The Challenge of Ecojustice Readings for Christian Theology

Abstract

This article expounds the principles of interpretation and praxis that have inspired the Earth Bible project. It first sets out a general hermeneutic of ecojustice, showing how it embodies and applies to the Earth the principles of suspicion and retrieval currently operative in biblical interpretation from a social justice and feminist standpoint. The paper then expounds the six principles of an ecojustice hermeneutic: the principles of intrinsic worth, interconnectedness, voice, resistance, purpose, and mutual custodianship. In each case the paper shows how interpretation from an ecojustice standpoint requires radical reassessment in the interpretation of familiar texts and poses challenges to theology.