A Theological Response to Ecological Disaster

Matthew Tan has, together with Paul Tyson of the Australian Catholic University, recently published an article in the second volume of the new established journal Solidarity: The Journal of Catholic Social Thought and Secular Ethics, which is run by the Centre for Faith Ethics and Society in the University of Notre Dame in Australia.

The article looks at the necessity for a properly theological, rather than technical vision in order to stave off any impending ecological disaster. Rather than the often bandied regimes of management, or the sacralisation of the environment, avoiding any further damage to the environment is dependent on nothing less than a genuine conversion to Christ. The article draws these findings from the writings of the sociologist turned theologian, Jacques Ellul. Access to the article is possible by clicking here, and other articles in the edition of the journal can be accessed here. Readers might also be interested in an earlier reflection on a Christian response to environmentalism which is not a simple acceptance or facile rejection.