Tilling and Toiling: The Environmental History...

Tilling and Toiling: The Environmental History of the Church

For centuries, the towering spires of cathedrals and the quiet serenity of monastic gardens have testified to the pervasive influence of Christianity on the landscape. Yet, the church’s relationship with the environment is far more complex than idyllic imagery suggests. From the fertile fields cultivated by Benedictine monks to the heated debates surrounding contemporary climate change, Christians have grappled with their role in creation, oscillating between responsible stewardship and, at times, unsustainable exploitation. This blog post delves into the environmental history of the church, exploring how Christian theological frameworks have shaped attitudes and practices towards the natural world.

Early Seeds: Creation and the Christian Worldview

The foundational narrative of Genesis lays the groundwork for understanding early Christian views on nature. God creates the world, declares it "good," and entrusts humanity with dominion over it. However, the interpretation of "dominion" has been a source of ongoing debate. Was it an invitation to reckless subjugation, or a call to responsible caretaking?

Early Christians often emphasized the latter. Figures like St. Francis of Assisi, though living much later, embodied a deep reverence for all creation, viewing animals and plants as fellow creatures worthy of respect. While not representative of all Christians, his life and teachings demonstrate an alternative reading of Genesis, one emphasizing harmony and interconnectedness. Consider his famous "Canticle of the Sun," where he praises God for "Brother Sun" and "Sister Moon." This kind of perspective, while not always dominant, provides a counter-narrative to the idea of unbridled exploitation.

Another important factor was the eschatological belief in the imminent return of Christ. With a focus on the afterlife, some early Christians arguably showed less concern for long-term environmental consequences, viewing the earthly realm as temporary and ultimately destined for destruction. However, this doesn’t negate the presence of more sustainable practices within their communities.

Different Branches, Different Approaches:

The diversity within Christianity has resulted in varied approaches to environmental issues. The Catholic Church, historically a major landowner, has a long and complex history of agricultural practices. Medieval monasteries, particularly those following the Benedictine Rule, were models of self-sufficiency, integrating agriculture, animal husbandry, and craftsmanship. The motto “ora et labora” (pray and work) emphasized the dignity of labor, including working the land, fostering a connection to nature that often resulted in responsible stewardship. The Catholic Church has also produced figures such as Pope John Paul II and Pope Francis who have spoken out on the need to protect the environment.

The Eastern Orthodox tradition, with its emphasis on the sacramental nature of creation, often fostered a deeper spiritual connection to the natural world. Orthodox theology views the cosmos as permeated with divine energy, inviting believers to participate in its transfiguration. This perspective often translated into a more restrained approach to resource use and a greater appreciation for the inherent value of nature.

Protestantism, with its emphasis on individual responsibility and biblical interpretation, produced a range of views on environmental issues. The Protestant work ethic, while contributing to economic growth, sometimes fueled a more utilitarian approach to nature, viewing it as a resource to be exploited for human benefit. However, Protestant reformers like John Calvin also stressed the importance of caring for the vulnerable, which could be extended to include care for the environment.

Examples of Stewardship and Exploitation:

The historical record offers compelling examples of both responsible stewardship and unsustainable exploitation by Christian individuals and institutions.

• Stewardship: Medieval monastic communities often practiced sustainable agriculture, rotating crops, using natural fertilizers, and managing forests responsibly. The Cistercian order, in particular, was renowned for its agricultural expertise, contributing to the economic development of the regions where they settled.* **Exploitation:** The colonization of the Americas, often justified by religious motives, led to widespread deforestation, resource extraction, and the displacement of indigenous populations, demonstrating a disregard for the inherent value of both nature and native cultures. Similarly, the industrial revolution, fueled in part by Protestant values of hard work and technological innovation, resulted in significant environmental degradation, as coal-fired factories polluted the air and waterways.