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Humans and ecosystems in the priestly creation account : an ecological reading of Genesis 1:1-2:4A

This study attempts to offer an ecological interpretation of Genesis 1: 1-2:4a in view of
the question as to what extent this passage bears footprints of anthropocentrism, on the
one hand, and/or ecological wisdom, on the other hand. Extant ecological readings of
this text tend to either recover its ecofriendliness, or they criticise the text on the basis
of its dominion and subdual language in Genesis 1:26-28 which seems to go against
the grain of ecological sensibilities.
In resonance with revisionist readings, this study shows that the only way to mollify
the dominion language of Genesis I :26-28 is to read this section as part of the whole
Priestly creation account. Elements of the exilic context and many literary features of
Genesis I: l-2:4a present humans as a member of a world of interdependences. Hence,
accusing Genesis I: l-2:4a of lying at the root of modern indifference towards nature,
is not the whole story. / Old Testament & Ancient Near Eastern Studies / M. A. (Biblical Studies)

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:umkn-dsp01.int.unisa.ac.za:10500/9906
Date10 1900
CreatorsKavusa, Kivatsi Jonathan
ContributorsVan Heerden, Schalk Willem
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeDissertation
Format1 online resource (xvii, 238 leaves)
RightsUniversity of South Africa

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