Earth Rights in Religious Education: An Eco-Missiological Mandate Toward a Catechetical Reform

Joenel Buencibello; Paulo Antonio Aton

doi:10.63130/hijcre.v2i2.206

Authors

Joenel Buencibello De La Salle University - The Academy, Manila, Philippines https://orcid.org/0009-0000-8285-4998
Paulo Antonio Aton De La Salle University-The Academy, Manila, Philippines

Keywords:

Earth rights, Ecology, Environmental Theology, Missiology, Religious Education, Rights of Nature

Abstract

This theological discourse addresses the problem of how religious education can respond to the ecological emergency and moral crises arising from humanity’s exploitative interpretation of the biblical command to “subdue the earth.” It examines how religious education can foster ecological awareness, moral responsibility, and solidarity with both creation and marginalized communities. Using the See–Judge/Discern–Act method, the study observes current ecological realities, interprets them in light of Christian teaching, and proposes practical educational and pastoral responses. The findings reveal that misinterpretations of Scripture have contributed to the rise of consumerism, throwaway culture, and anthropocentrism while a renewed theological and pedagogical approach can reframe ‘to subdue’ and ‘to have dominion’ as care for creation, that is the central meaning of Christian stewardship in the Genesis accounts. The study concludes that integrating ecological consciousness into religious education strengthens both spiritual formation and social transformation, positioning care for the breathing Earth as a vital expression of Christian discipleship and the promotion of the culture to life.

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Earth Rights in Religious Education: An Eco-Missiological Mandate Toward a Catechetical Reform

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