"IMAGO DEI" and the Problem Of Dominion
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Date
2009
Authors
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Publisher
Tangaza College
Abstract
The future of mankind and of the planet Earth is in peril and despite warnings on
this, the environmental situation continues ever more to deteriorate. Humanity should,
therefore, be aware that it is suffering from a malaise caused by man's impaired
relationship with the environment and by deteriorating social bonds.
There is a great need to understand that it is necessary to overcome resignation
and fatalism and react by planning an alternative future which would be realizable and
desirable. In order for this to be, there is an urgent need to change our present orientation
regarding our dominion and exploitation of Mother Earth, (an orientation characterized
by man's relationships with nature and that of men among themselves) and must be
substituted by an attitude of sharing, respect and brotherhood among all creatures.
It is sad to note that the Judeo-Christian doctrine on the creation of the universe
has been accused of creating the numerous problems we have experienced, especially
regarding our understanding of the role of man as a care-taker of God's creation. Man is
undoubtedly a superior creature among God's creation. The same Judeo-Christian
doctrine emphasizes the idea of Man created in the image of God. "imago dei", a fact
which gives him the power of "dominion over other creatures.
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Keywords
Humanity, Religion, Image of God