2023, Vol., No.55

The Korean Journal of Chiristian Social Ethics 2023 KCI Impact Factor : 0.58

pISSN : 1229-8387 / eISSN : 2713-749X
https://journal.kci.go.kr/csethics

Over the past few years, COVID-19 has triggered a rethinking of our relation- ship with humans, animals, and nature. In addition to the fact that epidemics like this can spread at any time, the destruction of ecosystems and climate crisis require reflection on anthropocentric values and a new introspection on the relationship between humans, animals, and the environment. In the unprecedented challenges of not only COVID-19 but also the climate emergency, there is a need to redefine ecological theology based on the newly revealed reflection and critical mind of COVID-19. From a theological perspective, there is a need to re- examine the responsibility for the stewardship of Genesis, which is “subdual and dominion” in the tradition of Christian faith. We must open a new Christian ethical paradigm with awareness of the serious harm that anthropocentrism can bring. This study looked at Christian ecological ethics in the post-COVID-19 era, focusing on the concept of Imago-Dei (God’s image) and One Health in Genesis.

The ecological perspective is fundamentally critical of anthropocentrism. It is a refusal to view other beings in the living world as objects of human control or resources for human ends. Instead, it emphasizes the idea that all beings of an ecosystem are necessary and equally valuable. Humans are one of many animals, not more important or relatively superior. There are various species of animals, and the relationship between all species is not a hierarchy but a horizontal one. Even empirically, animals are companions to humans in our society. They should not be treated as a means to satisfy human needs but as equal objects of love, such as family members, friends, and companions. Considering this reality, Christian theology should reflect on animals’ ontological value or relational meaning and provide a rationale for justification. A typical example of such theological work is Andrew Linzey’s animal theology. Linzey emphasizes that animals are the result of the same God who created humans. So they should be treated as creatures equal to humans and partners who should build a living community of harmony and coexistence with humans. This paper aims to contribute to deepening the discourse of animal theology and ethics. To this end, I would like to state Linzey’s animal theology and ethics and develop a critical dialogue with three theologians. Jürgen Moltmann, Richard J. Mouw, and Max L. Stackhouse are involved in the conversation with Linzey. I would like to conclude this paper by making some suggestions that can contribute to the maturation of the discourse of animal theology and ethics.

The work of God as Creator is not a bygone event trapped in the past, but the eternal presence of God which continues in the present and to the future. The work of the Creator is not limited to the generation of creatures, but encompasses maintaining his relationships with creatures. The God who created heaven can not be limited to the existence in heaven. God creates the diverse realms of creation into the productive relationship of interdependence. The realm of creation refers to the relationship between humans and plants, and between humans and animals. As the order of creation, heaven represents the invisible realm and earth the visible realm, providing a space to grow and prosper with humans responsible for preserving the created order. The important point in creation is not natural revelation, but the activity of God that happens and is experienced beyond the natural recognition of God. A human being created in God’s image must take care of and protect the community of creation to maintain the order of symbiosis. Man exists in a community of solidarity with other creatures, but he is distinguished from the creatures because he is a being who possesses the image of God. In this sense, the human being is entrusted with the responsibility to care for and protect the creature community.