"IMAGO DEI" and the Problem Of Dominion

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.