Religious Teachings & the Duty to Protect the Planet (OCR GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Notes

9.2.1 Religious Teachings & the Duty to Protect the Planet

Most religions emphasise the importance of caring for the environment and recognise the potential for humans to either use or abuse natural resources.

Use of Natural Resources:

1. Christianity:

• Sustainable Stewardship: Christianity teaches that the Earth's resources are a gift from God, meant to be used wisely and sustainably. The concept of stewardship, derived from Genesis, emphasises that humans are caretakers of God's creation, with a duty to use resources responsibly. This is not just about managing resources, but about ensuring that the Earth remains fruitful and sustainable for future generations.
• Ethical Consumption: Christians are encouraged to avoid greed and overconsumption, reflecting biblical teachings that warn against exploiting the Earth for selfish gain (e.g., Proverbs 21:20).
• Creation as Sacred: In Christianity, the natural world is viewed as a reflexion of God's glory and creativity. The Bible teaches that "the Earth is the Lord's, and everything in it" (Psalm 24:1), emphasising that the Earth belongs to God, and humans are merely caretakers.

2. Islam:

• Trusteeship and Balance: In Islam, humans are seen as stewards (khalifahs) of the Earth, responsible for maintaining the balance (mizan) created by Allah. The Qur'an emphasises that natural resources should be used in moderation and not wasted (Qur'an 6:141).
• Halal Use: Resources should be used in a way that is halal (permissible) and does not cause harm to others or the environment, reflecting the broader ethical teachings of Islam.
• Balance and Harmony: The concept of mizan (balance) is central to Islamic teachings on the environment. The Qur'an states that Allah has created everything in perfect balance, and it is the duty of humans to maintain this balance by using resources responsibly and not causing harm (Qur'an 55:7-9).
• Accountability on the Day of Judgement: Muslims believe that they will be held accountable by Allah for their actions, including how they treat the environment. This belief in accountability reinforces the importance of avoiding environmental harm and striving to protect the natural world.

3. Judaism:

• Bal Tashchit (Do Not Destroy): This principle prohibits the needless destruction of resources, encouraging Jews to use natural resources wisely and avoid wastefulness (Deuteronomy 20:19-20).
• Tikkun Olam (Repairing the World): Jewish teachings stress the importance of repairing and sustaining the world, which includes the careful and thoughtful use of natural resources.

4. Hinduism:

• Respect for Nature: Hinduism teaches that nature is sacred and should be respected. The concept of dharma (duty) includes using natural resources in a way that maintains harmony with the environment.
• Ahimsa (Non-Violence): The principle of ahimsa extends to nature, encouraging Hindus to minimise harm to the environment and use resources in a way that preserves the Earth's balance.

5. Buddhism:

• Mindful Consumption: Buddhism encourages mindful living, which includes being aware of how one's actions affect the environment. Buddhists are taught to use resources sparingly and to avoid waste, reflecting the principle of right livelihood from the Noble Eightfold Path.
• Interconnectedness: The understanding that all life is interconnected promotes the ethical use of resources, as harming the environment is seen as ultimately harming oneself and others.

Abuse of the Environment:

Pollution:

1. Christianity:

• Moral Wrong: Pollution is seen as a violation of the stewardship role given to humans by God. It is considered a sin to harm the environment through pollution, as it damages God's creation and harms other people and creatures.
• Environmental Advocacy: Many Christian organisations advocate for reducing pollution and protecting the environment, inspired by teachings on the sanctity of creation.

2. Islam:

• Harm and Accountability: Islam teaches that causing harm to the environment through pollution is a violation of the trust placed in humans by Allah. The Qur'an condemns corruption on Earth, including environmental harm (Qur'an 30:41).
• Water and Air as Sacred: Clean water and air are seen as essential to life and must be protected from pollution. Muslims are encouraged to avoid polluting these vital resources and to work towards purifying them.

3. Judaism:

• Ethical Responsibility: Jewish teachings emphasise the ethical responsibility to prevent pollution, as it violates the command to protect and sustain the Earth. Pollution is seen as a form of damage (nezek) that must be avoided.
• Community Action: Jewish communities are encouraged to take collective action to reduce pollution and to promote environmental health as part of their duty to repair the world (tikkun olam).

4. Hinduism:

• Disharmony with Nature: Pollution is seen as a violation of the natural harmony (rita) that Hindus are called to maintain. It disrupts the balance of the natural world and is contrary to the principles of dharma and ahimsa.
• Sacred Elements: Rivers, such as the Ganges, are considered sacred in Hinduism, and pollution of these natural elements is seen as a serious spiritual and moral offence.

5. Buddhism:

• Karma and Pollution: Pollution is considered a negative action that generates bad karma, affecting both the individual and the collective environment. Buddhists are taught to avoid polluting and to engage in practices that purify and sustain the environment.
• Compassion for All Beings: Pollution harms all living beings, and Buddhism emphasises the need to act with compassion, reducing pollution to protect life in all its forms.

Conclusion:

• Practical Implications: These teachings encourage believers to engage in sustainable practices, reduce their environmental footprint, and advocate for policies that protect the environment.