Some Eschatological Perspectives on the Loss of Biodiversity and Extinction

This article explores the loss of biodiversity and species extinction from the perspective of Christian eschatology and, more specifically, the hope for eternal life. A thought experiment on the coexistence of various hominid and hominin species is entertained in order to gain some clarity on the na...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Conradie, Ernst M. 1962- (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Brill 2023
In: Journal of reformed theology
Year: 2023, Volume: 17, Issue: 2, Pages: 200-215
IxTheo Classification:NBQ Eschatology
NCG Environmental ethics; Creation ethics
Further subjects:B Joseph Sittler
B Extinction
B Eternal Life
B Biodiversity
B cosmic redemption
B Eschatology
Online Access: Presumably Free Access
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Summary:This article explores the loss of biodiversity and species extinction from the perspective of Christian eschatology and, more specifically, the hope for eternal life. A thought experiment on the coexistence of various hominid and hominin species is entertained in order to gain some clarity on the nature of the problems posed by extinction. The question is then raised whether any of the traditional eschatological symbols of the reign of God, a final judgment, the resurrection of the dead, or eternal life can be retrieved to address the problems posed by extinction. It is argued that each of these symbols poses serious difficulties in this regard while there is an apparent contradiction embedded in the notion of eternal life. This is not resolved through notions of ‘objective immortality,’ as this by itself eternalizes the injustices of history. With Joseph Sittler, it is argued that only some notion of cosmic redemption can suffice, but how this is to be imagined remains elusive.
ISSN:1569-7312
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal of reformed theology
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1163/15697312-01702001