What is the primary difference between 'dominion' and 'stewardship' in a religious context?

Dominion refers to the authority and power humans have been given over the earth, while stewardship is the moral responsibility to care for and protect that creation. In religious ethics, dominion must always be exercised through the lens of stewardship to avoid the abuse of nature.

How do renewable resources differ from non-renewable resources regarding environmental impact?

Renewable resources, like wind or solar, can be replenished naturally and generally have a lower carbon footprint. Non-renewable resources, like fossil fuels, are finite and their extraction and combustion release greenhouse gases that drive global warming.

What is the distinction between the Christian view of stewardship and the Islamic concept of Khalifah?

While both emphasize caretaking, stewardship often focuses on the idea of being a 'tenant' on God's land, whereas Khalifah specifically denotes being a 'viceregent' or trustee who must maintain the 'Mizan' (balance) of Allah's creation.

What is a common misconception regarding the religious view of 'dominion'?

A common error is assuming that dominion gives humans the right to do whatever they want with the environment. Most religious traditions clarify that dominion is a 'limited' power that carries a heavy burden of responsibility and future accountability to God.

Why is it incorrect to say that only air pollution causes global warming?

While air pollution (specifically greenhouse gases) is the main driver, global warming is also exacerbated by land-based issues like deforestation. The loss of trees reduces the planet's ability to absorb carbon dioxide, creating a feedback loop that increases temperatures.

What mistake do students often make when discussing religious responses to pollution?

Students often focus only on the 'belief' (e.g., 'God made the world') and forget to mention the 'action' (e.g., 'therefore religious people might recycle'). High-quality answers must link the theological principle to a specific, practical environmental behavior.

Define 'Deforestation' and its impact on the atmosphere.

Deforestation is the large-scale clearing of forests for human use. It impacts the atmosphere by removing trees that act as carbon sinks, leading to higher concentrations of $CO_2$ and contributing to the greenhouse effect.

What does the term 'Ummah' mean in the context of Islamic environmentalism?

Ummah refers to the global community of Muslims. In environmental terms, it implies a collective responsibility where every member of the community must work together to protect the earth for the benefit of all current and future members.

What is 'Acid Rain' and what causes it?

Acid rain is precipitation that has been made acidic by air pollution, specifically chemicals from factory and car emissions mixing with water vapor. It can destroy plant life, contaminate water sources, and erode stone structures.

Why do many religious people believe they will be judged for their environmental impact?

Because the world is viewed as a gift or a trust from God, failing to care for it is seen as a sin or a breach of contract. The 'Day of Judgment' in both Christianity and Islam includes an accounting of how one treated all of God's creation, not just other humans.

Library Podcasts

Courses

Referral & Rewards

9.2.2 Environmental Issues & Religious Teachings

Summary

This topic explores the intersection of modern environmental crises—such as climate change, habitat destruction, and pollution—with the ethical frameworks provided by Christianity and Islam. It emphasizes the religious duty of stewardship, the concept of accountability to a Creator, and the practical application of faith through sustainable living and conservation.

1. Fossil Fuels and the Climate Crisis

Non-renewable resources, such as coal, oil, and gas, are finite materials that take millions of years to form and cannot be replaced once consumed. The current rate of human consumption exceeds the earth's natural replenishment, leading to resource depletion.
The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which trap heat and lead to a dramatic rise in global temperatures, a process known as global warming. This shift in the climate results in extreme weather patterns, including severe droughts and floods.
Environmental repair involves transitioning to renewable energy sources and adopting cleaner transport technologies, such as electric vehicles, to reduce the overall carbon footprint of human activity.

Diagram showing the release of greenhouse gases from industrial activity trapping heat in the atmosphere.

2. Habitat Destruction and Biodiversity

A habitat is a specific natural environment where an organism lives and thrives; its destruction through pollution or land development leads to the displacement or extinction of species. When habitats are cleared for agriculture or industry, the delicate balance of the local ecosystem is permanently altered.
Deforestation is the large-scale removal of forests, often to provide grazing land for livestock or space for crops like palm oil. This process removes vital 'carbon sinks' that naturally absorb $CO_2$ from the air, further accelerating the greenhouse effect.
Religious and ethical responses to habitat loss often involve lifestyle changes, such as reducing meat consumption to lower the demand for grazing land or supporting sustainable forestry initiatives.

3. The Three Dimensions of Pollution

4. Christian Perspectives: Stewardship and Accountability

5. Islamic Perspectives: Khalifah and the Ummah

6. Exam Strategy & Key Distinctions