Sacrifice and ecology: the trajectory of sacrifice as a soteriological paradigm in biblical history and its relevance for the ecological predicament of modernity
This paper traces the trajectory of sacrifice as a soteriological paradigm in biblical history and extrapolates its thrust to the modern problem of ecological deterioration. The original rationale of sacrifice is to give of one's substance to the deity in recognition of one's total indebte...
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| Format: | Print Article |
| Language: | English |
| Check availability: | HBZ Gateway |
| Journals Online & Print: | Drawer...
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| Fernleihe: | Fernleihe für die Fachinformationsdienste |
| Published: |
Old and New Testament, University of Stellenbosch
1999
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| In: |
Scriptura <Stellenbosch>
Year: 1999, Volume: 71, Issue: 4, Pages: 279-301 |
| Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains: | B
Sacrifice (Religion)
/ Bible
/ Environmental ethics (motif)
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| IxTheo Classification: | HA Bible NBK Soteriology NCG Environmental ethics; Creation ethics |
| Summary: | This paper traces the trajectory of sacrifice as a soteriological paradigm in biblical history and extrapolates its thrust to the modern problem of ecological deterioration. The original rationale of sacrifice is to give of one's substance to the deity in recognition of one's total indebtedness to the constellation of forces which determines one's life. The first born was a substitute for self, the animal for the first born, and its blood for the animal. In time this deeply religious motive was transformed into a mechanical routine to serve the economic and political interests of a ruling elite. At the same time representative suffering became a powerful motif. In the New Testament the paradigm is inverted: not humans offer sacrifices to God, but God sacrifices himself in Christ to humans. The paper argues that the ecological problem is caused by the loss of a sense for the necessity of sacrifice for life in modernity. Nature and society are expected to sacrifice for individual gratification without the right to demand sacrifices in return. While God, the source of the reality which sustains us, is willing to sacrifice so that we can live, he invites us to participate in his sacrifice to make the life of nature and society possible. |
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| ISSN: | 0254-1807 |
| Contains: | In: Scriptura |