Theology on a Defiant Earth: Seeking Hope in the Anthropocene

Humanity's power has grown, and nature has the power to extinguish human life, creating an unprecedented dilemma. The emergence of the Anthropocene has settled the question of human beings' place in the world, but it is a moral question that brings theology within the scope of reflection on human irresponsibility.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Humanity, as a powerful force of nature, holds the ability to shape the destiny of the Earth System. This transformative shift has fundamentally altered the relationship between humans and the Earth, presenting us with an unprecedented dilemma. As human power has expanded over the planet, so has the power of nature to extinguish human life. The emergence of the Anthropocene has definitively settled the question of human beings' place in the world: we stand undeniably at its center. However, the central question that drives this book remains: What kind of human being occupies the center of the world, and what is the nature of that world? Unlike the scientific fact of human-centeredness, this is a moral inquiry that brings theology within the realm of reflection on the critical failures of human irresponsibility.

Throughout much of Christian theology, there has been a failure to engage with the reality of the Anthropocene. The authors of these original essays believe that it is time to push harder at the questions posed by the Anthropocene for people of faith. They argue that the time has come to delve deeper into the ethical and theological implications of our existence in this new geological era.

In the first essay, titled "The Anthropocene and the Question of Human Responsibility," the authors explore the concept of human responsibility in the context of the Anthropocene. They argue that the scale and impact of human activities on the Earth have reached unprecedented levels, necessitating a reassessment of our moral obligations. The authors suggest that the traditional understanding of human responsibility, which often focuses on individual actions, needs to be expanded to encompass collective responsibility for the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants.

The second essay, titled "The Nature of the Anthropocene World," delves into the nature of the Anthropocene world itself. The authors argue that the Anthropocene has fundamentally altered the physical, biological, and social landscapes of the Earth, creating a new ecological and social order. They explore the implications of this shift for human beings, including the challenges and opportunities that arise from the changing nature of our environment.

The third essay, titled "The Role of Faith in Responding to the Anthropocene," examines the role of faith in responding to the challenges posed by the Anthropocene. The authors argue that faith communities have a critical responsibility to engage with the reality of the Anthropocene and to work towards creating a more sustainable and just world. They suggest that faith communities can provide a moral framework for addressing climate change, environmental degradation, and social inequality, and can also offer spiritual support and resilience to individuals and communities facing the impacts of the Anthropocene.

In conclusion, the essays in this collection offer a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between humanity, the Earth, and the Anthropocene. They challenge us to reevaluate our understanding of human responsibility and to consider the nature of the world we inhabit. By engaging with the ethical and theological dimensions of the Anthropocene, we can work towards creating a more sustainable and just future for ourselves and future generations.

Weight: 520g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666903225