Religions and the environment.

Have you ever actually sat down and thought about what different religions say about the environment? Do they tell us to care for the environment, or do they tell us that we dominate the environment, thus, can do anything with it?

Personally, I have never thought about it in that sense. Not until recently have I looked into what different religions, say about man and the environment. 

Below, I will start off by presenting a deeper description of the Christian view regarding the environment, and then briefly present Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism. Please note that the relationship between the environment and religion is focused on roles of inequality and hierarchy in the way we tend to think about the environment. 

Christianity-

In Christianity, Genesis 1:28, God orders that humans control the animals, and the earth. But what does God actually mean by control? This claim does not only challenge people from inside the church, but people from outside of the church as well. Many believe that the earth was created in order to be used for "profitable purposes" (Wolf, 1981), as people are on their way to life after death. However, I do not think this gives people the power to destroy what God affirms as good in His sight, his creation (Genesis 1).

Yes, God did give humans dominion over the earth, but not to destroy it, He gave them the privilege to take care of it. God put Adam in the garden of Eden to take care of it. Interestingly enough, when "take care" is translated to Hebrew, it means to watch, preserve, attend, and maintain.

In the west, the major source of ideas comes from Christianity. And ideas change the economy, just as much as the economy changes ideas.
The two major theories of Christianity, economics, and their relationship as dominions over the environment are that of Max Weber (Protestantism and capitalism) and Lynn Whites (the moral parallels of Christianity, science and technology).

According to Max Weber, we work for more money than we need. But have you ever asked yourself why that is? Well, to maintain a place on the consumption and production treadmill. But why are we even on the treadmills to start off with? Well, that would be due to the moral anxiety from Protestantism.

Moreover, Lynn White explains that it is no ideal to separate environmental problems from the western origins of science and technology because of the mold-board plow that occurred in the 7th century. Early Christianity however does teach man to exploit the environment (tampering with the it is not a sin). However, the greener side of Christianity supports the taking care of the environment, and that it challenges science; opposition to genetic engineering, and opposition to Galileo.
Being so, the bible asks to be fruitful and multiply. This biblical command does not only go out to man, but to all creatures.

Islam- 

Muslims believe that Allah gave humans the responsibility over the earth. Being so, man is impelled by Islam not to abuse the trust that Allah put, but instead to care and protect nature, and to be kind with the environment. Islam also tells man to make use of the creation, but to be careful at the same time (Quran, Sura 55:3-10). Lastly, the Quran provides guidance to its peoples relationship with the environment, as well as in dealing with nature (Quran, Sura 2, 11). 

Buddhism- 

Nowadays, I believe Buddhism is the inspiration for the protection of nature. The right livelihood, one of the noble eight fold paths, teaches man to take in consideration his/her actions as it would impact society, and the future. Buddhism has actually been influential in government (i.e Thailand) decisions when attempting to improve the economics by 'development', while damaging the environment. Based on Cakkavattisihanada Sutta, it is not only required and expected for man to protect people, but to protect birds and quadrupeds as well. 

Hinduism-

In ancient Hinduism texts, respect for nature and ecological awareness are significantly presented. Yajur Veda, 5:43 and Rig Veda, 6:48:17 are examples of of principles and traditions that are in relevance to man future, and are important to one's present life. In Hinduism, it is believed that if trees and animal life are protected, then man and his community will be safe and survive. Here, people are expected to defend our nature and our environment. 

Being so, the different religions do tell us to protect the environment, but as human beings, we misinterpret what is said in these different religions, and we think of ourselves on a higher level than nature. Religion places man falsely above nature. 

Please take some time and watch the spirited debate with Jeff Schweitzer regarding whether or not religion is harming the environment.  

What are your thoughts about what the different religions say in regards to man and nature? Do you think we are taking advantage of our 'dominance' over the environment?

~Please comment with your thoughts, beliefs, and ideas.

Thank you