Original Research

Ecodomy in mission: The ecological crisis in the light of recent ecumenical statements

Cornelius J.P. Niemandt
Verbum et Ecclesia | Vol 36, No 3 | a1437 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.4102/ve.v36i3.1437 | © 2015 Cornelius J.P. Niemandt | This work is licensed under CC Attribution 4.0
Submitted: 22 February 2015 | Published: 30 September 2015

About the author(s)

Cornelius J.P. Niemandt, Department Science of Religion and Missiology, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Abstract

This research explored ecodomy in mission and gave a brief overview of the ecological dimension of mission. This was done in terms of the polarity between creation and end times, or a creation-centred and a redemption-centred approach. The two approaches were described by focusing on two themes found in the works of missiologist and ecumenical policy documents (The Accra Confession, The Cape Town Commitment, and Together towards life – Mission and evangelism in changing landscapes): the reorientation towards creation and the re-imagination of the eschaton. In terms of the reorientation towards creation, the research found that current developments in missiology reflect a major interest in the importance of ecological issues, offer a clear understanding that the Gospel is good news for all of creation, and demand justice towards the whole oikoumene. It affirmed that God’s mission is inherently creational and world-affirming. In terms of the re-imagination of the eschaton, the research found that the new life promised by the gospel is life in fullness, and includes the whole oikoumene. The reality that is already present in the reign of the risen Christ in his kingdom, structures and informs the life-giving mission of the church.

Keywords

Ecodomy; ecology; missiology; consumerism; Accra confession;

Metrics

Total abstract views: 4368
Total article views: 6423

 

Crossref Citations

1. Ecological Challenges and Injustice from a Missiological Perspective
Ji Young Jung
Transformation: An International Journal of Holistic Mission Studies  vol: 38  issue: 4  first page: 279  year: 2021  
doi: 10.1177/02653788211038976