Religion and ecology : climate change between Christian and Shona religious beliefs and practices

Abstract

The biggest single threat to ecology and bio-diversity on planet earth is the human induced climate change. Global climate disruption due to the build-up of carbon dioxide and other gases in the atmosphere is rising. This study therefore assesses some attitudes for coping with climate change as it has been necessitated by the realisation that climate has been changing drastically in the past decades onwards. Agriculture as the main source of livelihood in Zimbabwe and the whole of Africa has been greatly affected by the climatic changes of geological proportions since coping mechanisms are very poor. Much of Zimbabwe’s agricultural production is rain fed and the erratic manner in which rain has been falling is cause for concern among many people. Disease outbreaks are on the rise since the world is experiencing severe temperature rises. Droughts and floods are also on the rise. If the world is to take necessary actions to address the causes, impacts of climate change and related issues in an effective and definitive way, religious considerations must be taken into account. The pivotal role of religion in issues of climate change and environmental conservation hinges solely on religious functions in society, ethical teachings and religion’s ability to inspire its adherents to take environmentally friendly attitudes towards nature. Religion’s capacity to compel people to action, providing an understanding of the intrinsic value of nature and encouraging positive responsibility towards all creation is explored in this study since religion has the potential to provide solutions to the climate change crisis. Amongst the findings of this study is that there is a paradoxical relationship between religion and nature where religions play pivotal roles in encouraging, sustaining and engendering lasting and constructive solutions towards the environment.