"God's Green Earth

"God's Green Earth?" Exploring 19th-Century American Protestantism and Environmental Attitudes

The 19th century was a period of immense transformation in America. Westward expansion, industrialization, and urbanization reshaped the landscape, often at the expense of the natural world. Simultaneously, American Protestantism experienced its own evolution, marked by revivals, social reforms, and theological debates. But how did these two forces – rapid societal change and a vibrant religious landscape – intersect to shape attitudes toward the environment? Did 19th-century American Protestants see nature as a sacred gift, a resource to be exploited, or something in between? This blog post delves into the complexities of this relationship, moving beyond simplistic narratives of "good" or "bad" environmental stewardship.

A Landscape Transformed: The Context of 19th-Century America

Understanding the historical context is crucial. The early 19th century witnessed the Louisiana Purchase, fueling westward expansion and the exploitation of vast natural resources. The Industrial Revolution, fueled by coal and water power, spurred unprecedented economic growth but also led to deforestation, pollution, and habitat destruction. In addition, the dominant narrative of "Manifest Destiny" encouraged Americans to see the continent as divinely ordained for their use and development. This spirit of progress often overshadowed concerns about environmental impact.

Theological Currents: Dominion, Stewardship, and the Sublime

Within this rapidly changing landscape, American Protestantism offered a variety of theological perspectives on nature. The concept of "dominion," derived from Genesis 1:28 (“Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the air and over the cattle and over all the wild animals of the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth”), was often interpreted as granting humanity the right to use and control nature for its own benefit. This view, while not inherently destructive, could easily be used to justify environmental exploitation.

However, another theological concept, that of "stewardship," presented a more nuanced perspective. Stewardship emphasized humanity's responsibility to care for God's creation, viewing humans as caretakers rather than owners. This perspective, though present, often struggled to compete with the allure of economic progress and the prevailing emphasis on dominion.

Furthermore, the Romantic movement, with its emphasis on the sublime beauty of nature, influenced some Protestants to appreciate the aesthetic and spiritual value of the wilderness. Figures like Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, though not strictly theologians, promoted a transcendentalist vision that resonated with certain segments of the Protestant population. They saw nature as a source of divine revelation and spiritual renewal.

Examples of Faith-Based Environmental Action (and Inaction)

While the dominant narrative might suggest indifference or even outright exploitation, examples of faith-based environmental awareness did emerge in 19th-century America.

• The Temperance Movement and Resource Conservation: Although primarily focused on abstaining from alcohol, the temperance movement indirectly promoted resource conservation. They saw alcohol production as wasteful of grain and other natural resources, aligning with a broader ethic of responsible resource management.
• The Rise of the National Park Movement: Although not exclusively driven by religious motivations, the movement to establish national parks like Yellowstone was often supported by individuals with strong religious convictions who believed in preserving the beauty of God's creation for future generations. Prominent figures like George Bird Grinnell, founder of the Audubon Society, advocated for conservation and saw it as a moral imperative.
• Agricultural Reform and Soil Stewardship: Some Protestant farmers and agricultural reformers advocated for sustainable farming practices, arguing that neglecting the soil was a sin against God and future generations. They promoted crop rotation, soil conservation techniques, and other methods to ensure the long-term health of the land.

However, it's crucial to acknowledge the instances where theological beliefs were used to justify environmental degradation.

• Justification of Westward Expansion: The idea of Manifest Destiny, often framed in religious terms, fueled the displacement of Native American populations and the exploitation of natural resources in the West. The narrative of bringing civilization and Christianity to the "uncivilized" justified the destruction of indigenous cultures and ecosystems.
• Unbridled Industrialization: Some Protestant industrialists saw their economic success as a sign of God's favor, justifying their pursuit of profit even at the expense of the environment. The belief that God had given humans dominion over nature led to the unchecked exploitation of natural resources to fuel industrial growth.

Primary Source Insight

Consider this quote from Horace Bushnell, a prominent 19th-century Congregational theologian: "Every tree is a thought of God, every bird a melody of his singing, every star a letter of his alphabet." This reflects a strain of Protestant thought that viewed nature as a manifestation of God's creative power, deserving of reverence and respect. This highlights the complexity within the landscape of American Protestantism and the differing perspectives on the environment.

The Long-Term Consequences and Lessons for Today

The environmental attitudes of 19th-century American Protestants had profound and lasting consequences. The widespread exploitation of natural resources contributed to deforestation, soil erosion, pollution, and the loss of biodiversity. While some efforts were made to promote conservation, they often fell short of addressing the systemic problems driven by economic expansion and the prevailing worldview of dominion.

What lessons can we learn from this historical analysis?

1. Theological Interpretations Matter: How we interpret scripture and theological concepts shapes our relationship with the environment. A narrow understanding of dominion can lead to exploitation, while a broader understanding of stewardship promotes responsible care.
2. Environmental Ethics Must Compete with Economic Interests: The pursuit of economic growth often overshadows environmental concerns. Faith communities must actively advocate for policies and practices that prioritize sustainability and justice.
3. Individual Action is Necessary but Insufficient: While individual acts of conservation are important, systemic change requires collective action and advocacy for just and sustainable policies.
4. Acknowledging the Past is Essential: Understanding the historical roots of our environmental problems is crucial for developing effective solutions. We must acknowledge the role that religious beliefs and practices have played in shaping our relationship with the natural world.

Conclusion

The relationship between 19th-century American Protestantism and the environment was complex and multifaceted. While the concept of dominion often justified environmental exploitation, other theological perspectives, such as stewardship and the appreciation of nature's sublime beauty, fostered a sense of responsibility and care. The examples of faith-based conservation efforts, though often overshadowed by the dominant narrative of economic progress, demonstrate the potential for religious communities to play a positive role in protecting the environment. By understanding the historical context and the diverse theological perspectives involved, we can learn valuable lessons for addressing the environmental challenges we face today. The challenge now lies in rediscovering and revitalizing those elements of faith that promote stewardship, sustainability, and a deep respect for God's creation.