The Ethic We Need: Community Matrix

Reversing the Rain of Death That Threatens Us All

“…They are all interrelated from the outset, at the core of beginning itself" and remain a part of the "dynamic and inclusive" integrity that defines our planet. 62 This way of understanding Earth can also take on theological dimensions. Jay McDaniel describes Earth as an "integral creation," an approach which affirms the inherent "value of all creatures in themselves, for one another, [and] for God" as the creator and designer of Earth.63 This ascribes to the "land, Journal of Reformed Theology 17 (2023) 125-148 waters, air, forests, mountains, and all creatures" a "certain intrinsic dignity" that transcends mere instrumental importance.64 Though indisputable that the "water we drink, the air we breathe, and the silicon chips we rely on" sustain human life, the "integral creation" cannot be understood to be "the material furniture of a human region" and little else.65 This is because every natural thing on the planet "is good in the sight of God" and possesses an "inner cohesion and goodness" that originates from divine-not human-power.…”

“…Jay McDaniel describes Earth as an "integral creation," an approach which affirms the inherent "value of all creatures in themselves, for one another, [and] for God" as the creator and designer of Earth.63 This ascribes to the "land, Journal of Reformed Theology 17 (2023) 125-148 waters, air, forests, mountains, and all creatures" a "certain intrinsic dignity" that transcends mere instrumental importance.64 Though indisputable that the "water we drink, the air we breathe, and the silicon chips we rely on" sustain human life, the "integral creation" cannot be understood to be "the material furniture of a human region" and little else.65 This is because every natural thing on the planet "is good in the sight of God" and possesses an "inner cohesion and goodness" that originates from divine-not human-power. 66 The integrity of creation was enshrined "prior to our concern [and] prior to our participation" and it still bears "traces of the divine" in "independently good expressions … of God's creative activity." 67 Moreover, because "the interconnectedness [of all nature] in a diverse whole has unique value for God," it is clear that the "natural transactions throughout the biosphere and geosphere … [that] comprise the specific exchanges and cycles from which all nature lives" are of importance to God and also have "an integrity that must not be violated" by humans.68 Even small changes to things like the "composition of finely tuned greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere" can impact the other dynamics of the Earth community in disastrous ways.…”

“…66 The integrity of creation was enshrined "prior to our concern [and] prior to our participation" and it still bears "traces of the divine" in "independently good expressions … of God's creative activity." 67 Moreover, because "the interconnectedness [of all nature] in a diverse whole has unique value for God," it is clear that the "natural transactions throughout the biosphere and geosphere … [that] comprise the specific exchanges and cycles from which all nature lives" are of importance to God and also have "an integrity that must not be violated" by humans.68 Even small changes to things like the "composition of finely tuned greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere" can impact the other dynamics of the Earth community in disastrous ways. 69 From climate change alone, we have already seen "warmer temperatures, changed growing seasons, different patterns of rainfall and snowfall, rising seas, altered ocean currents, dying coral reefs, and interrupted food chains," among other things.…”

“…As Larry L. Rasmussen aptly summarizes, "these exchanges and cycles in their totality" are integrated-that is, they have integrity together. 70 In two ways, then, McDaniel is correct in suggesting that "to forget the integrity of creation is to forget that the Earth itself is a splendid whole. "71 Harming nature anywhere harms all of creation-and violates its integrity in doing so.…”