Human/ity

The relationship between non-human animals, the shared-world (Mitwelt), and human animals is characterized by mutual interdependence. However, since around the 19^th century, technical-industrial development has led to the extensive human exploitation of other animals and our shared-world. In the face of humanity’s destructive violence, Christian theology is called upon to reflect upon what kind of treatment of other animals and the shared-world is truly Christian. While this question most directly affects other animals and the shared-world, it also indirectly affects future human beings who will suffer severely from climate change and species extinction.

All monotheistic religions are convinced that the world was created by a deity. For the Christian religion, the two creation narratives at the beginning of the bible (cf. art. Scripture) are of particular relevance. Christianity derives from these narratives an understanding of the origin, meaning, and purpose of all living things. However, conflicts of interpretation regarding the role and responsibility of humans in the overall context of creation are always present. It is interesting to note that the authors of the biblical texts were already aware that the world as they experienced it was marked by a deficit of justice.

• Anthropology