The Historical Roots Of Our Ecological Crisis Analysis

Since the rise of Christianity, the concept of dominion has remained a constant staple in Western society. From the earliest passage in the biblical book of Genesis, God calls for man to “be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth” (1:28). This passage is the most referenced passage in arguing positions of contemporary domination of nature. The literal interpretation and implication of such a historical work has partly contributed to our current ecologic state. Alongside this, early scientific philosophies have greatly influenced the path in which we traverse today. However, another issue arises from

states that we continue to live “as we have lived for about 1700 years, very largely in the context of Christian axioms” (3). Being the most anthropocentric religion, Christianity’s influence in the striking dualism between man and nature comes from the ideas set forth in the book of Genesis. The dissolve of paganism in the early ages due to Christianity’s prevalence gave easy rise to the concept of dominion over nature. White expresses in his essay that “both modern technology and modern science are distinctively Occidental” (2). Carson agrees with this wavelength, in so far as she says, “It is our alarming misfortune that so primitive a science has armed itself with the most modern and terrible weapons, and that in turning them against the insects it has also turned them against the earth” (297). The role technology and science has played has been swayed to the ideals of Western thought and influence around the world. White explains that the technological and scientific movements originated in the Middle Ages prevailed with the Western thoughts of the submissiveness of nature. To him, our current predicament can only be solved by the reimaging and rethinking of our relation to nature. In his work, White suggests that an alternative Christian view is necessary in order to move forward and solve our ecological crisis. He points to the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi who sought to “depose man from his monarchy over creation and set up a democracy of all God’s creatures” (White 5). For his time, his pursuits were heretical, yet gained a following. Since the teachings and advocacy of Saint Francis of Assisi never replaced the teachings of orthodox Christianity, White is convicted that “we shall continue to have a worsening ecologic crisis until we reject the Christian axiom the nature has no reason for existence save to serve man” (6). Thinkers and theologians like Francis of Assisi,