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The Church in the Eco-Crisis
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

The Church in the Eco-Crisis

Clive Ayre
Australian Journal of Mission Studies, Vol.3(1), pp.12-15
2009
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Abstract

Religion and Religious Studies
The paper considers a theology of Christian eco-mission in the context of an increasingly obvious environmental crisis. Christian theology and mission has often tended to be anthropocentric, and to take the natural world for granted. The development of ecotheology in recent decades has necessitated fresh responses not only to the crisis, but also to theology itself. Ecotheology provides a primary building block for an eco-mission theology; the paper argues that a composite approach to stewardship provides the most useful link between theology and mission. A second building block is a reconsideration of mission so that ecological issues are included; this entails the development of a sound eco-mission theology. The paper outlines some essential elements. Once the theological underpinning has been established, the practical implications of such an approach are considered. Although eco-mission is still not widely practised, a comparison of examples from the UK and Australia will indicate some positive developments. This includes the possibility of public engagement, or ―mission with‖ and not just ―mission to‖ the wider community. The paper argues that theologicallybased and practically oriented responses to the eco-crisis provide the potential for effective ―Christian mission in the public square.

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