METANOIA AND HEALING: TOWARD A GREAT PLAINS LAND ETHIC

Authors: Friesen, Duane K.¹; Guhr, Bradley D.²

Source: Journal of Religious Ethics, Volume 37, Number 4, December 2009 , pp. 723-753(31)

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Abstract:

A Great Plains land ethic is shaped by an intimate knowledge of and appreciation for the evolution, ecology, and aesthetics of the plains landscape. The landscape evokes a sense of wonder and mystery suggested by the word “sacrament.” The biblical concept of “covenant” points to God as a community-forming power, a creative process that has evolved into the earth community to which we humans belong. In contrast to an anthropocentric ethic which emphasizes human dominion over nature, a Theo-centric land ethic seeks a balance, reflected in Genesis 1-3, between humans who are members of the earth community and moral agents accountable to God for the earth. A land ethic identifies concrete practices of metanoia and healing: agricultural practices to address the loss and degradation of soil; conservation and protection of water sources; utilization of wind and solar energy; and prescribed burning to restore processes vital to the prairie ecosystem. The concept of subsidiarity suggests that practices of metanoia and healing are a combination of wise public policy balanced by personal, family, church, business, and community responsibility.

Keywords: covenant; community; Great Plains; land ethic; metanoia; restorative justice; sacrament; subsidiarity; Theo-centric

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9795.2009.00409.x

Affiliations: 1: Box 31N. Newton, KS 67117316.283.7811, Email: dfriesen@bethelks.edu 2: Dyck Arboretum of the Plains177 W. HickoryHesston, KS 67062620.327.8127, Email: bradg@hesston.edu

Publication date: 2009-12-01