Kościoły chrześcijańskie wobec kryzysu ekologicznego

Abstract

The Churches associated in the World Council of Churches have issued in the last decade a lot of documents on the subject of ecology. The paper describes briefly the problems which they contain. A particular analysis of the documents can be especially valuable for theologians and ecologists who work in Poland. The author states that the majority of documents are devoted to theological considerations. Especially crucial is an answer to the following question: what are all the creatures created by God. The documents talk about the subjective and intrinsic value of the whole creature. The man is seen as one of the creatures integrally linked with anything that exists. He is defined as the microcosm of the whole creature. He belongs to the world but at the same time transcends it in his spiritual dimension. His role towards creatures consists in stewarding and leading everything to God by means of his own manhood imbued with divinity. Today's reality brings forth many problems against which Christians have to take a particular stance. First of all against genetic engineering, abortion, distinction of the species of plants and animals, energy, especially nuclear energy. Official statements are not sufficient, though. The point is to create an ecological consciousness. The documents mention a lot of levels at which this kind of education should run: catechesis, pastoral care, days of the Christian culture, sermons and special courses for adults. The author binds the questions of ecology with ecumenism. Both domains have greater possibilities when they cooperate closely.