Schuenemann UW-L Journal of Undergraduate Research IX (2006) Ecological Aspects of Religion: Christianity and Daoism

This paper explores the ethical underpinnings found in Christianity and Daoism which can be applied to an ecological attitude. The purpose of this project is to shed some light on the contributing or undermining relationship that religious beliefs have toward environmental ethics. As shown in the paper, this relationship is diverse, and at times ambiguous due to the diversity of positions taken by these religions towards the environment. One can conclude that within Christianity, there are attitudes of hostility and apathy for the well-being of the environment, as well as a compassionate concern for it. Daoism also contains diverse ways of understanding, and thus relating to the environment. However, these positions predominately advocate a strong sense of respect and intimate connection to the environment—leaving little room for apathy or hostility. Each of these religions contain unique ecological perspectives, however there are overlapping ecological themes between the two religions