Drawing on the Collective Wisdom of the Past to Develop a Transformative, Scripture-Infused Eco-Theology for Land Use in Africa

Abstract

How can eco-theology impact people, communities, countries, and continents? Two things are necessary. First,  a  thorough engagement with the beliefs, attitudes, and  actions, both past and present, that make up a community’s  interactions with each other and with their environment. Secondly, an examination of these beliefs, attitudes,  and  actions in the light of Scripture. All aspects of land  use should be considered as related and interconnected, whether  farming, herding, fishing, hunting, tree cutting, tree  planting, or mining. Engaging with traditional and current  beliefs  and practices in the local language in the light of Scripture helps churches and communities to consider local  environmental degradation, celebrate local wisdom, and  release community members to move forward with hope as  they seek to make positive changes in every aspect of land use  in their communities and beyond. This article laments  the widespread environmental degradation in Africa but  celebrates indigenous wisdom about the environment. It  draws hope that the spiritual connections to nature  and Scripture in the local language can inform a  Scripture-infused  eco-theology which will enable  communities to flourish. Inspired by experiences of the  Faith and Farming program in  Nigeria and beyond, it  concludes with eight practical steps that communities  can take to help them move forward with  hope.