The Ecological Christology of Joseph Sittler

Date of Award

2019

Degree Name

M.A. in Theological Studies

Department

Department of Religious Studies

Advisor/Chair

Advisor: Brad Kallenberg

Abstract

This thesis attempts to highlight the theology of Joseph Sittler as a resource for Christians seeking to engage our current ecological crisis theologically. More specifically my aim is to articulate Sittler's diagnosis of the theological problems which contribute to the ecological crisis faced during his life. I attempt to clarify Sittler's own diagnosis by comparing it with that of Lynn White's influential article "The Historical Roots of our Ecological Crisis" in order to demonstrate the ways Sittler, in some ways, anticipates and goes beyond White. Then, I will examine Sittler's constructive theological attempt to address these problems through his Christological argument that if all things were created in and through, and Christ sustains and holds all things together, then the through the incarnation of God in Christ all things are saved. According to Sittler, Christ as the fullness of all creation saves all things through his incarnation. The imitation of Christ, then, should lead to care for the natural world.

Keywords

Biblical Studies, Bible, Ecology, Environmental Philosophy, Regional Studies, Religion, Religious History, Sustainability, Theology, Ecology, Lynn White Jr, Christology, Joseph Sittler, Theology and Ecology

Rights Statement

Copyright © 2019, author

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