A Message of Hope from Paul For Our Christian Journey (Rom 8:18-30) The Impact of Paul's Message on Our Christian Attitude Towards Nature
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Date
2002
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Tangaza University College
Abstract
One of the hot issues in our time that draws the attention of world leaders is
the ecological crisis. It is an urgent problem that needs the attention of everyone
because the place where we live in common is threatened. If we ignore it we might
leave an uncertain future for the coming generation. The widespread extent of the
ecological crisis is caused by the barbaric attitude which leads human beings to
exploit nature and land resources for their own self-interests. The degradation of
land resources and disfigurement of nature at large continue to tell us of the greed
and selfishness of human beings and their attitude of being lords over God's
creation.
This long essay is the result of my own personal motivation to know more
about environmental problems, their causes and their consequences. I am aware of
the continuing threat to the global village where we live. Paul's message (Rom 8:18-
30) gives me much inspiration and I have come to realize that lam part of the 'large
body;' nature, as Michael Dowd describes it in his book Earthspirit. Nature is in
great pain and is in a critical situation. As future ministers of the Church we are
called to be 'healers and agents' of the Good News to the peoples whom we are going to meet which also extends to the entire cosmos. The same desire motivates
me to reflect on Paul's message (Rom 8:18-30) in this long essay.
In the first chapter I present the historical background of Paul's use of Jewish
teaching and thought to develop his on theology. It is important to know that Paul
was very much in the framework of his culture and knew the needs of the people of
his own time.
In the second chapter, I portray Paul's message of hope (Rom 8:19-30) and
show the paradox of Christian life. In Christ and through Christ the whole cosmos is
redeemed and yet still waits for future fulfilment. In Christ the whole cosmos holds
together and moves to its perfection. Our duty is to involve ourselves in solidarity
with the suffering cosmos in order to transform it. It is only in the Christ event that
we can grasp fully the meaning of suffering in our present situation and transform it
into hope and salvation.
In the third chapter I raise the special issue of the ecological crisis in
Mozambique as one of the most severe cases among the countries around the world.
The birth pangs of creation that Paul portrays in Romans (8:23) are still relevant in
our situation today. The natural disasters and the long civil war that affected
Mozambique have left the country economically unstable and lacking in the
necessary human resources to develop that country. The Church, as a sign of hope
and the presence of God's love, has an important role of proclaiming the Good News
to all creatures and inspiring every person of good will to become involved in saving
the whole cosmos from its destruction.
In the last chapter I point out some of the important elements of how Paul's
message inspires our Christian life and our mission. The Church is challenged by many aspects of the modern world. One particular challenge is that most of the
environmental issues and problems of exploitation are related to political issues.
Many times the Church has to face the risk of following the example of Christ's
suffering and death. Without losing hope it continues to be a strong pillar through its
moral teachings by defending human life and resolving ecological problems. The
Church, without ceasing, calls Christians and all people of good will to renew their
commitment to be stewards and companions of God's creation. Paul's message
opens a new horizon on our Christian journey: we are united with the whole of
creation on a journey together towards our redemption. It encourages us to look at
nature in a different way. Paul reminds us that nature is not primarily a property to
be possessed, but a gift from God to be received with admiration and gratitude.
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Keywords
Message of Hope, Christian Attitude