GRASPING FOR GOD IN THE MATERIAL: A MEDITATION ON LUTHER’S THEOLOGY OF CREATION AND ACCOUNT OF SIN AS CRITICAL RESPONSE TO THE ECOLOGICAL CRISIS

Abstract

This essay explores the potential contribution of Martin Luther to the current thinking around the ecological crisis. In particular, I argue that Luther's understanding of sin should be brought into consideration in order to understand why humanity struggles to change its various courses of action vis-a-vis the ecological crisis. The essay examines numerous ecologically conscious critics of the Western theological tradition and identifies merits and shortcomings in their thinking, and I bring Luther forward to address such shortcomings. I finally turn to elements of Luther’s creation theology in order to open up potential paths forward for thinking through the ecological crisis.