Master of Arts in Theology

Permanent URI for this collection

http://192.168.4.170:4000/handle/20.500.12342/293

Welcome to Master of Arts in Theology collection

Browse

Browsing Master of Arts in Theology by Author "Demissie, Haile Gazena"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Human Greed As One of the Root Causes Of the Ecological Crisis in Our Time and Some Possible Solutions Out Of This Problem
    (Tangaza University College/Duquesne University, 2012) Demissie, Haile Gazena
    The ecological crisis at this present time, more than ever, has at its root human selfishness and greedy urge for more with no regard whatsoever for the wellbeing and sanity of the entire ecosystem. It is against this background that I embark on a journey of understanding more the ecological crisis in our time as caused by greed and unethical exploitation of the environment. “Humans have manipulated nature ever since the first tool user. The gains for human well being have been substantial, especially in the last few centuries” particularly in the present century there is much to celebrate about human progress and development. “The emergence of human consciousness in the evolutionary process is a momentous event. The possibility of increased freedom from starvation, poverty, disease, and death is to be prized. The arts have flourished. Humans have probed nature and discovered many of its inner workings. Humans have been successful in the pursuit of their material interests and their control of nature, very successful indeed”. success comes with its own negative side effects. “What humans have done well for themselves has among other things reduced the habitat for animals and plants, changed climate, polluted air and water, and created a burden of toxic wastes for future generations”. 3 Up until recent times, “the great ecological systems of the earth were a problem for human beings. But now the reverse is true. In a short period of time the human species has emerged as the dominant species in almost all ecosystems. And this has led to the degradation of the ecological system and natural environment”. lies the real cause of the ecological crisis which is somewhat hidden in the heart of men and women of this planet: 4 2 But this Behind all this There can be no doubt that, the real causes of the present ecological crisis are human indifference, selfishness and greed. These are moral problems that require a moral solution. The complete embrace of the current economics of growth and consumerism contradict the Christian value of stewardship. This value demands that we acknowledge that all things are a gift from God and we be held accountable for what we do with the resources he has entrusted to us.