THE WEB OF LIFE: THE STORY OF CREATION

Abstrak

The worsening environmental crisis has become one of the most
pressing global issues that all nations and peoples of the world
must give attention to. Scientists have earlier warned us that if this
trend of ecological degradation continues, it might not take long
when the planet earth will not be able to sustain life anymore. This
paper argues that the root cause of the current global ecological
crisis is mainly theological and ethical. It goes back to the issue of
how the biblical account of creation should be interpreted and
understood in the light of the present ecological crisis. It suggests a
contextual reading of the Bible particularly the Genesis creation
account that takes seriously the current environmental problem
that besets mankind. Specifically, it proposes a reinterpretation of
the divine mandate to "replenish," "multiply," and "subdue" the
earth which are very often used to support the human abuse and
manipulation of the environment. This paper also seeks to show
that religion and science can substantiate and support each other's
claims and can work together for the preservation and
enhancement of nature and environment.