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Ecotheology is a field of study that investigates the intersection of theology (the study of religious beliefs and practices) and ecology (the study of the relationships between living organisms and their environment). It seeks to address ecological concerns from spiritual perspectives, examining the moral and ethical dimensions of human interaction with the natural world, including the contribution of Indigenous worldview orientations. It offers a useful framework for understanding our moral responsibility to care for the Earth, recognising that environmental degradation affects not just ecosystems but also human communities.
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse” (Romans 1:20).
Ecotheology may be leveraged for holistic development practice. Engaging spirituality and sustainability jointly can create synergies for holistic and enduring development practice. As such, ecotheology may inform sustainable development principles and practices enshrined in global frameworks such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The literature on sustainable development is vast. Its breadth and depth, and crossover with areas of spirituality, suggest a need to think and innovate about how development can be more equitable, more just, and more enduring. This research cluster contributes to building this field of interdisciplinary study.
Luetz, J.M., Leal Filho, W. & Dinis, M.A.P. (2024). University Forests and Carbon Sequestration: An Untapped Potential. Discover Sustainability, 5(362), 1–11. External link
Luetz, J.M. (2024). Can Indigenous Ecotheology Save the World? Affinities Between Traditional Worldviews and Environmental Sustainability. Climate and Development. External link
Rizzo, D. (2024). The Word Made Flesh and the Spirit’s Breath: Bridging Christology and Pneumatology in Animal Theology. Religions, 15(11):1355. External link
Rizzo, D. (2024). Animal Glossolalia: A Pneumatological Framework for Animal Theology. Pneuma: The Journal of the Society for Pentecostal Studies, 46(1), 60-79. External link
Luetz, J.M., Leal Filho, W., Cabral Ribeiro, P.C., Mazutti, J., … et al. (2024). Using Artificial Intelligence to Implement the UN Sustainable Development Goals at Higher Education Institutions. International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Ecology. External link
Potts, D.J. (2023). Eco-theology and Pentecostal Pastor’s Families: Could an Intentional Focus on Eco-theology Strengthen Pentecostal Pastor’s Families? Journal of Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity, 43(2), 151–169. External link
Healy, Timothy. The Role of Ecotheological Education and Ecotheological Practice in Australian Theological Higher Education (PhD)
Rizzo, Daniela. Theological Foundations for a Pneumatology of Animals (PhD)
Healy, T. (2022). Is caring for the environment Christian? Masterclass (29 June). Watch on YouTube
Scholarships are currently available for research in this cluster with a focus on Indigenous perspectives. To inquire, contact Johannes Luetz.
Luetz, J.M., Leal Filho, W., & Nunn, P.D. (Eds.). (2025; forthcoming). Handbook of Traditional Spirituality and Sustainability. World Sustainability Series. Springer Nature.
Expressions of interest to contribute to the book, initially consisting of a 200-word abstract with the title of the work, qualifications, and the full contact details of the author/s, should be sent to Johannes Luetz.
This research cluster contributes to the advancement of the following goals:
