Amos ecology 1

Abstract

The environmental crises of our world have propelled ecological theology to the forefront of biblical studies today. Ecohermeneutics is a rich, growing field of research that offers fertile ground for reading Scripture with a view to its ecological values. In concert with the trend, this article explores the ecotheology of the book of Amos. It finds that the environmental perspective of Amos revolves around three concerns: an ecology of goodness; an ecology of pain; and an ecology of goodness made new. The book assumes an ecology of goodness that is rooted in God’s creation of a cosmos that is trustworthy, generous, and interconnected. The book also reflects an ecology of pain that arises from the abuse of the land and its peasants by the wealthy elite of Israel. In response to their atrocities, the book predicts the coming of another ecology of pain: one brought by God, in which the resources of the earth will be removed from the land through the decimation of natural disasters and invading enemies. Finally, the book of Amos envisions that God’s discipline of the earth will eventually be replaced by an ecology of goodness made new, in which the people of God will one day be replanted in their land to enjoy political stability, peace, and astounding agricultural bounty.