Green Roots: Unearthing Forgotten Christian Adv...

Green Roots: Unearthing Forgotten Christian Advocates for Creation Care

For many, the connection between Christianity and environmentalism feels like a recent development. We often associate eco-theology with contemporary thinkers and movements. However, a closer look into church history reveals a surprising truth: throughout the centuries, individuals and groups, often overlooked, passionately championed the protection of the natural world, driven by deep theological convictions. This post explores the forgotten green roots of Christian thought, highlighting lesser-known figures who understood creation as sacred long before it became a mainstream concern. By examining their lives and actions, we can find inspiration and guidance for navigating the environmental challenges of our own time.

Before "Sustainability": Rediscovering Early Eco-Theologians

While the term "environmental stewardship" is modern, the concept is not. Throughout history, pockets of Christians understood their faith as demanding a responsible relationship with the earth. Their motivation stemmed from a profound reverence for God's creation, seeing it not merely as a resource to exploit but as a manifestation of God's glory and a sacred trust.

Hildegard of Bingen: A Medieval Mystic and Herbal Healer

Often remembered for her mystical visions and musical compositions, Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), a Benedictine abbess, also possessed a keen understanding of the interconnectedness of nature and its vital role in human well-being. Her writings, particularly Physica, a book on natural history, and Causae et Curae, a medical text, reveal a deep appreciation for the healing properties of plants and animals.

Hildegard saw the natural world as infused with viriditas – a life-force or greening power given by God. This viriditas was not just a physical quality but a spiritual one, linking all creation together and ultimately leading back to God. She understood that disrupting this balance, through pollution or over-extraction, would have detrimental consequences for both humans and the environment.

Beyond her writings, Hildegard actively practiced what she preached. She cultivated her own gardens, carefully tending to herbs and plants for medicinal purposes. Her understanding of natural remedies emphasized the importance of preserving the integrity of the land and respecting the delicate balance of ecosystems. In essence, Hildegard lived out an early form of ecological sustainability, advocating for a harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.

Francis of Assisi: A Radical Embrace of Creation

While Francis of Assisi (1181/82 – 1226) is widely known, the full extent of his environmental ethic is often glossed over. He wasn't just fond of birds; his view of creation was revolutionary. Francis saw all of creation – sun, moon, wind, water, animals – as his brothers and sisters, equally beloved by God. This understanding, stemming from his deep belief in the Incarnation – God becoming flesh – led him to a radical form of solidarity with the natural world.

His "Canticle of the Sun," a prayer of praise celebrating God through creation, exemplifies this perspective. He doesn't just appreciate nature; he addresses it as family, praising God for "Brother Sun" and "Sister Moon."

Francis's actions further demonstrated his commitment. Stories abound of him intervening to protect animals from harm, preaching to birds, and showing reverence for all living things. He encouraged his followers to live in harmony with nature, minimizing their impact on the environment and appreciating the inherent value of every creature. His Franciscan order emphasized simplicity and poverty, minimizing consumption and promoting a lifestyle of respect for the earth's resources. While not explicitly outlining environmental policies, Francis's life and teachings embodied a profound ethic of care and reverence for all of creation, challenging the anthropocentric worldview prevalent in his time.

The Waldensians: Environmental Resistance in the Alps

The Waldensians, a religious movement that originated in the 12th century, often suffered persecution for their beliefs. Often overlooked is their connection to the land and how their resistance to external forces also manifested in environmental practices. Living in the remote valleys of the Alps, they developed a strong connection to their environment.

Their simple lifestyle, rooted in the belief of living according to the teachings of the Bible, inherently promoted sustainability. They practiced agriculture in a way that respected the natural limits of their environment, understanding the importance of preserving the soil and water resources. Facing persecution, their reliance on the land fostered a sense of stewardship and resilience.

While direct records specifically addressing "environmentalism" are scarce, the Waldensians' history demonstrates an embodied ecological consciousness. Their struggle for survival and their dependence on the land intertwined with their faith, leading them to a way of life that valued harmony with nature, resisting destructive practices imposed by outside forces. Their story highlights how environmental stewardship can emerge organically from a commitment to simple living, resilience, and resistance against oppressive systems.

The Anabaptists: Pacifism and a Gentle Approach to the Land

Emerging during the Reformation, the Anabaptists, including groups like the Mennonites and Amish, held a distinctive theological understanding of creation. Grounded in their commitment to nonviolence and a simple lifestyle, they developed a unique approach to interacting with the natural world. Their pacifism extended beyond human interactions; they sought to live in peace with the land, avoiding destructive practices and prioritizing sustainability.

Anabaptist communities typically practiced agriculture with a deep respect for the soil. They employed methods of crop rotation, composting, and natural pest control to minimize their impact on the environment. Their emphasis on self-sufficiency and community led them to value local resources and reduce their reliance on external systems.

The Anabaptist understanding of discipleship included a call to care for the vulnerable, including the land. They saw themselves as stewards of God's creation, responsible for its well-being. While not always articulated as environmentalism in modern terms, their commitment to peace, simplicity, and community fostered a way of life that inherently promoted ecological harmony. Their enduring communities, practicing sustainable agriculture for centuries, stand as a testament to their deep connection to the land and their commitment to living in accordance with God's creation.

Lessons for Today

These examples, while diverse, offer crucial lessons for Christians grappling with environmental challenges today:

• Reverence for Creation: Viewing creation as more than just a resource, but as a manifestation of God's glory, is fundamental. This fosters a sense of responsibility and care.
• Interconnectedness: Recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things and the delicate balance of ecosystems encourages us to consider the consequences of our actions.
• Simplicity and Sustainability: Embracing a simpler lifestyle, reducing consumption, and prioritizing sustainable practices are essential for minimizing our impact on the environment.
• Community and Resilience: Working together within communities to address environmental challenges and build resilience is crucial for long-term sustainability.

Conclusion: Reclaiming Our Green Heritage

The history of Christian engagement with environmental stewardship is richer and more complex than often recognized. These lesser-known figures and movements demonstrate that a deep concern for creation is not a recent invention but an integral part of Christian tradition. By recovering and celebrating these forgotten voices, we can draw inspiration and guidance for addressing the environmental challenges of our time. Their lives remind us that caring for creation is not just a matter of policy or technology but a fundamental expression of our faith and a vital part of our discipleship. It is time we reclaimed our green heritage and embrace our role as stewards of God's magnificent creation.