A Theological-Ethical Approach to Integral Ecology for True Justice, Positive Peace and Sustainable Development

Abstract

This article assesses how a theological-ethical approach to integral ecology can bring about genuine justice, positive peace, and sustainable development. It is guided by the research question: “How can a theological-ethical approach to integral ecology promote true justice, positive peace, and sustainable development?” A theological-ethical analysis research methodology has led us to a deeper understanding of integral ecology. It analyses the current threatening ecological reality and how applying a strict theological-ethical approach to integral ecology could bring about the realization of God’s purpose for creation. The research finds that integral ecology is inevitable, essential, relevant, and central for genuine justice, positive peace, and sustainable development. The causes of ecological crisis include poverty, environmental exploitation and human exploitation, corruption, marginalization, poor leadership, deforestation, and global inequalities. An analysis of these threats leads to the conclusion that a renewed theological-ethical approach to the ecological crisis is the solution for significantly reducing the environmental crisis and promoting true justice, positive peace, and sustainable development.