Thanksgiving in the Sabbath-Ecology Liturgy of Creation as an Effort to Care for Nature: A Form Criticism of Psalm 92:1-16

Abstract

The theme of the Sabbath is an important element in the Christian tradition, deeply connected to God's creation and sovereignty over nature. God created the world in perfect order and created humans as the Imago Dei (Image of God). However, this understanding of humans as the crown of creation often leads to the exploitation and destruction of nature. This article highlights how expressions of thanksgiving in the liturgy can increase ecological awareness and responsibility for caring for nature, contributing to restoring the relationship between humans, nature, and God. Through exploring the text of Psalm 92:1-16 with a hermeneutical approach of form criticism, this research aims to present a Sabbath-ecology liturgy for the church to restore harmonious relations between humans, nature, and God for the world's sustainability. Through presenting a Sabbath-ecology liturgy, this research contributes to a model of worship that is responsive to environmental issues and enriches theological discussions about human responsibility for creation.

Keywords

Form criticism ecology liturgy Sabbath Psalm 92:1-16

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