Religion as Ecological Resource in the Anthropocene: The Imago Dei in a Time of Mass Extinction

One of the most destructive developments in the Anthropocene (the current geological epoch) is the mass extinction of species. Given that it is largely human-caused, environmental humanities scholars argue that it matters profoundly how the place and role of humans vis-à-vis the earth’s biodiversity is construed. There is general agreement that anthropocentric views of humankind are harmful, whereas more inclusive attitudes towards nonhumans are preferable. Since religions are a major global determinant of people’s moral attitudes and behavior, they merit critical-constructive engagement if we want to address the challenges of the Anthropocene. This project concentrates on the Judeo-Christian religious tradition (2.4 billion adherents worldwide). Specifically, it investigates the contested but highly influential concept of imago Dei, that is, the idea that humans have been created in the image of God. This doctrine is generally understood as both harmful – when taken as a license to dominate and exploit – and wholesome – when interpreted as a call to responsibility and care. The central question for the project is: What is the potential of using the concept of imago Dei to address the issue of anthropogenic extinction and to stir ecological responsibility? In other words, how useful is the concept of imago Dei in current ethical discourse on human-caused extinction? To answer this question, the project draws on biblical scholarship and systematic theology as well as environmental humanities scholarship that uses ethnographic extinction stories to explore how human and nonhuman life is bioculturally interrelated and what that means for our moral outlook.