Beyond Anthropocentrism: A Catholic Theology of Creation, Stewardship, and Integral Ecology

Abstract

The contemporary ecological crisis presents not only scientific, economic, and political challenges but also a profound theological question concerning humanity’s understanding of creation, its place within the cosmos, and its responsibility before God. This study develops a renewed Catholic theology of creation capable of responding credibly to this crisis. Drawing on Scripture, doctrinal tradition, and systematic theology, it argues that ecological degradation stems not from authentic Christian teaching but from its distortion through reductive anthropocentrism and technocratic paradigms. A canonical reading of Scripture presents creation as relational, covenantal, and morally significant, grounded in divine intentionality and oriented toward communion. Catholic doctrine—especially creatio ex nihilo, Christological Logos theology, and Trinitarian relational ontology—provides a coherent metaphysical and ethical framework for ecological responsibility. Human uniqueness, expressed in the imago Dei, is reinterpreted as vocational and relational rather than proprietary or exploitative. Engagement with African theological perspectives, particularly ubuntu, further enriches this vision by emphasizing relationality, communal responsibility, and interdependence within creation. The study also considers the pastoral implications of this theology, showing that care for creation is an intrinsic dimension of Christian discipleship rather than an optional ethical concern. Integrating Scripture, doctrine, anthropology, and praxis, it presents creation as gift, task, and promise, oriented toward fulfillment in Christ. It concludes that a renewed Catholic theology of creation offers not only a critique of ecological destruction but also a hopeful and theologically grounded vision for responsible engagement with the world.