The Mediating Roles of Political Ideology, Dominion Belief, and Stewardship Belief in the Relationship Between Christianity and Environmentalism: Evaluating Lynn White's Thesis in the Netherlands

Abstract

Previous studies provide mixed empirical support for White's thesis that Christianity has contributed to the ecological crisis. This study aims to add nuance to White's thesis by examining different aspects of Christianity within the secularized context of the Netherlands. It evaluates the relationships between spirituality, belief in God, church attendance, and environmental concern and conservation, investigating the mediating roles of political ideology, dominion belief, and stewardship belief. We found an indirect positive association between spirituality and environmental concern and conservation through six pathways involving political ideology, dominion belief, and stewardship belief as mediators. Insofar as Christianity motivates spirituality, this finding challenges White's thesis. Moreover, we found an indirect negative association between belief in God and environmental concern and conservation through three pathways involving increased right-wing political preference, which qualifies White's apolitical thesis. Finally, we found a direct negative association between church attendance and environmental conservation, which supports White's thesis.