Comparative Studies on the Concept of Environment in Buddhism and Christianity

Main Article Content

Boonee Poungpet

Abstract

Buddhism and Christianity are two major world religions with unique views on the concept of environment. In this paper, a comparative analysis of the two religions' views on the environment was undertaken. First, the Buddhist view from the Pāli canon was examined, which views the environment as an integral part of the interconnected web of life in which all living things are interrelated and interdependent. Buddhism emphasizes the importance of compassion, nonviolence, and ethical behavior toward all living beings, and encourages the practice of mindfulness and meditation to foster a deeper connection with the natural world. In contrast, Christianity views the environment in the Bible as a creation of God and emphasizes the role of humans as stewards of the earth. Christians believe that God created the world and gave humans the responsibility to care for it. This belief has led to the development of an environmental ethic and efforts to protect the environment in Christian communities. Despite these differences, both religions share some commonalities in their approach to the environment. Both Buddhism and Christianity recognize the interconnectedness of all living beings and emphasize the importance of responsible and ethical behavior toward the natural world. Both religions also emphasize the importance of individual responsibility and personal action in caring for the environment. In summary, while there are significant differences in the way Buddhism and Christianity approach the concept of the environment, there are also some similarities. By understanding the similarities and differences between the two religions, we can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of environmental protection and develop a more holistic approach to environmental issues.

Article Details

How to Cite
Poungpet, B. (2023). Comparative Studies on the Concept of Environment in Buddhism and Christianity . The Journal of International Buddhist Studies College (JIBSC), 9(2), 46–60. Retrieved from https://so03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/ibsc/article/view/272012
Section
Academic Articles

References

Alex, Rayson K., S. Susan Deborah, Reena Cheruvalath, and Gyan Prakash. Ecocultural Ethics: Critical Essays. Lexington Books, 2017.

Attfield, Robin. Environmental Ethics: A Very Short Introduction. Oxford University Press, 2018.

Balsys, Bodo. Ahimsā: Buddhism and the Vegetarian Ideal. Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers,

Baptist, Egerton C. Paticca Samuppāda: Or, the Buddhist Law of Dependent Origination. Buddhist Cultural Foundation, 1978.

Boylan, Michael. Environmental Ethics. John Wiley & Sons, 2013.

Chitkara, M. G. Buddhism and Environment. A.P.H. Publishing Corporation, 2000.

Conradie, E. M. Christianity and Ecological Theology: Resources for Further Research. AFRICAN SUN MeDIA, 2006.

Cooper, David E., and Simon P. James. Buddhism, Virtue and Environment. Taylor & Francis, 2017.

Daing (U.), Than. Doctrine of Paticcasamuppāda (The Law of Dependent Origination):

Exposition and Practical Application to Emancipate from the Round of Rebirths (Samsāra). Society of Propagation of Vipassana, 1967.

De Silva, Padmasiri. Environmental Philosophy and Ethics in Buddhism. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 1998.

Demieville, Paul, and Walpola Rahula. What the Buddha Taught. Motilal Banarsidass, 2017.

Fleury-Bahi, Ghozlane, Enric Pol, and Oscar Navarro. Handbook of Environmental Psychology and Quality of Life Research. Springer, 2016.

Gosling, David L. Religion and Ecology in India and Southeast Asia. Routledge, 2013.

Hampton, Alexander J. B., and Douglas Hedley. The Cambridge Companion to Christianity and the Environment. Cambridge University Press, 2022.

Jenkins, Willis J., Mary Evelyn Tucker, and John Grim. Routledge Handbook of Religion and Ecology. Routledge, 2016.

Kinsley, David R. Ecology and Religion: Ecological Spirituality in Cross-Cultural Perspective. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 1995. http://archive.org/details/ecologyreligione0000kins

Lagat, Daniel K. Christian Faith and Environmental Stewardship: Theological Foundations for Creation Care. Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2019.

Plantinga, Alvin. Knowledge and Christian Belief. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing, 2015.

Reynolds, Martin, Christine Blackmore, and Mark J. Smith. The Environmental Responsibility Reader. Zed Books Ltd., 2009.

Richter, Sandra L. Stewards of Eden: What Scripture Says About the Environment and Why It Matters. InterVarsity Press, 2020.

Schumann, Hans Wolfgang. The Historical Buddha: The Times, Life, and Teachings of the Founder of Buddhism. Motilal Banarsidass Publ., 2004.

Thien, Thich Duc, and Thich Nhat Tu. Buddhist Approach to Responsible Consumption and Sustainable Development. Vietnam Buddhist University Publications, 2019.

Vogt, Christopher P. Patience, Compassion, Hope, and the Christian Art of Dying Well. Rowman & Littlefield, 2004.

White, Robert S. Creation in Crisis: Christian Perspectives on Sustainability. SPCK, 2009.