Orthodox Ecotheology and Liturgical Anthropocentrism Human beings as Priests of Creation
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The article provides a panoramic and concise overview of Orthodox ecotheology, drawing primarily from its development in English language texts. This approach takes advantage of the fact that the main authors, despite having different native languages, write in english. In addition to presenting the most prominent and distinctive elements of the Orthodox tradition in relation to Western Christianity—particularly Catholicism—the text also seeks to establish connections between both traditions, highlighting points of convergence and friction. Among the key distinctive characteristics that structure Orthodox
ecotheology—such as the leadership of the hierarchy, the vision of Creation, the role of the human being, sacramentality and the centrality of liturgy, and an emphasis on asceticism and the formation of an ethos—the originality of “liturgical anthropocentrism” stands out as a crucial aspect. Indeed, while acknowledging the significance of the human being among creatures, the Orthodox tradition subordinates this importance to humanity’s relationship with God, and, through Him, with the rest of creation. The article concludes by identifying the main strengths of Orthodox ecotheology that could serve mutual enrichment between both traditions. It also explores what Catholic ecotheology, in its current state, could contribute to Orthodox ecotheology.
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