By Fr Nick de Groot SVD

“The Whanganui river in New Zealand is the first river in the world to be recognised as an indivisible and living being, after being granted personhood in 2017. It has been granted the same legal rights as a human being.”

No doubt this sounds very strange to us, but a couple of weeks ago I started reading a book by the late Fr. Denis Edwards called: “Ecology at the heart of faith” published in 2006. This book is freely available in PDF form here.

I highly recommend reading it and meditating on the various sections. I will give a general summary of it below.

Denis Edwards, a renowned Catholic theologian, has made significant contributions to the intersection of theology and ecology. His work has emphasised the importance of placing ecological concerns at the heart of faith, challenging traditional theological paradigms and encouraging a reevaluation of humanity's relationship with the natural world.  

Denis Edwards' journey into the realm of theology and ecology began with a simple realisation: the Earth and its ecosystems are not separate from theology but integral to it. He argues that the Christian faith, and indeed, all religious traditions, should embrace an ecological perspective that recognises the interconnectedness of all life forms and the environment. This shift in perspective is not just an intellectual exercise but a spiritual imperative. 

One of Edwards' central arguments is that an ecological theology invites a reevaluation of the doctrine of creation. Traditionally, creation has been understood as an act completed in the past, with humanity given dominion over the Earth. However, Edwards challenges this “human centred” view and suggests that creation is an ongoing process. He emphasises the notion of "creation as God's ongoing gift." This perspective recognises that God's creative activity continues in every moment, sustaining all life forms and ecosystems. Therefore, humans are not rulers of creation but participants in an unfolding divine story. 

Furthermore, Edwards advocates for the recognition of the Earth as a sacrament of God's presence. Sacraments, in the Christian tradition, are visible signs of God's grace. Edwards suggests that the Earth, with its beauty, diversity, and ecological systems, can serve as a tangible sign of God's ongoing presence and love. This perspective invites believers to encounter the divine not only in religious rituals but also in the natural world, fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment and a sense of responsibility towards its protection. 

 Integral to Edwards' theology is the concept of "ecological conversion." He argues that individuals and communities must undergo a transformative change in their relationship with the Earth. This conversion involves recognising the intrinsic value of all living beings and ecosystems, respecting their integrity, and living in harmony with them. He contends that this conversion is not only a moral imperative but also a spiritual journey that can lead to a profound sense of the interconnectedness of all of creation. 

Edwards also acknowledges the pressing ecological challenges facing the world today, such as climate change, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss. He asserts that addressing these issues is not merely a matter of science and policy but a moral and theological responsibility. In his view, we as faith communities, have a vital role to play in advocating for environmental justice, sustainable practices, and the protection of vulnerable communities and species. 

In conclusion, Denis Edwards' work has been instrumental in highlighting the importance of placing ecology at the heart of faith. His theological perspectives challenge traditional notions of creation, invite believers to recognise the Earth as a sacrament, and call for ecological conversion. Edwards' writings remind us that faith and ecological consciousness are not incompatible but deeply intertwined. In a world grappling with environmental crises, his teachings inspire us to seek a deeper spirituality rooted in ecological awareness. Each of us is called to reevaluate our relationship with the natural world, and to act as responsible participants in God’s ongoing act of creation.  Perhaps each of us could ask ourselves this question: “What is one concrete action I can take to move more fully into being a responsible participant in the act of creation?”

PHOTO: The Whanganui River in New Zealand has been recognised as an indivisible and living being, after being granted personhood in 2017. (Credit: Wikipedia)