Chapter 2

Humans as caretakers of the earth; responsible for preserving and protecting the environment; linked to righteousness and ethical responsibility.

Ownership = control and rights over property; stewardship = caring responsibly without domination.

Ethical approach connecting environmental care with social justice; protects nature and ensures equitable human access to resources.

Ethical viewpoint that humans are the central or most important beings; nature valued primarily for human benefit.

Actions must balance benefits and harms; humans should avoid excessive exploitation of nature. An action is morally acceptable only if the good achieved is proportionate to the harm caused.

Hebrew Bible; three sections: Torah (Instruction), Nevi’im (Prophets), Ketuvim (Writings).

“Instruction/Teaching”; first 5 books; foundation of morality, ethics, covenant, and holiness.

Prophets; interpret covenant ethics, emphasize justice, social responsibility, and care for vulnerable people.

Writings; includes Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes; focuses on wisdom, justice, and right living.

A covenant is a sacred agreement or promise between God and His people that establishes a moral and spiritual relationship. It’s not just a contract — it’s a binding moral relationship based on faithfulness, obedience, and love.

God promises Abraham descendants, land, and blessing; includes unconditional promises and conditional obedience (circumcision as sign).

Covenant with Israel after liberation from Egypt; includes Decalogue (Ten Commandments) and Torah laws; central to Israel’s ethical life.

Ten Commandments; divided into First Table (obligations to God) and Second Table (obligations to neighbor).

Obligations to God: No other gods No idols Don’t misuse God’s name Keep Sabbath holy

Obligations to neighbor: Honor parents Don’t murder Don’t commit adultery Don’t steal Don’t bear false witness Don’t covet

Absolute commands with no exceptions; universally binding (e.g., Ten Commandments).

Case-based, conditional laws; follow “if…then…” structure; addresses specific situations.

Laws in Leviticus tying ethics to God’s holiness; includes moral, ritual, dietary, and sexual laws; emphasizes social justice and covenant loyalty. The Holiness Code is a collection of laws emphasizing that Israel must reflect God’s holiness in every part of life — moral, religious, and social.

Anthropocentrism prioritizes human benefit; stewardship prioritizes responsible care for all creation.

Ensures human actions do not cause disproportionate harm to nature or communities; balances benefits and harms.

Through covenant, stewardship, holiness, and prophetic calls; humans are accountable to God, neighbors, and creation.

Connects environmental care with social fairness and protection of the vulnerable; ethical duty goes beyond protecting nature alone.

Exposed DDT dangers in Silent Spring (1962); showed humans are interdependent with nature; actions have consequences.

1) Self-interest (clean air/food) 2) Future generations 3) Compassion for animals/ecosystems 4) Biodiversity/respecting nature’s balance