Christianity and Shona religion and ecology : an ethical-practical perspective

Abstract

The biggest single threat to ecology and biodiversity is human-induced climate change. This study assesses ethics and attitudes in an African context for coping with climate change. This assessment takes place within an ethical-practical framework functioning within the mutuality model of interreligious dialogue. Christianity and Shona religion are brought into dialogue with one another to create a conversation on how to deal with ecology. As the main source of livelihood in Zimbabwe and the whole of Africa, agriculture has been affected by climatic changes. Disease outbreaks, floods, and droughts are on the rise since the world is experiencing severe temperature rise. In addressing the ecological crisis religious considerations must be taken into account. The pivotal role of religion in issues of climate change and environmental conservation hinges on religious ethics and religion’s ability to inspire its adherents to have environmentally friendly attitudes. Christianity and Shona religion can collaborate on addressing ecological problems since they have shared sets of ethics.