Earth Matters – Part 4: Eco-Sin?

We often think of sin as “broken rules” but I think it’s more accurate to understand sin as “broken relationship”. Of course, the ultimate “break in relationship” was the one between humanity and God but that separation eventually resulted in broken relationship between us and our fellow human beings, and broken relationship has characterised the human condition ever since.

Consequently, all “sin” is in some way a violation of the demands of right relationship. That is why the antidote to a life of sin is a life of love – love for God and love for one’s neighbour – which lie at the heart of what Jesus both taught and modeled. A life lived in love toward God and others is a life lived in right relationship and one that will be free from regret. 

With that thought in mind, I’d like to suggest that there is another manifestation of “sin” (broken relationship) that is perhaps not as obvious as the two mentioned above but one that nevertheless has equally devastating consequences. That break is the one in the relationship between human beings and their home.

It is becoming ever more apparent to me that we have lost our sense of connection to the only context we have ever known – planet earth. It is our home and we have no other. It is imperative that we rediscover how to better “relate” to the world in which we live. If we don’t we will destroy it and ourselves with it.

It is sad to say but sin has turned humanity into a parasitic-like force wreaking self-serving destruction everywhere we go. We consume vast amounts of resource unnecessarily, selfishly exploit the vulnerability of the other sentient beings we share the planet with and show a blatant disregard for the high level of dependency we have on the planet itself.

This, I believe, is a far cry from the dream God had that humanity would serve as custodians and keepers of the earth, caring for it and only ever drawing from it in a wise, sustainable and manageable way.

As representatives of God and those who bear His image, we have failed significantly in our mandate to represent the Kingdom of God on earth and it is precisely for this reason that those who have aligned themselves with Jesus as the restorer of Kingdom life on earth should be at the leading edge of helping humanity reconnect with their context and better relate to the natural world in which we live.  

For more insight into this vital conversation continue on to Earth Matters – Part 5, or check out previous posts by searching “Earth Matters” in the homepage search bar.

Tim Healy is an Associate Lecturer in Theology and Ministry based in Perth Western Australia. He has a Masters Degree in Theology from the University of Wales with a focus on Christian Environmental Ethics and Eco-theology. 

This blog was originally posted on 24 March 2021 on www.timhealy.net.