Man Vs. Nature

Today I read “The Historical Roots of our Ecological Crisis” by Lynn White. It explained in detail how intentionally and unintentionally human behavior affects the wildlife all around us. All throughout life humans have been altering the natural world in favor of our own lifestyle and frequently forget the impact we’re having on the environment and animal life. From as far as we can go back the more science and technology grew the more we began to exploit nature instead of act as a part of it. The evidence is apparent: No other creature has truly soiled the earth like humans.

In Christianity it was man that had named the creatures of Earth and therefore assumed dominance over them. So it is thought humans are made in God’s image so the rest of the natural world is ours to do with. White believes that we will not ease ourselves out of this ecological mess no matter how many scientific and technological advances we make unless we get a new religion or begin to reform our old one.

Out of all human shames came Saint Francis of Assisi who firmly believed in the humility of mankind. It was said that he spoke with animals and repented for the error of his ways. His vision of God was unique because it was an alternative form of Christianity in which he tried substituting man as equal with the rest of the creatures rather than man ruling over all. Though he failed in trying to justify man’s relation to creatures it does bring to light that the root of the problem is partially because of religion and so we must remedy it with the same religion.

Saint Francis’s vision of Christianity has enlightened a new perspective and I believe many Christians in today’s society are beginning to realize exactly how valuable nature is to us. We as humans have such a tremendous influence over nature that we often believe we are superior. However, even though we have a natural advantage over the surrounding environment we do owe our respects to nature.