Christianity and Environmental Care in Nigeria: The Role of Christians in Addressing Indiscriminate Refuse Disposal

Abstract

Scholars in the field of theology and biblical studies have extensively explored eco-theology from Genesis creation narratives especially 1:26 and 28. In spite of the good numbers of literature in this field of study, less is known in the area of contextual eco-theology that focuses on Christians and environmental care in Uvwie, Nigeria. Therefore, using the eco-theology approach in the interpretation of Genesis 2:15, this paper examines the importance of Christians’ involvement in environmental care by using Uvwie Local Government Area of Nigeria as a focus point. Drawing on the understandings of עָבַד (abad) and שָמַר (shamar) in Genesis 2:15 which are translated to mean ‘to serve’, to ‘tend’, ‘to dress’ or to ‘care’, it argues that עָבַד (abad) and שָמַר (shamar) are veritable Biblical and theological bases for Christian involvement in environmental care in contemporary society such as Uvwie. It shows that Genesis 2:15 implies environmental stewardship and environmental conservation and as such a theological basis for Christians in Uvwie-land to develop a positive attitude towards the community and its environment and desist from dumping refuse indiscriminately in the community. As such this paper contributes to the discourse on climate issues in Africa. Besides, humanities scholars will appreciate the essentiality of Christians’ contribution to a sustainable clean and green environment by becoming custodians of God’s creation.