Gen 1:1—2:3 And The Environment: An Exegetical And Theological Study

ABSTRACT

The increasingly diminishing rate of the world’s natural resources and the current ecological crisis facing the world has sparked a global debate about the causes of the menace. Since 1967, following Lynn White’s article “The Historical Roots of our Ecological Crisis,” the anthropocentric and dualistic reading of Genesis1:1—2:3 perpetuated by Western Christianity has been indicated as the main cause. White’s assertion has initiated a scholarly debate about the possibility of an Ecological Hermeneutics. Against this background, the research analysed the relationship existing between the first creation account and the environment. It, furthermore, explored how Genesis 1:1— 2:3 can be used to promote advocacy and environment care among youth groups of selected churches in Kwahu-Atibie. The Communicative approach proposed by Ossom-Batsa was employed as a theoretical framework. The West African scholar proposes a three-step method: Exegesis of reality, Exegesis of the text and the Engagement between reality and the text. The exegesis of reality was performed using the Intercultural Hermeneutics proposed by AnumBortey and Quaye, in order to assess how three selected youth groups, read Genesis 1:1—2:3. The narrative criticism proposed by Powell was employed to reach an informed understanding of the text. The engagement of the reality and the text reveals that although youth group members showed ecological sensitivity and a positive attitude concerning the care of the environment, their interpretation of the text was often literal, facilitated by the use of Ashanti Twi bible. As consequence, they did not see any relationship between their faith and active care and advocacy for the environment.