Environmental degradation in Nigeria and the Christian theology of creation

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Periodical article

Title:	Environmental degradation in Nigeria and the Christian theology of creation
Author:	Ukpong, Justin
Year:	2004
Periodical:	African Journal of Biblical Studies
Volume:	20
Issue:	1
Pages:	77-91
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	Bible African theology environment
Abstract:	Concern about environmental degradation - industrial pollution - started in the West in the 1950s. Since the 1970s, the scope of environmental concern has widened to embrace also other forms of environmental degradation that are of serious concern to the Third World. There is therefore a need to properly conscientize people about the purpose and function of nature and the environment, and the proper human attitude towards them. Focusing on Nigeria, the author is concerned with desertification in the northern part of the country, and oil spillage and water pollution in the South. Using an African conceptual framework, he reads the biblical theology of creation in Genesis chapters 1 and 2 against the background of the Nigerian situation for the purpose of forming an appropriate attitude towards the environment. He argues that human beings must look beyond the visible aspect of creation to its sacred character. They must recognize that creation exists in a covenantal relationship with God and mankind, and must respect it. Notes, ref. [ASC Leiden abstract]