings are considered to be the most intelligent species living on earth. This could be why it is the only species on earth which has civilised itself over the decades to a large extent. Today, human beings boast as being superior to all other animals but what is the use of such great intelligence when environment ethics are not followed?
Cutting down of trees is something that many humans do for their own benefit, without any concern for the animals which are dependent on trees for survival. Using fossil fuels erratically, industrialisation, pollution, disturbing ecological balance, all these are attributable to human activities. Just because we are in possession of all of these natural resources does not mean that we can use those resources in any manner in which we choose without keeping anything for the future generations.[4]
2.1. Climate change
It is a significant and lasting change in the statistical distribution of weather patterns over periods ranging from decades to millions of years. It may be a change in average weather conditions, or in the distribution of weather around the average conditions.  Climate change is caused by factors that include oceanic processes such as oceanic circulation, variations in radiation received by Earth, plate tectonics and volcanic eruptions, and human-induced alterations of the natural world; these latter effects are currently causing global warming, and "climate change" is often used to describe human-specific impacts.[5]
2.2. Deforestation
In India is witnessing a rising demand for forest-based products. This is causing deforestation into forest protected areas, which leads to a severe loss of natural resources.   It is estimated that total industrial round wood consumption in India could exceed 70 million per year by the end of the decade (350,000 large shipping containers).  As the nation will have to depend heavily on imports to meet this growing demand, there is fear that this could result in loss of high conservation value forests and biodiversity elsewhere.[6]
2.3. Pollution
It increasing competition for water among various sectors, including agriculture, industry, domestic, drinking, energy generation and others, is causing this precious natural resource to dry up. Increasing pollution is also leading to the destruction of the habitat of wildlife that lives in waterways.[7]
3. Looking into the roots of ecological crisis
3.1. Non- theological
3.1.1. The one sided industrialization of economic development is the root cause of this ecological crisis. Every country Wants to improve the living standards of its population by massive build up of industrialization. This puts tremendous pressures on non- renewable resources.[8]
3.1.2. Consumerism and industrialization go hand and hand. Production for sale and expansion of market are the key factors to sustain the capitalist system. Industrialization can be sustained through the creation of a consumeristic society, a class of owners and a class of non-owners. endless accumulation, reinvestment for profit. manipulation of mass-media, political machinery, competition. exploitation, militarism and colonization of the poor, and exploitation of land and its resources.[9]
3.1.3. The capitalist ideology of privatisation of capital and competition, the socialist model of economy emerged as a substitute, but failed.  socialism could not provide an alternative, conductive environment for upholding the ecological balance and could not liberate the poor from the yoke of exploitation.[10]
3.1.4. Scientific and technological revolutions have in away destroyed the sanctity of nature. The scientific method of reductionism thus took away the mystery out of creation. People began to believe that there is nothing amazing about the cosmos. By detaching God from nature and regarding it as secular, humanity has changed the relationship between humans and nature. Instead of perceiving nature as a subject to which we are inseparably related, nature is seen as objects from which we are totally detached and separated. Nature is something “out there” apart from us and apart from God. This detachment leads to an objective study of all, and then it leads to manipulation and domination. Without any religious restraints, it was presumed that this external material of creation can be exploited and abused.[11]
3.2. Theological Factors 
Theology does not contribute directly to ecological crisis, but it Influence and shapes the attitude of humans towards nature, and our relationship with other segments of God's creation. The confluence off-out streams of thought has created a forceful current in dominant Christian traditions that set aside the truth of the communion of human beings with God’s creation. It is important to see how they have influenced the attitude of humans and contributed to exploitation and abuse of Mother Earth.[12]
 3.2.1. Mechanical view and secularization of creation 
This stream of thought is rooted in Western Enlightenment tradition which makes a sharp contrast between nature and history. The advancement of the knowledge of science and secularization of nature is interconnected. The advancement of knowledge in the field of science and technology in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries brought industrial capitalism, market economy, mass production, democracy and rationalism. The whole created order began to be viewed objectively. Using the tools of mathematical calculations and experimental data, humans began to claim that one could understand the specific nature of the physical matter constituting the Earth, and the changes within it. Thus, Nature was seen purely from utilitarian perspective and lost its mystery and sacredness for the western worldview. People began to perceive that there is nothing amazing and sacred about the world; it is merely a sum-total of many material components and energies. Humans are capable of understanding, predicting, and controlling everything related to the world; we are separated from, and masters of, the earth. Natural resources are given only in so far as they are useful for the development of science and technology. Hence, this materialistic attitude of humans today is greatly shaped by such ideologies. Many people visualize human civilization in term of a highly mechanized and industrialized society. The booming of economic progress, high-tech mechanized life-style is perceived as attainment of higher quality of life. ‘Growth’ is seen as the only principle for liberation. The growth driven and consumerist economic system and one-sided development pursuits have led to colonization of Others and laid ideological justification for subjugation and exploitation of non-renewable earth's resources on a massive scale. The concepts of ‘care for one another', “just economy’ and rest for creation are considered as non, productive and the root of all human problems from poverty to sickness to political instability. Any attempt to slowdown economic growth is labelled as immorality. Right to have dominion over God’s creation is a biblical mandate and exploitation is seen as exercising human’s creativity bestowed on them in the “Image of God’ (Gen 127,28). This Enlightenment paradigm of euro-centric modernity roared in the conquest of nature is the major cause of today’s world crisis. Christian theologies have played their role in justifying this exploitation of Mother Earth.[13] 
3.2.2.  Hierarchical structure of creation 
In the Hebrew thought, man is the helm of the hierarchy, ruling over the family, the women, the slaves, etc. Several Christian theologians have explained God’s creation within such an hierarchical structure. According to Thomas Aquinas, God. the Creator, in the beginning, simultaneously created a hierarchy of creatures, ordered according to their degree of perfection. In this hierarchical order, angels are at the highest peak. Angels are created, but purely spiritual beings and they are above human beings. Humans are the highest among the created materials being having ultimate right over the Other creatures. This hierarchal order is divine design because “the imperfect beings are for the use of the perfect. “ Imperfect beings are created to serve the need of more noble beings, for instance, plants draw their nutrients from the earth, animals feed on  plants and these in turn serve human use. Therefore, lifeless beings exist for the sake of living beings, plants for animals and animals for humans. Having affirmed that, Aquinas went one step further and said that material creatures were created that they “might be assimilated to the divine goodness’s For him, those creatures lower than the rational human creature in the hierarchy simply assimilate divine goodness by Fulfilling the need; of the human creatures. The whole material nature exists for humans because humanity alone possesses rationality. Human beings are above all creatures. The other non-human creatures are protected, preserved, sustained by God to serve human needs. This theology gives justification for manipulation and exploitation of Other segments of God’s creation.[14]

3.2.3. Anthropocentric view of creation 
Hierarchical and anthropocentric views of life are interrelated and they assume a similar theological position on creation. They view humanity as the point of reference for everything. Creation has meaning and values by sewing the interests of humankind. According to Robert Boring this view of life underlines nine assumptions: . 
(1) Humans are separated from nature; 
(2) Prioritising the rights of human beings over nature, but not emphasizing the responsibility of human beings; 
(3) Prioritising the feelings of humans as centre of their apprehensiveness; 
(4) Policy and management of natural resources in the interests of human beings; 
(5) Solution to the ecological crisis through population control, especially in the poor countries; 
(6) Adherence to the philosophy of economic growth; The main norm is profit-lost; 
(7) Prioritising short-term planning; and 
(8) Adjusting oneself to the prevailing political and economic system
This View has become the basis for greedy exploitation and depletion of nature's resources.[15] 
Protestant theologies added a theological justification to this view of life. Luther saw the whole creation of God as something which exists for the benefit of humans. He recognized nature simply as an existential springboard for grace. The ultimate purpose of creation is for the service and benefit of humans. Karl Barth also advocated a similar theology. For him, God is the “wholly Other”, the transcendent Lord, who can be known only when He chooses to reveal himself, as He did pre-eminently in Jesus Christ. Barth said that the Word is not the foremost principle of creation which gives all things; rather the Word is the first and foremost of God’s address to humanity in Jesus Christ. God is not known through His creation, but only through Christ. Barth is very explicit that salvation history begins from the incarnation of Jesus Christ, but not from the creation. Barth further argued that this great history of salvation cannot be actualised if there is no place or space for it to occur. It needs a “show Place” or a “theatre” outside of God and humans.’ This is the reason why God brought the created world into existence. It is very clear that Barth conceives creation simply as a showpiece/ theatre for the saving works of God. Everything created solely for the sake of the realisation of Gods covenant with humanity in Jesus Christ. For the sake of election, nature is sustained, protected and upheld. Creation is merely a stage. It has no history, is not to be redeemed, but merely used. Bultmann also held a similar position. God is nor to be perceived in the phenomena of nature but known and experienced in the “cave of the heart', in the inner personal experience.‘ This theology places creation in the secondary position.[16] 
4. Need and the Significance of Green Theology
The ecological crisis challenges the very way we do theology in the 21st century. The earth requires healing. Earth is a finite body of ecosystems, resources and species. The time has come for eco-sensitive humans to join Earth in its struggle against these injustices that now threaten the eco-system of earth. If we as people, who find the Bible relevant, recognize that we have been involved in the ecological crisis, we also need to recognize that we have a moral obligation to help find a solution. Jürgen Moltmann speaks of this crisis as ‘the beginning of a life and death struggle for life on this earth’.[17] The Earth Crisis challenges us to read the Bible afresh and ask whether the biblical text itself, its interpreters or both have contributed to this crisis. Along this line, mediation for nature must be done even in the face of such destruction.
5. Biblical Views of Nature: Foundations for an Environmental Ethics
A common perception is that the Bible shows little concern for our relationship to nature and has perhaps even encourages its exploitation. This perception is often supported by reference to the biblical commands to "subdue" the earth and "have dominion" over all living things (Genesis 1:28), which are interpreted to mean that human beings can treat the non-human world in whatever way they please. This interpretation of Genesis 1:28 and the perception that the Bible has little else to say about our relation to the earth have led many people to reject the Bible as a resource for developing a sound environmental ethics.[18] The view that pointed by Lynn White in his book "The Historical Roots of our Ecologic Crisis” that the Bible has fostered the exploitation of nature. He argues that this attitude has shaped the development of modern Western science and technology, which have posed threats to our environment. He concludes that Christianity therefore "bears a huge burden of guilt" for our ecological crisis.[19]
Such interpretations of the Bible and our growing environmental problems have prompted scholars to analyze carefully the biblical view of nature. In contrast to common assumptions, they are discovering that the Bible contains insights that can help form the basis of a sound environmental ethics. Such insights provide powerful grounds for environmental responsibility.
6. Principles of Christian Environmental Ethic:
6.1. Principle of Creation Value:
The Principle of Creation Value first recognizes that God created the heavens and earth and all things found there in (Genesis 1; Psalm 146:6; Acts 14:15; Revelation 4:11). The Bible also teaches that although God allows people to utilize elements of nature, God retains ownership of all His creation (Psalm 24:1; Psalm 89:11; Leviticus 25:23; Colossians 1:15-16). Thus, an  important implication of the Principle of Creation Value from an ethical standpoint is that God places value on elements of nature independent of human use and human-centered values (Genesis 1:25; Psalm 104:31; Psalm 148:9-13).[20]
6.2. Principle of Sustained Order and Purpose 
The Principle of Sustained Order and Purpose implies that God originally created all elements of nature to fit and function together in an orderly fashion within interrelated systems to meet certain ongoing purposes.  God's direct involvement in natural systems did not end after the original creation period described in Genesis 1. To meet their intended purposes, God created and sustains all of creation within particular orders.[21]   The first large-scale Creation ordering of interest is the Biblical hierarchy between God, people and nature. A key verse is Genesis 1:28 which states: “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them.  God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.  Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground’” (Genesis 1:28).[22]
 In the Old Testament of the Bible, there is precedent for God establishing covenants or promises that incorporate nature. God said to Noah and to his sons with him that I establish my covenant with you: Never again will all life be cut off by the waters of a flood; never again will there be a flood to destroy the earth’” (Genesis 9:8-11).  The beautiful natural rainbow is God’s sign and reminder of His covenant with Noah not to destroy life on earth again with a great flood.  This covenant clearly includes plants and animals and every “living creature on earth”. The creation covenant referred to in Romans 8 can be thought of as an extension of God’s covenant with Noah that includes a promise to protect and sustain both people and nature.[23]
6.3. Practicing a Christian Environmental Ethic through Stewardship:
The three general principles of a Christian environmental ethic have practical implications for the role of people as caretakers or managers of nature.  The Bible teaches that as caretakers or managers of nature, people are to practice good stewardship.  The word “steward” and “stewardship” is used throughout the Old and New Testaments of the Bible (Genesis 15:2; Genesis 44:1; 1 Chronicles 28:1; Matthew 20:8; 1 Corinthians 4:2; Luke 12:42; Luke 16:1-2).  The word used for steward in the Bible can also be interpreted as manager or servant. When the word for steward (manager, servant) is used in the Bible, it refers to a person who is put in charge of taking care of something that does not belong to him or her.  As stewards of nature, people have been appointed by God to manage the “domestic environmental concerns” of our planet earth home.[24]
7. Environmental Hermeneutics
Environmental hermeneutics is a term for a wide range of scholarship that applies the techniques and resources of the philosophical field of hermeneutics to environmental issues. That is to say it addresses issues of interpretation as they relate to nature and environmental issues broadly conceived to include wilderness, ecosystems, landscapes, ecology, the built environment (architecture), life, embodiment, and more. Work in  environmental philosophy, , environmental theology, ecotheology, and similar disciplines may overlap the field of environmental hermeneutics.[25]
8. Eco theology
Eco-theology is a form of constructive theology that focuses on the inter-relationships of religion and nature, particularly in the light of environmental concerns.  It is an ecological approach to theology that links Christian faith and spirituality with ecology. By emphasizing the Biblical passages on ecology, eco-theology challenges Christian community not only to concentrate on their own personal salvation rather on an ecological perspective[26]. Eco-Theology have four components in it they are as follows:  firstly Stewardships were it is understood that land belongs to God who created it and we, human beings are only trustees or stewards responsible for the welfare of land. secondly Celebration of the nature which goes beyond the stewardship as it implies that nature valuable in it self Geniuses is clear about God satisfaction about his creation, Gods covenant with Noah includes all creatures therefore creation/nature is to be celebrated. Thirdly a sacramental view of the nature, here it is viewed that God is present in the nature. Nature is vehicle of Gods grace through which God also reveal. Redemption of God is therefore can be viewed as a rescue of not only human beings but the whole creations. Finally, Holy spirit in nature that takes about the presence of the Holy sprite in nature the sprite of God is moving over the face of the water.

8.1. Eco-theology’s Origin:
            Eco-theology is a form of constructive theology that focuses on the inter-relationships of religion and nature, particularly in the light of environmental concerns.  It is an ecological approach to theology that links Christian faith and spirituality with ecology. By emphasizing the Biblical passages on ecology, eco-theology challenges Christian community not only to concentrate on their own personal salvation rather on an ecological perspective[27].

8.2. Paradigms of Eco-theology:
Lauren Kearns categorizes  Eco-theology into three paradigms such as Christian Stewardships, Eco-Justice and Creation Spirituality.
8.2.1. Christian Stewardship : The term stewardship has been widely used in the recent years to justify  Christian involvement in environmental action. Genesis 1:28 is used to justify stewardship as a model of responsibility towards our mother earth.  The main trouble of stewardship lies when the term stewardship changes to dominance of humans. This is known as anthropocentricism. But stewardship teaches us our duties and responsibilities towards protecting our earth[28].               
8.2.2. Eco-Justice:  The liberal Protestants and the Catholics of Christianity understands that there is an equal and just relation between the humans and the creations.  The source of authority for Eco-justice is Jesus and Social Gospel tradition and eco-justice confirms that the stress of ecological degradation lies on the marginalized community because they are the ones, mostly affected.  So it is better to ask the questions to the sufferers of climate change, rising waters, agricultural crisis, global warming etc[29].
8.2.3. Creation Spirituality: Creation Spirituality focuses on the wonder of the universe, and the story of evolution that reveals the fact that humans are a small part of the Universe story. Again the protestants and the Catholics are the proponents of this paradigm. This paradigm emphasizes that the World is more sacred than the knowledge of most religious traditions. Many Christians find it very offensive because they  feel  it compromises on their basic faith. 
8.3. Eco -Mission Theology:  In today’s world, ecology is one of the dominating concern of the whole world and also of Christian theology[30]. Thus Ecclesiastical eco-mission is an important shift in many eco-movement in India. This makes the Church situate itself in the earth and continue the justice and ecological movement of Jesus Christ. Many churches undertakes lots of measures to protect  the ecological  wealth of the earth.
8.4. Christian understanding of Eco-theology
Christian believes in “God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.” Human being believes in the beginning God created heaven and earth, they believe biblical dictum, the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness there of.” This being so, the Christian belief in God must include belief in the integrity of the earth, God’s creation. On the other hand, the evidence based on the practice of our contemporary science tells us of the decline of sustainability of life on the earth, including the conditions necessary for the sustenance of our own species, Homo sapiens.[31] M. J. Joseph opines that there should be basic sensitivity towards ecology whereby we recognize interdependence in God’s order of creation. Human being is stewards as God’s co-worker accountable to creator. Thus, violence against nature is violence against humanity.[32]
9. Role of the Church
            The main reason for humans to destroy the mother earth is that the wrong understanding of the Scripture, because the scripture says that 1)Humans can have dominion over nature and   2) we are created in the image of God which means all other creations does not resemble God. Other creations also have Soul and thus they are not inferior to us.[33]
Some scholars argue that the Tsunami, Earth quake, Climate change, floods, droughts are God’s anger because humankind has forgotten to protect the Nature. In the Book of Revelation we see many Apocalyptic texts of God’s wrath and judgment. There are lots of verses in this book which clearly says that God’s wrath will definitely come on the people who would destroy the nature. There are many plagues, diseases that are prevailing in our community at present. These are due to God’s anger and his cure upon the people of the earth because we failed to protect his nature. God has determined to destroy the earth and thus he sends plagues. The Bible clearly explains about the intimate relationship between God and Natural world (Is6:3). This is the Global Vision that should guide us in our public witness. Thus this should be our commitment that we as a church, as a faith community to protect the nature that belongs to God almighty. 
10. Remedies
10.1) Enlightening Eco-Awareness among Congregations.
            The Protestants believe in a Trinitarian God of Father, Son and the Holy Spirit. Likewise The church can educate its congregations that there is a Trinitarian relation between God, humans and the rest of God’s creations. The God who dwells in the creation gives an essential value to God’s creations rather than the Practical value and the church is called to respect such honour of creation.
10.2) Publishing Booklets on Biblical Basis for Ethical and Practical Initiatives
            Publishing booklets plays a crucial role because it reaches everyone at a time, This booklet may be provided free of cost. E-Bulletin can also be published on the internet. This booklet may help the members to get educated about ecological concerns.
10.3), Empowering Congregations to do Eco-Mission
            The Church should seek to create awareness among all people about environment and ecological concern and thereby it’s the duty of the members to care for God’s creations. This motivates the people to think in that perspective and act according to that.
10.4) Opening a department for Ecology,
            Different departments like Communications, women’s, Youth desk etc. play an active role in church. So a department to meet the needs of the environment should also be started. For example in Arcot Lutheran church, in Thiruvannamali, Quo vadis is a successful interfaith dialogue. Likewise ecology department can also attempt.
10.5) Encouraging Eco-Liturgical Worships.
New kinds of worships can be conducted on World Environment Day (June 5) and special liturgy can be formulated and followed.
10.6) Enhancing Eco-friendly life styles
            a) Plant trees  in public land that are idle.     
            b) Use of lights that do not bring harm to the nature.
            c) Green Cooking
            d) Green Church / Home.
10.7). Living a life of Re-cycling.
            The two gospel words, Saving and Restoring have very practical implications for our use of the Earth’s resources. Buying appliances that consumes low energy. Turn off lights, fans, avoid plastic bags, plastic items that cannot be recycled.
10.8) Rain water harvesting.
            Rain water harvesting though it was made compulsory in the state of Tamilnadu many houses, institutions have not made proper steps to store rain water. Thus the church can make proper channels to create awareness among the public about rain water harvesting.   
11. Conclusion:
            Eco-theology, therefore, is a viable theology for reconciling, being rooted in the scripture and revelation and its concern for the created order. Eco theology posited a shared single vision rooted in early modern theologies of nature, which advocates: the idea of divine immanence in the whole cosmos; a relational, ecological rather than a hierarchical understanding of God, humans, and the created world; a radically reinterpreted view of human dominion over nature in terms of partnership with nature; a commitment to justice for all creatures, not just humans, highlighting the needs of the impoverished masses and endangered species around the globe.
              It is our duty to re-problematize the problem from the perspectives of the victims of Environment, and environment itself. This discernment leads us to introspection. Such introspection will expose greater exposure to our theologies and biblical interpretations that continue to perpetuate ecological destructions. Thus let us develop Theology, Biblical Insights of the Nature by protecting it and discover its miracles and wonders.

12. Bibliography
Habel, Norman C, Ed., Readings from the Perspective of the Earth. Ohio: The Pilgrim Press,         2000.
Hessel, Dieter, ed., Theology for Earth Community: A Field Guide. NY: Orbis Books, 1996.
Jospeh, M. J.  The Eco-vision of the Earth Community: Biblical and Theological Perspective. Bangalore:             BTESSC/SATHRI, 2008.
Ralte, Rodinmawia. The Interface of Science and Religion: An Introductory Study,  New Delhi: Christian     World Imprints, 2017.
Sarkar, R.L. The Bible, Ecology and Environment . Delhi: ISPCK, 2000.
Thomas Samuel, Mathew Koshy, Ed., Green Gospel. Thiruvalla: CSS, 2010.
Vanlalaua, H.  Doing Mission in India Today. Serampore: Department of Research / SATHRI,      Faculty of Theology, Serampore College (University), 2012.
Wielenga, Bas. Towards an Eco-Just Society . Bangalore: Centre for Social Action, 1999.
Zachariah, George. Gospel in a Groaning world: Climate Injustice and Public Witness.      Tiruvalla: CSS & NCCI, 2012.


                [1] R.L Sarkar, The Bible, Ecology and Eviornment (Delhi: ISPCK, 2010), 22.
                [2] R.L Sarkar, The Bible, Ecology and Eviornment (Delhi: ISPCK, 2010), 24. 
                [3] Sarkar, The Bible, Ecology…, 24.
                [4] Sarkar, The Bible, Ecology …, 26. 
                [5] Sarkar, The Bible, Ecology …, 27.
                [6] Sarkar, The Bible, Ecology …, 28. 
                [7] Sarkar, The Bible, Ecology …, 28.
                [8] Wielenga, Bas. Towards an Eco-Just Society, (Bangalore: Centre for Social Action, 1999), 81.
                [9] Bas. Towards an Eco…, 81.

                [10] Bas. Towards an Eco…, 83.
                [11] Bas. Towards an Eco…, 84.
                [12] Wati Longchar, Returning to Mother Earth Theology, Christian witness and theological education an indigenous perspective (West Bengal: PTCA/SPECTRE, 2012),  97.
            [13] Longchar, Returning to Mother Earth…, 100-102.
            [14] Longchar, Returning to Mother Earth…, 104-105.
            [15] Rodinmawia Ralte, The Interface of Science and Religion: An Introductory Study,  (New Delhi: Christian World Imprints, 2017), 203-204.
            [16] Longchar, Returning to Mother Earth…, 110-120.
                [17] Dieter Hessel, ed., Theology for Earth Community: A Field Guide (Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books, 1996), 19
                [18] Norman C. Habel, ed., Readings from the Perspective of the Earth (Cleveland, Ohio: The Pilgrim Press, 2000), 24

            [19] Longchar, Returning to Mother Earth…, 43-45.
            [20] Thomas Samuel, Mathew Koshy,ed., Green Gospel (Thiruvalla:CSS,2010),10.
                [21]  Koshy, Green Gospel…,11.
            [22] Koshy, Green Gospel…, 12.
            [23] Koshy, Green Gospel… 15.
            [24] Longchar, Returning to Mother Earth…, 43-46.
            [25] Longchar, Returning to Mother Earth…, 46-50.
                [26] H. Vanlalaua, ed., Doing Mission in India Today, (Serampore: Department of Research / SATHRI, Faculty of Theology, Serampore College (University), 2012), 40.
                [27] H. Vanlalaua, ed., Doing Mission in India Today, (Serampore: Department of Research / SATHRI, Faculty of Theology, Serampore College (University), 2012), 40.
                [28] Lauren Kearns, The context of Eco-Theology in The Blackwell companion to Modern Theology, Gareth Jones, ed., (NewYork: Blackwell Publications, 2004), 477.
                [29] Lauren Kearns, The context of Eco-Theology…., 478.
                [30] Christiana Manohar,Towards a Theology of Environment in Ecological Challenge and Christian Mission, edited by Krickwin C.Marak and Atul Y.Aghamkar(Delhi: ISPCK, 1998), 185
            [31] R. L. Sarkar, The Bible, Ecology and Environment (Kashmere Gate: ISPCK, 2000), 59.
            [32] M. J. Jospeh, The Eco-vision of the Earth Community: Biblical and Theological Perspective (Bangalore: BTESSC/SATHRI, 2008), xiii.
                [33] Wielenga, Bas. Towards an Eco-Just Society, (Bangalore: Centre for Social Action, 1999), 82.


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 எதையும் கண்டுகொள்ளாமல் இருப்பது ஒரு கலை! அதை கற்க 5 சுலபமான வழிகள்! உங்க அமைதியை குலைக்காத/கெடுக்காத எண்ணங்களை மட்டும் தேர்ந்தெடுங்கள்...! ...