Creation-Christology and Environmental Ethics in New Testament Epistolary Literature
Central Thesis
Biblical environmental ethics is grounded in Creation-Christology (Schöpfungschristologie) found within the cosmological dimensions of New Testament epistolary literature. This approach challenges traditional creation theology's reliance on Old Testament texts by demonstrating how kenosis and the Body of Christ metaphor establish an ethics of solidarity with creation.
Key Arguments
1. Cosmotheological Foundation
Romans 8:19-30: Creation's "eager longing" (ἀποκαραδοκία) connects cosmic and anthropological dimensions
Philippians 2:9-11 and 1 Corinthians 15: Christological universalization beyond Israel-nations distinction
Paul's creative adaptation of Adam typology for universal application.
2. Deutero-Pauline Development
Colossians 1:15-20: Cosmic Christ as creation principle and reconciler
Ephesians 1:10: Anakephalaiosis - "unite all things in him"
Hellenistic-Jewish synthesis in cosmological Christology
Church as embodiment of cosmic transformation.
3. Incarnational Ethics
Richard Bauckham's Framework:
Incarnation as God's "entanglement" with creation
"Creaturely interrelatedness" through divine participation
Christocentric ≠ anthropocentric universe.
Key Quote: "A christocentric universe is not an anthropocentric universe but a universe centered on the God who through incarnation participates in the interconnected life of all his creatures."
Central Concepts:
Schöpfungschristologie (Creation-Christology)
a. Christ as creature and creation principle
b. Kenosis as theological-ethical argument
c. New creation through overcoming death
Body of Christ Metaphor
a. Ecclesiological space for cosmic transformation
b. Solidarity ethics based on shared creatureliness
c. Anthropological purpose: new way of relating to creation
Cosmic Reconciliation
a. Colossians 1:20: "reconcile to himself all things"
b. Universal scope: "things in heaven and things on earth"
c. Cross as defining anthropological constant