The role of Christian ethics in environmental stewardship: An ecocritical analysis of Marc Connelly’s The Green Pastures
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Abstract
Marc Connelly’s The Green Pastures reimagines biblical narratives through a vibrant theatrical lens, portraying the natural world as sacred and divinely significant. While known for its cultural and religious reinterpretations, the play’s engagement with spiritual ecocriticism, particularly its framing of environmental stewardship through Christian ethics, remains largely overlooked. This study addresses that gap by applying spiritual ecocriticism to analyze how Connelly presents nature as an active participant in the moral narratives of creation and redemption. Grounded in the African-American religious context of the 1920s, the research combines close textual analysis with eco-theological insights to uncover how the play challenges exploitative views of the environment. It reveals that The Green Pastures, beyond retelling biblical lore, subtly advocates for respect, care, and sustainability in human-nature relationships. By intertwining Christian moral imperatives with ecological consciousness, Connelly’s work emerges as a compelling cultural artifact that speaks to modern environmental concerns and enriches contemporary ecological discourse.
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