The Ecological Crisis in Africa and the Christian Response
Date
2001-02
Authors
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Publisher
Tangaza University College
Abstract
This paper deals with the Ecological Crisis in Africa and the Christian Response.
My interest in this topic was awakened by the course Christian Anthropology' by Rev.
Fr. Nicholas Fogliacco, IMC at Tangaza College, Nairobi. Further reflection on this
topic brought me as far as Ghana in West Africa where Rev. Fr. Rob Clobus, SMA, an
expert on this topic, resides and works. A 'trek' of two months from the very South to
the Upper North of Ghana, during which seminars, workshops and lectures were given
on the ecological crisis, forms, together with the wealth of documentation on ecology in
the ECO-office at Cape Coast, Ghana, the film foundation of this paper.
After explaining the seriousness of the ecological crisis in Africa, a description of
the relationship of the African Ancestors with nature follows. In order to understand
current Western Christian environmental ideas in the African society, a historical
overview of the relationship of the Western Christians with their environment is given
in Chapter Three. A way out of the ecological crisis in Africa is then described by
means of the concept 'Eco-centric Thinking and Acting', as part of an ecospirituality.
The final chapter deals with this 'Eco-centric Thinking and Acting', its consequences for
our Christian lifestyle and how it is already adopted by some Africans.
With this paper I hope to raise awareness about the seriousness of the present
ecological crisis in Africa. Moreover, I hope it will lead to a change of lifestyle of the
reader and a realization that he or she has a task in reconnecting people to the earth, to
themselves and the religious community. After all, it is only the human being who is
capable of leading all created beings to God for a personal encounter with Him.
Description
Keywords
Ecology, Crisis in Africa, African Ancestors, God and Creation