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Thesis . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Thesis . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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Does our mission mandate also concern ecology

Authors: Lam, Polly P.L.;

Does our mission mandate also concern ecology

Abstract

This written assignment, submitted for the course MC1000 ("Introduction to Missiology") at an unspecified seminary (likely in Hong Kong, based on context), explores the intersection of Christian mission and ecology. Authored by Polly Lam Po Lei, the paper addresses three key questions: (A) Whether the Christian mission mandate includes ecological concerns, arguing affirmatively based on biblical stewardship (Genesis 1:28, 1:31) and reconciliation with God (Mark 12:30), viewing environmental degradation as conflict with God's "very good" creation; (B) The role of the church and Christians as responsible stewards, not owners, tasked with maintaining ecological balance amid human-induced crises like climate disasters; and (C) Needed changes in faith communities, such as shifting from anthropocentric exploitation to justice-oriented practices that prioritize vulnerable populations and future generations. Drawing on theological sources (e.g., Anne Burghardt's Creation - Not for Sale, 2015) and environmental data (e.g., 50% of habitable land converted for agriculture, overfishing in oceans, 2.3 trillion tons of CO2 emissions), the paper highlights human sinfulness in distorting God's mandate, exemplified by local events like Hong Kong's 2023 "once-in-500-year" flood. It advocates for integrating ecology into mission through repentance, sustainable actions, and loving God via care for creation, extending the Great Commandment to include environmental justice. The document emphasizes that true mission involves restoring creation's innate beauty and interconnectedness, promoting harmony over destruction. This work is relevant for missiology, environmental theology, and Christian ethics, offering insights for addressing global climate challenges from a faith perspective.

Keywords

missiology, creation care, climate change, biblical stewardship, Hong Kong flood, christian mission, ecology, environmental justice, sustainability

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
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