“A Christian Science View on Climate Justice”
Paulson, Shirley. “A Christian Science View on Climate Justice.” Ecumenical Trends 46, no. 7 (Jul/Aug 2017): 1–4.
A love of birds, family involvement with a nature preserve, and Christian Science theology give Paulson hope that humans and earth can become a mutual blessing. Writing in the context of ecumenical concerns, Paulson sees it as vital that science and religion work together to bring about climate justice; and she sees the moral and theological perspective of Christian Science as a valuable contribution, with its “understanding of science in the context of salvation” (2). Just as responsible ecology requires a holistic approach—dealing with threats to life’s physical, moral and spiritual dimensions, so Christian Science theology, founded on “the totality [and very goodness] of God’s creation” (Genesis chapter one), sees opportunities in the present here and now for healing of humanity’s physical and moral impasses (2, 3). And just as science often informs us of things differently than we might perceive them, so Christian Science theology informs us of a beloved creation of a wholly good God, “the single fountain of living water” (9), even though our physical perception senses otherwise. A repentant heart, God’s grace (the love of Christ) and God’s “point of view… turn us from our sins, fear, and ignorance, indeed, everything that contributes to injustice” (9). “We are able to love, because we have been loved” (13).
View this resource on Academia.edu (you must create an account, but it’s free).
ISSN: 0360-9073