Theology of Environmental Justice - Teaching Material

As we gather today, let us turn our hearts and minds to the profound connection between Environmental Justice and our Christian faith, illuminated by the words of James 1:27: “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” This passage beckons us to engage in a reflection that transcends the barriers of time and space, urging us to align our faith with the urgent cries of our planet.

Imagine, for a moment, a child standing on the cracked earth of a drought-ridden village, her eyes filled with hope amid an uncertain future. When we advocate for Environmental Justice, we do more than call for ecological restoration; we defend the very dignity of that child. In doing so, we affirm the divine sovereignty of our Creator, who entrusted us with the stewardship of His creation. Each tree we plant, every river we clean, echoes our commitment to uphold human dignity, not just for ourselves, but for all of creation.

The questions we face today are not merely theoretical; they strike at the heart of our discipleship. How does our understanding of hesed, that deep, covenant love of God, compel us to act in ways that protect the marginalized and the earth itself? How do we embody shalom, that wholeness and peace, in a world groaning under the weight of environmental degradation?

As we reflect on our theological commitments, let us challenge ourselves to envision a community where every decision we make—whether in our homes, churches, or civic engagements—resonates with the love of Christ. Together, let us rise to the occasion, transforming our faith into action, ensuring that our witness to the world is not merely in word, but in our relentless pursuit of justice, compassion, and hope for our planet and its people.