The Genesis and ecology debate

Abstract

This thesis provides a critique of representative authors in "the Genesis and ecology debate," which began with the 1967 publication of Lynn White's "The Historical Roots of our Ecologic Crisis," and continued among authors from various fields who discussed the creation texts in Genesis 1 to 3 and their relevance to modern-day ecological concerns. It also demonstrates White's influence on Christianity's understanding of ecological matters, and reveals that the Genesis and ecology debate was not merely about the interpretation of certain biblical texts, but about Christianity and its relevance to the current ecological situation. -- Chapter 1 introduces the Genesis and ecology debate and defines the parameters of the thesis. Chapter 2 discusses authors in the debate who are neither biblical scholars nor theologians, and whose professional interests would normally be considered outside of the exegetical arena. Chapter 3 deals with biblical scholars who have philological and textual expertise, and who also have some understanding of environmental matters. Chapter 4 examines the writings of Christian theologians who attempt to relate the biblical creation stories to the contemporary ecological situation. Chapter 5 summarizes and concludes the study. The Appendix outlines poet Daniel Quinn's contribution to the Genesis and ecology debate.