Abundant Community Theology: EES Report.pdf

The report draws on the input and contribution of countless theologians, thinkers, writers, and practitioners from many countries around the world. The authors extend their thanks to the many Tearfund staff, partners, church allies, consultants, and consultation participants who contributed to this research process.

The report begins by highlighting the topics that appeared most frequently in the regional reports, particularly those where some divergence of opinion was evident. It commences with a discussion of environmental theology, including dominion theology, creation care, and anthropocentric, biocentric, or theocentric perspectives. The report also explores economic theology, including a typology of economic theology, capitalism, poverty reduction, and a theology of grace.

The report proposes a solution in the form of abundant communities, where a relational emphasis replaces the individualistic, selfish, and greedy mindset that is impoverishing communities and destroying the planet. This solution is grounded in a relational anthropology, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of all people and the natural world. The report argues that abundant communities are necessary to address the root causes of poverty and environmental degradation.

The report highlights the importance of creation care, which includes reasons such as the intrinsic value of creation, the responsibility to care for creation, and the need to recognize the interconnectedness of all living beings. The report also emphasizes the need for a theology of scarcity, which recognizes the limitations of resources and the need for sustainable living.

The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of addressing the practical concerns of poverty and environmental degradation, while also recognizing the need to address the root causes of these challenges. The report proposes a solution in the form of abundant communities, which are necessary to create a more just and sustainable world.

Key concepts in the report include:

Environmental theology: The report explores the relationship between Christianity and the environment, including dominion theology, creation care, and anthropocentric, biocentric, or theocentric perspectives.
Economic theology: The report examines the relationship between Christianity and economics, including a typology of economic theology, capitalism, poverty reduction, and a theology of grace.
Abundant communities: The report proposes a solution in the form of abundant communities, where a relational emphasis replaces the individualistic, selfish, and greedy mindset that is impoverishing communities and destroying the planet.
Relational anthropology: The report emphasizes the interconnectedness of all people and the natural world, and argues that this perspective is necessary to create a more just and sustainable world.
* Creation care: The report highlights the importance of creation care, which includes reasons such as the intrinsic value of creation, the responsibility to care for creation, and the need to recognize the interconnectedness of all living beings.