Research Article
CHRISTIANS AS MORAL AGENTS FOR SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT IN NIGERIA
1 Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary, Ogbomso
Abstract
The paper examines Christians as moral agents for the sustainable environment in Nigeria. The environmental crisis is evident in Nigerian society, stemming from various human activities that tend to destroy the environment. Currently in Nigeria, several states are experiencing flooding for various reasons, such as building houses very close to rivers, which hinders the free flow of water, and the blockage of gutters due to the indiscriminate dumping of refuse. This human attitude destroys the beauty of creation and makes the environment unlivable for people. The paper is descriptive, and the author employs a qualitative research approach that combines literature review and biblical analysis. The paper argues that a sustainable environment is one in which natural systems function well and change in expected ways. The paper affirmed that Christians are moral agents who have obligations to care for the environment. The paper identified moral roles of Christians in the sustainable environment, which include Christian stewardship of creation, promotion of environmental justice, responsible use of natural resources, environmental education and awareness, promotion of sustainable lifestyles, advocacy for environmental policies, protection of future generations and spiritual and moral transformation. The paper concludes that the moral role of Christians in sustaining the environment is rooted in the biblical doctrine of creation and the Christian responsibility of stewardship.
Keywords: Christians, Moral Agents, Sustainable Environment, Nigeria.
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